The basic ideas behind this unit were presented by Diana Amarilis Encarnacion of Woodrow Wilson High School in San Francisco at the 1994 CATE Conference. This unit is designed to be taught over a period of one to two weeks. This literature may unit stand alone or be part of a larger drama unit. Students will begin together as a class for discussion on historical information, then will break into groups for the rest of the unit. If available, show footage on the Vietnam War from Forrest Gump .
Students respond in writing to their first impressions life of as a Vietnam soldier.
Students break into groups of six to read the play aloud, with each student taking a role. Each group writes a response to the play when they finish reading. After reading and discussing the play, the teacher assigns both group and individual projects. A school or community member who served as a soldier in Vietnam makes an excellent classroom resource. Writing a Narrative Students write a narrative account of Johnny's experiences in Vietnam .