Common Lit - A Touch of Genius

A Touch of Genius Lesson by CommonLit

*This lesson was developed by CommonLit and links to an external source.

Summary:
Students read a biographical profile of Michael Naranjo, a Tewa sculptor who is blind, and explore how his artistic practice is rooted in memory, touch, and a lifelong connection to his community and culture. Through reading and discussion, students consider what it means to express yourself through art and how Naranjo's work connects to his identity as a Native American artist and Vietnam veteran.

Our suggestions when teaching this lesson:

When the lesson asks what makes this story remarkable, encourage students to think carefully about this framing. Michael Naranjo had access to resources, support, and recognition that many blind and low-vision people do not have. His story is worth celebrating, but it is not a universal story of what blind or low-vision people can or cannot do.

• Be careful not to suggest that people who had sight before becoming blind are better off than those who were blind from birth, or the reverse. Both experiences are valid and different.

• If students focus only on Naranjo's blindness as what makes him notable, redirect toward his specific artistic practice, his cultural roots, and the community his work serves and engages.

Subject and topic:

English Language Arts (ELA)

Grade level:

5th

Duration:

30 - 45 minutes

Links to download lessons:

CommonLit Lessons can be used as a downloadable resource with teacher and student copy PDFs along with a slide deck, or can be assigned through the website to have students complete digitally.

Registering/logging in is required to access these lesson plans: https://www.commonlit.org/

See the lesson plan on CommonLit: https://www.commonlit.org/texts/a-touch-of-genius