Every classroom has its own strengths and challenges, but The Secret Garden has problematic and complex material relating to race, class, death, and disability that could be sensitive and difficult to explore in a classroom setting. You may want to pick and choose the lesson material you feel your class will be most comfortable with. You may also want to make some time and space for guided discussions about the book’s themes and how to talk about them with sensitivity and compassion. Themes of race, class, death, and disability may be deeply personal for some students, and you may want to offer access to resources for additional support.
The thought questions in this lesson plan provide...