aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Novels
Number of lessons	30
Split into modules
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Course Plan: Exploring Novels for Year 7 English

Course Introduction

Welcome to the Year 7 English Course on Novels! This course is designed to engage students with a variety of novels that are relevant to their interests and experiences. Throughout the course, students will explore themes, characters, and narrative techniques while developing essential reading and critical thinking skills. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper appreciation for literature and enhance their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Course Goals and Aims

Goal

To introduce Year 7 students to the world of novels, fostering critical thinking, comprehension, and creative expression through reading and discussing literature.

Aims

1. To develop students' abilities to analyse and interpret novels.
2. To enhance vocabulary and written communication skills.
3. To promote personal connections with the text and encourage empathetic understanding of diverse perspectives.
4. To foster a love of reading and literature by presenting a variety of novels across different genres.

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Course Structure

Module 1: Introduction to Novels (Lessons 1-3)

• Lesson 1: What is a Novel?

  • Definition and characteristics of novels.
  • Exploring different genres.

• Lesson 2: Elements of Novel Writing

  • Plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme.
  • An introduction to literary devices (metaphor, simile, imagery).

• Lesson 3: The Importance of Context

  • How historical and cultural contexts influence novels.
  • Brief overview of significant literary movements.

Module 2: Reading Comprehension (Lessons 4-10)

• Lesson 4: Active Reading Strategies

  • Techniques for engaging with texts (annotating, highlighting).

• Lesson 5: Summarising and Paraphrasing

  • Practising summarising chapters and paraphrasing key ideas.

• Lesson 6: Character Analysis

  • Deep dive into character development and motivations.

• Lesson 7: Plot Structure

  • Understanding narrative arcs through examples from selected novels.

• Lesson 8: Themes in Literature

  • Identifying and discussing common themes in novels.

• Lesson 9: Genre Exploration

  • In-depth look into genres such as fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction.

• Lesson 10: Comparative Analysis

  • Comparing two novels from different genres or eras.

Module 3: Novel Studies (Lessons 11-20)

• Lesson 11: Novel Selection

  • Introduce a list of novels for study (e.g., "The Giver", "Holes", "Wonder").

• Lessons 12-17: Focused Novel Study

  • Each lesson focuses on one novel:
    1. Plot Overview
    2. Character Deep Dive
    3. Thematic Studies
    4. Author’s Purpose
    5. Contextual Relevance
    6. Reflection and Discussion

• Lessons 18-20: Group Projects and Presentations

  • Students create a presentation or project based on their chosen novel.

Module 4: Creative Expression and Critical Thinking (Lessons 21-27)

• Lesson 21: Writing with Purpose

  • Different writing styles and purposes (persuasive, narrative, expository).

• Lesson 22: Creative Writing Inspired by Novels

  • Students write their own short stories or alternate endings.

• Lesson 23: Book Reviews

  • How to write an engaging book review.

• Lesson 24: Discussing Book Themes in Contemporary Issues

  • Relating themes of novels to current societal issues.

• Lesson 25: Literature Circles

  • Facilitating small group discussions about novels.

• Lessons 26-27: Debates and Discussions

  • Topics based on the novels studied, focusing on key themes and character decisions.

Module 5: Synthesis and Reflection (Lessons 28-30)

• Lesson 28: Preparing for the Final Assessment

  • Overview and requirements for final assessments.

• Lesson 29: Reflection on Learning

  • Students reflect on their learning experiences throughout the course.

• Lesson 30: Final Assessment and Celebration

  • Assessments presented and group celebration of achievements.

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References

1. Australian Curriculum. (2021). English. Retrieved from Australian Curriculum Website
2. O'Brien, L. (2017). "The Novel: An Introduction." Oxford University Press.
3. Moon, B. (2010). "Understanding Novels: A Guide for Teachers and Students." Routledge.
4. Rowling, J.K. (1997). "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Bloomsbury Publishing.
5. Sachar, L. (1998). "Holes." Yearling.
6. Palacio, R.J. (2012). "Wonder." Knopf Publishing Group.

By the end of this course, students will have enriched their understanding of novels and enhanced their critical and creative skills, preparing them for further studies in literature and beyond. Happy reading!