| 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 | Literature |
| What topic | Writing a universal thematic statement |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| 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 slides | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Subject: Literature
Grade Level/Age Group: Year or Grade 11
Class Size: 20
Time Allotted: 30 minutes
| Step # | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 mins | The teacher will introduce the topic by defining "universal theme" and discussing its importance in literature. The teacher will also explain the purpose of the lesson: for students to be able to identify universal themes and write thematic statements based on a short story. |
| 2 | Examples of Universal Themes | 5 mins | The teacher will provide handouts with examples of universal themes in literature (e.g. love, loss, revenge, etc.). The teacher will ask the class to identify other examples of universal themes and write them on the board. |
| 3 | Analyzing a Short Story | 10 mins | The teacher will provide each student with a copy of a short story to read silently. Then the class will be split into small groups to discuss the theme(s) of the story and come up with a universal thematic statement. The groups will report back to the class with their statements. |
| 4 | Writing a Universal Thematic Statement | 5 mins | The teacher will provide a formula for writing a universal thematic statement (e.g. "In [title of work], the author [verb] that [universal theme]."). The students will be given time to write their own thematic statements for the short story they analyzed. |
| 5 | Homework Assignment | 5 mins | The teacher will assign homework that involves identifying a universal theme in a different text and writing a thematic statement based on that theme. The teacher will collect the homework without asking for any students to present it in front of the class. |
Note: The lesson plan is aligned with the national curriculum and appropriate for Year or Grade 11 students.
[5 mins]
Good day everyone! Today, we will talk about universal themes in literature. A universal theme is a broad idea about life that extends beyond the specific circumstances of a particular piece of literature. It is a message that can be applied to many different works of literature.
Can anyone give some examples of universal themes? [wait for some responses] Very good! As we progress in the lesson, you will also identify more examples.
The objective of this lesson is for you to identify universal themes and write thematic statements based on a short story. This will help you understand and appreciate literature even more.
[5 mins]
Let's start by exploring more examples of universal themes. You will all be given handouts with a list of some common universal themes in literature, such as love, loss, revenge, etc. Please read the handout, and you may add more examples to the list on the board.
[10 mins]
Next, we will analyze a short story to identify its theme(s) and create a universal thematic statement. Please take a copy of the short story under your chair and read it silently for a few minutes.
Now, let's break into small groups of four to six students. Discuss within your group what you think is the universal theme(s) of the story. Then, create a universal thematic statement that applies not only to the story but also to other pieces of literature.
After 8 minutes of discussion, each group will present their universal thematic statement to the whole class.
[5 mins]
Now that you are familiar with identifying universal themes and creating thematic statements, I will provide a formula that will help you do it on your own.
The formula is: "In [title of work], the author [verb] that [universal theme]."
Please use this formula to create your own thematic statement for the short story you just analyzed.
You will have 5 minutes to complete this task.
[5 mins]
As your homework, I would like you to identify a universal theme in a different text and write a thematic statement based on that theme. You may choose any literature piece of your choice as long as it aligns with our topic for today. Please submit it on our next meeting.
That's all for our lesson today. Thank you for being an attentive audience. Be sure to have a great day.