The Oasis - Building Empathy Through Creative Writing

Students view and analyse the experiences of two separate characters from THE OASIS. In a creative writing exercise, students create diary entries from the perspective of Chris or Haley to explore how social and cultural contexts shape a person’s identity, and collaborate to construct a linear narrative that compares and contrasts the effect of place on identity on each individual.

Key ideas to explore:

• Particular social and cultural contexts shape an individual’s personal identity.
• Specific social and cultural values and attitudes influence individuals.
• Adults, specific events and circumstances can influence young people and whether they generate a sense of personal hope in their lives.