| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 8 |
| What topic | How the theme of coming of age is developed in young adult literature |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Imagine you are standing on the edge of a cliff, looking out over a vast ocean of possibilities. Below you, the waves crash against the rocks—each wave representing a challenge or change that shapes who we are. Today, we are diving into the deep waters of young adult literature to explore the powerful theme of coming of age.
Set the Scene: Begin by showing students a compelling image of a cliff overlooking the ocean, or play a short video clip that showcases a character standing at a metaphorical crossroads. This visual will serve as a metaphor for the transitions and challenges faced during the coming-of-age journey.
Prompt the Reflection: Ask students to close their eyes and think about a significant moment in their own lives where they felt they were growing up or faced a difficult choice. This could be anything from moving to a new place, experiencing a friendship change, or standing up for what they believe in.
Create the Postcard: After a few moments of reflection, distribute the blank postcards. Instruct students to illustrate one side with images or symbols that represent their moment of coming of age. On the other side, they should write a brief message addressed to their future selves, detailing their thoughts, feelings, and what they learned from that experience.
Share and Connect: If time permits, invite students to share their postcards in small groups. This promotes a sense of community and helps them recognize that everyone experiences growth differently.
After this creative reflection, transition the lesson into a discussion about how young adult literature mirrors these personal experiences. Explain how authors craft relatable characters who navigate similar challenges, thereby allowing readers to reflect on their own coming-of-age moments.
By using personal experiences as a foundation, students will be more engaged and ready to explore the vast themes within young adult literature that reflect the journey of growing up.
Today, through our postcard activity, we’ve begun to understand that coming of age is not just a theme in books; it’s a universal experience that shapes who we become. Let’s put our own stories alongside those in literature as we delve deeper into this powerful theme!