| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Reading |
| What topic | After reading Refugee by Alan Gratz |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Doesn't matter |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
After Reading "Refugee" by Alan Gratz
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Reading
20 students
This lesson aligns with standards for literacy, including reading comprehension, analysis of text, and critical thinking.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome and Introduction | 5 min | Greet students, outline the objectives, and briefly revisit what they read in "Refugee." |
| 2 | Check Homework | 5 min | Review the homework from the previous lesson without requiring students to present. Ask a few students about their insights on the story. |
| 3 | Group Discussion | 10 min | Facilitate a discussion about key themes, characters, and the significance of historical contexts in "Refugee." Encourage student interaction. |
| 4 | Distribute Printable Cards | 5 min | Give each student a printable card that they will fill in with their thoughts during the lesson. |
| 5 | Fill in Printable Cards | 5 min | Allow students time to write their reflections or insights on the cards based on the discussion. |
| 6 | Collect or Randomly Check Cards | 5 min | Collect the cards or randomly check a few as a way to assess understanding without formal presentation. |
| 7 | Assign Homework | 2 min | Assign homework related to the themes of "Refugee," providing clear instructions. |
"Good morning, class! I hope you’re all doing well today. As we dive into our lesson, I want you to think about what we’ve learned from the book 'Refugee' by Alan Gratz. Today, we'll discuss the main themes, characters, and the historical events that play such a vital role in the characters' stories. By the end of our time together, I'm excited for you to share your thoughts and insights. Let’s get started!"
"Now, before we move on, let’s take a few moments to review the homework from our last lesson. You were asked to reflect on a character you found particularly compelling in 'Refugee.' Can anyone share a brief insight about their character with the class? Remember, just a few words on what made this character stand out for you. Wonderful insights, everyone! Thank you for sharing."
"Let’s shift gears and delve into a group discussion. I want to open the floor to you all. What are some key themes you observed in 'Refugee'? Maybe we can start with the idea of resilience or the impact of war on family. Feel free to jump in, don’t hesitate! I'm here to facilitate, so let's make this a conversation. How do you think historical events shape the characters' narratives? Reflect on how the author weaves real history with personal stories."
"Thank you all for those enriching discussions! Now, I'll be handing out printable cards for you. Each of you will receive one, and I want you to take a moment to think about something significant that resonated with you in our discussions and write it down. You can note a theme, a character, or a personal reflection related to the book. Let’s take about five minutes for this."
"Alright class, let's use this time to fill in our printable cards. Think about the discussions we’ve just had and express your thoughts or feelings from 'Refugee.' You can write down your reflections on the themes we discussed or how you connected with a character. Remember, this is a space for your thoughts—there are no wrong answers!"
"Now, I’d like you to pass your cards to the front. I will collect them for a general overview, but feel free to remain anonymous. If you prefer, I can pick a few at random to share with the class. This will help me understand what you’ve grasped from our discussions. If you aren’t comfortable sharing, just let me know! Thank you for participating!"
"Great job today, everyone! To wrap up, I’d like you to reflect on the themes we discussed and write a brief paragraph on how you think understanding these themes can help us in our lives today. Please turn this in during our next class. Make sure your homework is due at the beginning of the hour. Thank you all for your wonderful contributions today—I can’t wait to read your insights!"
In a brief paragraph, describe a character from 'Refugee' that you found particularly compelling. What traits made them stand out to you?
Identify and explain one key theme from 'Refugee.' How does this theme relate to the historical events depicted in the story?
How do the personal stories of the characters in 'Refugee' reflect the experiences of real refugees in history? Provide specific examples from the text.
Choose one historical event mentioned in 'Refugee.' Discuss its impact on the characters and how they navigate the challenges that arise from it.
Reflect on the idea of resilience as a theme in 'Refugee.' How do the characters demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity? Provide examples from the book.
Consider the relationships between family members in 'Refugee.' How do these relationships influence the characters' decisions and experiences?
After reading 'Refugee,' in what ways do you think stories about conflict and displacement are relevant to today's society? Provide your thoughts in a paragraph.
Write about a moment in the book that struck you emotionally. What was happening during this moment, and why did it resonate with you?
Discuss how Alan Gratz uses historical context to shape the characters’ narratives. Give examples of how this enhances the reader's understanding of their struggles.
For your homework, write a brief reflection on how understanding the themes in 'Refugee' can help you in your own life. How can you apply the lessons learned from the book to your personal experiences?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the main themes presented in 'Refugee' by Alan Gratz? | |
| How does the idea of resilience manifest in the characters' journeys? | |
| Can you identify a character that stands out to you from the book? Why? | |
| In what ways do historical events influence the narratives of the characters in 'Refugee'? | |
| How does the author intertwine real history with the personal stories of the characters? | |
| What impact does war have on families as depicted in 'Refugee'? | |
| Reflect on a significant moment from the book that resonated with you. What was it? | |
| How do you think understanding the themes in 'Refugee' can help us in our own lives today? | |
| What is one lesson you learned from a character's experience in 'Refugee'? | |
| How do the characters in 'Refugee' demonstrate the concept of hope amidst adversity? |