aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Privileged voices
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Privileged Voices

Warm-Up Activity: “The Voice Behind the Mask”

Objective

To initiate a reflective discussion on the concept of privileged voices and to encourage students to think critically about whose perspectives are represented in literature and society.

Materials Needed

• Various types of masks (these can be paper masks, cut-outs, or simply drawn on the whiteboard)
• A selection of short quotes from diverse authors (some from privileged voices and others from marginalized ones)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
   Start by gathering the students and introducing the theme of the lesson – "Privileged Voices". Explain that today, they'll delve into how privilege affects whose voices are heard and whose stories are told in literature and society. Emphasise that this topic encourages us to listen critically and acknowledge the diversity of experiences.

2. Mask Creation (15 minutes)
   Distribute the masks to students (or ask them to create their own using paper and markers). Each student should write down a quote from the selection provided that resonates with them. If they want to incorporate their own words or thoughts, encourage that as well. Remind them that their mask represents the voice they empathise with—be it powerful and privileged, or quiet and overlooked.

3. Sharing and Discussion (10 minutes)
   Once students have their masks ready, arrange them in pairs to share their chosen quotes and thoughts. After they’ve discussed, invite each pair to present to the class one or two insights from their conversation—what they discovered about the voice they chose and its implications on privilege.

4. Class Reflection (10 minutes)
   Bring the class back together and lead a discussion using the following guiding questions:

   • What do we understand by 'privileged voices'?
   • How can privileges shape narratives in literature?
   • In what ways do we see these themes reflected in our own lives and communities?

5. Sticky Note Exercise (5 minutes)
   Finally, hand out sticky notes and invite each student to write one key takeaway or question they have about privileged voices. They can stick these to a designated board as a means of sharing and will come back to them later in the lesson.

Conclusion

This engaging introduction not only establishes the tone for the lesson but also sets the stage for deeper exploration into the topic of privileged voices. By using masks as a symbolic representation of identity and perspective, students can better grasp the complexities of voice and privilege in literature and beyond.

---

This warm-up activity is designed to ignite curiosity, foster empathy, and encourage critical thinking, laying a strong foundation for further exploration into the topic of privileged voices in literature.