aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	English
What topic	Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun
What length (min)	30
What age group	Doesn't matter
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences

Lesson Plan: Lorraine Hansberry and A Raisin in the Sun

Subject: English

Duration: 30 Minutes

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Objectives

• Understand the life and works of Lorraine Hansberry.
• Analyze themes in "A Raisin in the Sun."
• Discuss the impact of historical context on the play.

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Materials Needed

• Excerpts from "A Raisin in the Sun"
• Biography of Lorraine Hansberry (handout)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (for visual aids)

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Warm-up Activity:

  • Ask students to note what they know about Lorraine Hansberry and her contributions to American literature.

• Introduce Lorraine Hansberry:

  • Briefly discuss her background, highlighting her significance as the first African American woman to write a play produced on Broadway.

Life and Background of Lorraine Hansberry (5 minutes)

• Biography Overview:
  • Provide a handout summarizing her life, including key events and influences.
  • Discuss her childhood, education, and the socio-political climate during her time.

Introduction to "A Raisin in the Sun" (10 minutes)

• Plot Summary:

  • Present a brief overview of the play, including main characters: Lena, Walter Lee, Ruth, Beneatha, and Travis.

• Key Themes:

  • Discuss central themes such as dreams and aspirations, race and identity, and family dynamics.

• Historical Context:

  • Explain the significance of the 1950s setting, touching on issues such as segregation and the Great Migration.

Group Discussion (5 minutes)

• Discussion Questions:
  • What dreams do each of the characters pursue? How does the socio-economic context impact these dreams?
  • In what ways does the play reflect the struggles of African American families in the early 20th century?

Closing Activity (5 minutes)

• Reflection:

  • Ask students to write a short paragraph on how "A Raisin in the Sun" connects to contemporary issues regarding race and dreams.

• Homework Assignment:

  • Read a specific excerpt from "A Raisin in the Sun" and prepare to discuss it in the next class, focusing on character motivations and thematic elements.

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Assessment

• Participation in discussions and group activities.
• Evaluation of the short reflection assignment based on understanding of themes and historical context.

Standards Addressed

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 - Cite strong and thorough textual evidence.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.5 - Analyze how authors use literary elements to create meaning.

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Conclusion

This lesson plan serves to fulfill various educational standards while providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Lorraine Hansberry and her influential work, "A Raisin in the Sun." Through discussion and analysis, students will gain insight into the interplay between individual dreams and societal challenges.