3-Day Lesson Plan: Exploring Perspective in 7th Grade

Day 1: Introduction to Perspective and "The Blind Men and the Elephant"

Objective

Students will explore the concept of perspective by engaging with the fable "The Blind Men and the Elephant" and participate in activities to demonstrate how differing viewpoints shape understanding.

Activities & Group Discussions

Hook: Object Mystery Challenge (10 minutes)

Objective: Engage students in understanding how limited information influences perception.

1. Introduction (2 minutes):

   • Set the Stage: "Today, we're going to explore how the way we perceive things can be influenced by the information we have. Sometimes, when we only have part of the picture, we come to conclusions that might be different from reality."
   • Connect to the Theme: "This will tie into our bigger lesson on perspective—how seeing or knowing different parts can lead to different understandings."

2. The Challenge (8 minutes):

   • Materials Needed: A covered object (any item or a series of items), paper, and pencils.
   • Instructions: Students will be blindfolded (or close their eyes) and will touch the object one at a time, while others observe without touching it. After feeling the object, each student will write down what they think it is based solely on their limited experience.
   • Discussion: After all students have touched the object, reveal what it is. Discuss how each student's perception was influenced by their individual experience.

Reading and Discussion: "The Blind Men and the Elephant" (30 minutes)

1. Read the Fable (15 minutes):

   • Read the story aloud, or have students take turns reading sections.
   • Ensure to include illustrations if possible to visualize the different men and the elephant.

2. Group Discussion (15 minutes):

   • Prompt Questions:
     • What did each blind man believe the elephant was, and how did this differ?
     • Why do you think they all had such different perspectives?
     • Can you think of a time when you misunderstood something because you were only looking from one perspective?
   • Takeaway: Emphasize that understanding different perspectives is essential for a complete understanding of any situation.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Have students write a short reflection (3-5 sentences) on how their understanding of "perspective" has changed after today's lesson.

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Day 2: Deepening Understanding of Perspective

Objective

Students will analyze how perspective affects real-world situations and narratives, tying back to "The Blind Men and the Elephant."

Activities & Group Discussions

Comparison Activity: Perspectives in News Articles (30 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • "Today, we will look at different news articles that present the same event but from different perspectives."

2. Group Work (25 minutes):

   • Materials Needed: Two different articles covering the same event from contrasting perspectives.
   • Divide students into small groups and assign each group one article.
   • Each group will analyze their article and identify:
     • The main perspective presented.
     • How the chosen words and details guide the reader’s understanding.
     • Questions they think someone might have based on this perspective.

Class Share-Out (15 minutes)

• After group analysis, each group presents their article and findings.
• Facilitate a discussion on how different media can shape public perception and opinion.

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

• Assign students to find a short news piece or video that presents two different perspectives on a current event for the next class.

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Day 3: Application of Perspective in Everyday Life

Objective

Students will apply their understanding of perspective by creating their own narratives, highlighting multiple viewpoints.

Activities & Group Discussions

Creative Writing Activity: "My Day from Different Perspectives" (40 minutes)

1. Introduction (10 minutes):

   • Discuss the importance of storytelling and how different perspectives can lead to deeper engagement with narratives.
   • Prompt: “Think about a typical day you have. Now, think of how this same day would look if told from the perspective of someone different. Possible characters could be a parent, a sibling, or even a pet.”

2. Writing Time (30 minutes):

   • Students will write two short paragraphs: one from their perspective and one from the perspective of their chosen character.
   • Encourage creativity and emphasize the importance of voice in narrative.

Peer Sharing & Feedback (15 minutes)

• In pairs, students share their paragraphs and discuss how perspective affected their storytelling.

Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students write a brief reflection on what they learned about perspective and how it can apply to their everyday lives.

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Overall Assessment

1. Participation in all activities and discussions.
2. Quality of written reflections and creative pieces.
3. Ability to articulate the concept of perspective in discussions throughout the three days.

By the end of the lesson series, students should have a strong understanding of how perspective shapes our interpretations and interactions with the world.