| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | Speculative fiction writing. How to plan. |
| What length (min) | 70 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 9 |
| Class size | 26 |
| What curriculum | Acara |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 15 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Speculative Fiction Writing: How to Plan
Year 9 (14-15 years old)
English
26 students
This lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) standards for English, focusing on developing students' ability to create and share imaginative texts as well as enhancing their understanding of narrative structures.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (mins) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Speculative Fiction | 10 | Discuss the characteristics and examples of speculative fiction. Ask students to share their favorite books or movies in the genre. |
| 2 | Brainstorming Session | 15 | Divide students into small groups (5 students each). Each group discusses their ideas for a speculative fiction story, noting key points. |
| 3 | Printable Card Activity | 10 | Distribute printable cards to each student. Instruct them to fill in their story ideas, focusing on characters, setting, and plot. |
| 4 | Group Collaboration | 10 | Students return to their groups and share their ideas from the cards, refining their concepts together. Encourage constructive feedback. |
| 5 | Break and Physical Activity | 10 | Conduct a quick physical activity (e.g., stretching, a short game) to refresh students before they return to writing. |
| 6 | Writing Planning | 10 | Students work individually on their story plans based on the feedback from the group collaboration, using their filled cards. |
| 7 | Collecting/Checking Cards | 5 | Collect or randomly check student cards to ensure understanding and compliance. Provide feedback based on their written ideas. |
| 8 | Conclusion and Homework Explanation | 5 | Summarize key points of speculative fiction and explain the homework assignment: draft the first page of their speculative fiction story. |
Students will draft the first page of their speculative fiction story, to be submitted in the next class for individual feedback without in-class presentations.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to dive into the exciting world of speculative fiction. Can anyone tell me what they think speculative fiction is? (Pause for responses.)
Great answers! Speculative fiction is a genre that explores imaginative and often futuristic themes, asking 'what if' questions. It includes sub-genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
Now, let’s share some of your favorite examples from this genre. It could be a book, a movie, or a TV show. Who would like to go first? (Encourage a few students to share.)
Wonderful! It sounds like we have a rich variety of ideas to draw from today!"
"Now that we have a solid understanding of speculative fiction, it's time to get our creative juices flowing! I am going to divide you into small groups of five.
Each group will spend the next 15 minutes discussing potential ideas for a speculative fiction story. Think about the characters, the setting, and the plot. Make sure to jot down key points as you brainstorm.
Remember, there are no bad ideas! Use this time to explore wild concepts. Ready? Let’s get started!"
"Okay, everyone, it's time for an activity! I will hand out printable cards to each of you.
On these cards, I want you to fill in your story ideas. Please focus on three main areas: characters, setting, and plot.
Take about 10 minutes for this. Be specific and make your ideas as detailed as possible. I can't wait to see what you come up with!"
"Now that you've filled in your cards, let’s return to our groups. This time, each of you will take turns sharing your ideas from the cards you just completed.
As you share your ideas, help each other refine them. Think about asking questions like: What makes this character interesting? How does the setting affect the story?
You have 10 minutes for this collaboration. Remember, constructive feedback is key!
Go ahead!"
"Alright, everyone, fantastic job with the group discussions! Before we dive back into writing, let’s take a quick break.
We’re going to do a little physical activity to refresh our minds. Let’s stand up and do some stretching. Reach for the sky and then touch your toes!
Now, let’s play a quick game. I’ll call out a fruit, and if it’s your favorite, jump up! Ready? Apple! (Pause and observe the activity.) Great job! Now that we’ve energized ourselves, let’s get back to writing!"
"Okay! Now that we’re recharged, it’s time to get back to our story plans.
Using the feedback from your group collaboration, spend the next 10 minutes working individually on your story plans. Incorporate any new ideas or insights you gathered during the discussions.
Make sure to use your filled cards as a guide. Once you’re done, we’ll be collecting or checking your cards!"
"Time’s up, everyone! Please hand in your cards, or I may ask to check them randomly.
As I go through them, I’ll provide feedback on your ideas. This is a great opportunity for me to understand your thought processes and ensure that you’re on the right track.
(Collect or check the cards, engaging briefly with students about their ideas.)"
"Great work today, everyone! Let’s recap what we’ve learned about speculative fiction. We explored its elements, brainstormed ideas, collaborated with our peers, and planned our stories.
