Lesson Plan: Half Broke Horses
Subject: English
Grade Level: 9
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze the themes and characters in "Half Broke Horses" by Jeannette Walls.
- Discuss the significance of the setting in relation to the characters’ development.
- Formulate opinions on the author's style and narrative voice.
Materials Needed
- Copies of "Half Broke Horses" (selected excerpts)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Notebook and pen/pencil for each student
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief overview of Jeannette Walls and her book "Half Broke Horses."
- Explain that this book is a memoir-like narrative centered around Walls' grandmother, Lily Casey Smith.
- Introduce the main themes of the book, including resilience, independence, and the struggle against societal norms.
Reading Activity (10 minutes)
- Distribute selected excerpts from "Half Broke Horses" that highlight character development and the setting.
- Have students read the excerpts silently.
- Encourage students to jot down notes on Lily's character and any significant details about her environment.
Group Discussion (10 minutes)
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
- Ask each group to discuss the following questions:
- What qualities make Lily Casey Smith a strong character?
- How does the setting of the American West influence Lily’s experiences?
- In what ways do the events in the story reflect the historical context of the time?
- After 5 minutes, bring the class back together and have each group share their insights.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Summarize the main points discussed in the groups.
- Encourage students to think about how the themes in "Half Broke Horses" relate to their own lives or current events.
- Assign a short writing prompt for homework: "In your opinion, what does 'Half Broke Horses' teach us about the value of resilience in challenging times?"
Assessment
Students will be assessed based on:
- Participation in group discussions.
- Contributions to class dialogue.
- Completion of the homework writing prompt.
Differentiation
- For students who may struggle with reading comprehension, provide additional context or summaries.
- Offer advanced students the opportunity to explore additional themes or character analysis in greater depth.
Resources
- Walls, Jeannette. "Half Broke Horses."
- Additional articles and analyses on the book as necessary.
This lesson plan aims to engage Grade 9 students with a dynamic exploration of Jeannette Walls' impactful narrative, fostering critical thinking and discussion skills that are essential for high school English education.