aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Reading
What age group	Year or Grade 8
What topic	Authors purpose
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Lesson Introduction on Author's Purpose

Objective

To introduce the concept of author's purpose in reading, allowing students to identify why an author writes a text and what techniques they use to convey their message.

Lesson Kick-Off: Author's Purpose Mystery Box

Materials Needed

• A mystery box (any decorative box will work)
• A collection of short passages or excerpts (can be printed and placed in envelopes) that demonstrate various authors' purposes (to inform, to entertain, to persuade)
• A list of different purposes (to inform, to persuade, to entertain) on a whiteboard or projector screen

The Activity

1. Setting the Scene

   • Begin by showing the students the mystery box and engage them with questions: “What do you think is inside? Is it a treasure, a surprise, or something mysterious?” Allow a few students to guess. This will pique their curiosity and set an interactive tone.

2. Unveiling the Box

   • After a brief discussion, reveal that inside the mystery box are envelopes containing different short passages. Explain that each passage serves a specific author’s purpose.

3. Group Distribution

   • Divide students into small groups and pass out one envelope to each group. Instruct them not to open the envelope just yet.

4. Exploration Time

   • Each group will have a few minutes to brainstorm ideas on what they think could be the author’s purpose based on the genre or context of the pieces (e.g., newspaper articles might be to inform, while poems might be to entertain).

5. The Big Reveal

   • After the brainstorming session, ask each group to open their envelope and read the passage within. Then, bring all groups back together and have each one share their text’s purpose and rationale.

6. Discussion

   • Facilitate a class discussion on how the author’s purpose affects the way they write and the techniques they use, highlighting elements such as tone, style, and audience.

Transition to the Lesson

Wrap up the activity by connecting their findings to the learning objectives for the day. Explain how today’s lesson will delve deeper into understanding various types of author’s purposes and how we can identify them in any text we read.

---

This engaging introduction will not only capture students' interest but also set a collaborative tone for the lesson on author’s purpose. By using real texts and encouraging critical thinking in groups, students will have a hands-on experience that promotes active learning.