For homework, I want each of you to draft the first page of your speculative fiction story. This will help you put into practice everything we've discussed today. Please bring your draft to our next class; I will provide individual feedback, but don’t worry, there won’t be any presentations.
Thank you for your hard work today! Have a fantastic afternoon!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A futuristic landscape} | - Welcome to the world of Speculative Fiction - Explore what "speculative fiction" means - Genres: Science fiction, fantasy, horror |
| 2 | {Image: Students sharing ideas} | - Share your favourite examples of speculative fiction - Could be a book, movie, or TV show - Listen to classmates' ideas |
| 3 | {Image: Students brainstorming} | - Group brainstorming session - Small groups of five - Discuss characters, setting, and plot - No bad ideas! |
| 4 | {Image: Printable cards with writing} | - Printable card activity - Fill in your story ideas - Focus on characters, setting, and plot - Take 10 minutes |
| 5 | {Image: Students sharing story ideas} | - Group collaboration time - Share ideas from your cards - Help refine each other’s stories - Ask constructive questions |
| 6 | {Image: Students stretching} | - Break and physical activity - Stand up and stretch - Engage in a fun game about favourite fruits - Refresh your mind |
| 7 | {Image: Students writing individually} | - Writing planning session - Work on your story plans individually - Use group feedback and filled cards as guides |
| 8 | {Image: A teacher collecting cards} | - Collecting/checking story cards - Hand in your cards for feedback - Opportunity for questions and discussions |
| 9 | {Image: A summary graphic of speculative fiction} | - Recap of speculative fiction elements - Brainstormed ideas - Collaboration experiences - Planned story outlines |
| 10 | {Image: A student writing at their desk} | - Outline homework assignment - Draft the first page of your speculative fiction story - Use everything discussed in class |
| 11 | {Image: A classroom setting} | - Importance of bringing drafts to next class - Individual feedback session - No presentations for this assignment |
| 12 | {Image: A thank-you note} | - Thank you for your hard work today! - Encourage creativity in writing - Enjoy your afternoon! |
| 13 | {Image: A brain exploding with ideas} | - Remember to think outside the box - Speculative fiction encourages imagination - Keep exploring wild concepts |
| 14 | {Image: A group of diverse characters} | - Characters are key to your story - Make them interesting and relatable - How does the setting impact their journey? |
| 15 | {Image: A pen writing on paper} | - Personal reflections on your writing process - Encourage sharing insights with classmates - Keep developing those ideas! |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is speculative fiction, and how does it differ from other genres? | |
| Can you name a few sub-genres of speculative fiction? | |
| What are some examples of speculative fiction that you enjoy? | |
| What key elements should you consider when brainstorming a story? | |
| Why is constructive feedback important during group collaboration? | |
| How can the setting influence a speculative fiction story? | |
| What makes an interesting character in speculative fiction? | |
| How can physical activities help refresh our minds during a lesson? | |
| What should you focus on when planning your story ideas? | |
| What is the homework task related to today's lesson on speculative fiction? |
How do you think speculative fiction helps us explore real-world issues through imaginative storytelling? Can you give an example from a book or movie you enjoy?
If you could create your own speculative fiction character, what would they be like? What unique abilities or traits would they have?
Imagine you could set a speculative fiction story anywhere in the universe. Where would it take place and why did you choose that specific setting?
Think about a 'what if' question you've always found intriguing. How might that idea unfold into a full story in the speculative fiction genre?
If you could write a sequel to any speculative fiction work, which one would it be? What directions would you take the story in?
Let's move our bodies, it's time to play,
With simple exercises to brighten the day!
1. **Reach for the skies**, stretch your arms wide,
2. **Bend to touch toes**, with a smile and some pride.
3. **Jumping jacks** next, let’s count to ten,
4. **Spin around** just like a whirlwind again.
5. **March in place**, lift those knees high,
6. **Wiggle and dance**, let your spirits fly!
7. **Side lunges** now, to strengthen and tone,
8. **Arm circles** out, feel that muscle grown.
9. **Hop on one foot**, now switch and repeat,
10. **Take a deep breath**, feel the rhythm and beat.
11. **Shake your whole body**, let loose and unwind,
12. **Quietly meditate**, calm your active mind.
After these exercises, we're ready to create,
Let’s jump back to writing, it’ll surely be great!