Course Plan: Literature – "No Promises in the Wind" by Irene Hunt
Course Overview
Goal
To develop students' understanding of the themes, characters, and historical context of "No Promises in the Wind" while enhancing their analytical, critical thinking, and literary analysis skills.
Aims
- To explore the themes of hope, resilience, and the impact of the Great Depression on individuals and families.
- To analyze character development and relationships within the novel.
- To engage students in critical discussions and written reflections about the text.
- To improve comprehension skills through guided reading and discussion questions.
- To connect literature to historical events and personal experiences.
Nebraska State Standards
- Reading: Analyze literary texts, evaluating how authors use literary elements to create meaning.
- Writing: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.
- Speaking/Listening: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
- Language: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Novel
- Objective: Introduce the historical context of the Great Depression.
- Activities:
- Discuss the themes of hope and resilience.
- Introduction to main characters.
- Guided Questions:
- What do you know about the Great Depression?
- How might this time period affect families and individuals?
Lesson 2: Chapter 1
- Objective: Understand the opening of the novel and introduce the main characters.
- Guided Questions:
- Who is the narrator, and what is his situation?
- What are the first impressions of the main characters?
Lesson 3: Chapter 2
- Objective: Explore the setting and its influence on characters.
- Guided Questions:
- How does the setting affect the characters’ lives?
- What challenges do the characters face?
Lesson 4: Chapters 3 and 4
- Objective: Analyze character development and relationships.
- Guided Questions:
- How do the characters interact with each other?
- What are some conflicts introduced in these chapters?
Lesson 5: Chapter 5
- Objective: Examine themes of hope and despair.
- Guided Questions:
- In what ways do the characters show resilience?
- What moments highlight despair in the story?
Lesson 6: Chapters 6 and 7
- Objective: Discuss critical turning points in the plot.
- Guided Questions:
- What significant events occur in these chapters?
- How do these events impact the characters’ journey?
Lesson 7: Chapter 8
- Objective: Focus on the protagonist’s internal struggles.
- Guided Questions:
- What decisions does the protagonist face?
- How do these decisions reflect the central themes of the novel?
Lesson 8: Chapters 9 and 10
- Objective: Explore the climax of the novel.
- Guided Questions:
- What leads to the climax?
- How do the characters respond to the climax of the story?
Lesson 9: Chapters 11 and 12
- Objective: Analyze resolutions and outcomes for characters.
- Guided Questions:
- What resolutions occur for the main characters?
- How do these resolutions tie back to the themes of the novel?
Lesson 10: Character Log
- Objective: Develop an understanding of character growth.
- Activity: Create a character log for major characters with details on their development and relationships.
Lesson 11: Main Events Chart
- Objective: Summarize key events of the plot.
- Activity: Create a main events chart to visualize the plot progression.
Lesson 12: Reflection and Discussion
- Objective: Reflect on the novel and its themes in a group discussion.
- Activity: Group discussion and a reflective essay on personal connections to the themes explored in the novel.
Assessments
- Participation in discussions
- Completion of character logs and main events charts
- Reflective essays at the end of the course
Conclusion
By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of "No Promises in the Wind," its characters, and its significant themes, while also improving their literary analysis and critical thinking skills.