aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Literature
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Tuesdays with Morrie
Quantity	1
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Engaging Start to a Literature Lesson on Tuesdays with Morrie

Introduction

As we embark on our exploration of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie, let's take a moment to reflect on the profound lessons that emerge from the pages of this remarkable memoir. Today, we will delve into themes of love, life, and the inevitable passage of time.

Warm-Up Activity: "The Living Letters"

Objective

To engage students in a meaningful discussion about the life lessons we learn from those we admire, introducing the themes present in Tuesdays with Morrie.

Materials Needed

• Sticky notes
• Markers
• A large poster board or bulletin board

Instructions

1. Reflect and Write:

   • Distribute sticky notes and markers to each student.
   • Instruct students to think about a person in their life (a mentor, family member, or friend) who has imparted valuable lessons to them. Ask them to write down one significant lesson that person taught them.

2. Share and Display:

   • Once everyone has written their lesson, invite students to share their thoughts with the class. As they share, encourage them to explain why that lesson is important.
   • After sharing, students can stick their notes onto the poster board, creating a collage of wisdom that represents the diverse life lessons appreciated by the class.

3. Class Discussion:

   • Lead a class discussion on common themes that emerged from their contributions. Questions to prompt discussion include:
     • What role do mentors play in our lives?
     • How do life experiences shape the lessons we learn?
     • What are some recurring themes in the advice we receive from others?

Connection to Tuesdays with Morrie

Transition into the lesson by highlighting that just as their mentors have impacted their lives, Morrie Schwartz profoundly influenced Mitch Albom’s understanding of life and death. Invite students to think about how the lessons they’ve discussed align with Morrie's teachings. Encourage them to keep their reflections in mind as we analyze the relationships and themes in Tuesdays with Morrie.

Conclusion

With this warm-up activity, students not only connect personally with the topic but also set the stage for deeper exploration of the text. As we read, consider how Morrie's wisdom parallels the lessons valued in your own lives!