Let’s face it—talking to students about social realities can feel daunting. Many schools and educators shy away from these conversations, fearing they might be seen as “too political.” But the truth is, our lives are political, whether we like it or not. Bombs drop while students are learning. Young people live in makeshift homes, one attack away from being displaced again. Yet, we often act as if these realities don’t exist, focusing instead on standardized tests and curricula that ignore the world outside the classroom.
So, what can education do differently?
At the heart of our Literacy Amidst Violent Conflict (LAVC) program is the belief that education must acknowledge and address the realities students face. Literature—whether novels, poems, or short stories—offers a powerful way to engage with tough and troubling topics. But it’s not enough to just hand students a book. We need to create safe spaces where they feel comfortable exploring these issues. That’s why establishing ground rules for reading and discussion is so important.
How We’re Using Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree in the LAVC Program
In the LAVC program at COEC Model Schools in rural Kaduna, Nigeria, we’re reading Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, a novel that tackles themes of armed conflict, child marriage, sexual and physical violence, displacement and terrorism. Here’s how we’re approaching it:
Reading Activities
The reading activities are divided into four parts, matching the structure of the novel. Each section includes:
- Chapter-by-chapter summaries to help educators (and students who may have missed a chapter) follow the story.
- Discussion questions to deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking.
- Hands-on activities to make the learning experience interactive, participatory and engaging.
For example, in Part 1, which introduces the protagonist Ya Ta’s peaceful life before the conflict, we encourage students to do a read-aloud. The cheerful tone of this section makes it relatable, and students can take turns reading chapters aloud or volunteer to read specific passages. After each chapter, we guide students through discussions using the provided questions and activities. These activities are designed to build critical literacy and problem-solving skills, preparing students to take action against injustices in the post-reading phase.
Setting Ground Rules Together
Before diving into the novel, we work with students to establish ground rules for discussions. This helps create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Here are some examples of ground rules we’ve used:
- Listen respectfully: No interrupting or talking over others.
- Validate everyone’s experiences: No judging or making fun of what others share.
- Use “I” statements: Encourage students to express their thoughts with phrases like “I feel…” or “I think…”
- No right or wrong answers: Emphasize the importance of questioning beliefs and considering how they might affect others.
- Right to pass: If someone doesn’t feel comfortable sharing, they can choose not to participate.
- Be supportive: Encourage kindness and understanding among classmates.
- Ask for help: If students feel overwhelmed, they can reach out to a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult.
- Use respectful language: Keep the conversation appropriate and constructive.
- Take breaks if needed: It’s okay to step out of the classroom for a moment to regroup.
These ground rules help foster trust and ensure that everyone feels heard and respected.
Why Literature Matters
Books like Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree provide a window into experiences that may be far removed from our students’ lives—or are uncomfortably close to home. They encourage empathy and meaningful dialogue. By addressing tough topics through literature, we can help students make sense of the world around them and empower them to take action against injustice.
What Issues Are You Addressing in Your Community?
Every community faces its own unique challenges. What issues are you looking to address with your students? Are there books, poems, short stories, films, or artifacts that could help you explore these topics? Check out our pre-reading activity suggestions for ideas on how to introduce difficult subjects in a way that feels accessible and engaging. And don’t forget to consider how setting ground rules might help create a safe space for these important conversations.
Let’s work together to make education a tool for democratic dialogue and change. After all, the classroom is not just a place to learn—it’s a place to grow.
What books or resources have you used to teach tough topics? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!
