aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	Chapter 1&2 review novel once
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging English Lesson Introduction: Review of Chapters 1 & 2 of Once

Objective

To ignite interest and motivate Year 7 students as they review Chapters 1 and 2 of the novel Once by Morris Gleitzman, developing their analytical and comprehension skills.

Introduction Activity: "Character Postcards"

Materials Needed:

• Blank postcards or large sheets of paper cut to postcard size
• Coloured pencils or markers
• Example postcards (real or printed images) for inspiration

Instructions:

1. Set the Scene: Begin the lesson with a brief discussion about the historical context of Once. Explain that the story is set during World War II and follows a young boy named Felix as he navigates through challenges.

2. Introduce the Task: Tell the students they will be creating a postcard from the perspective of a character they find compelling from the first two chapters. They will need to think about:

   • What that character might wish to communicate to a friend or family member.
   • Important events or feelings that define their journey in these chapters.

3. Prompt Their Creativity: Encourage the students to consider the following while creating their postcards:

   • Imagery: What would their character see? Describe the setting.
   • Tone: Is the message hopeful, despairing, or something else? Make sure the language reflects the character's feelings.
   • Content: What key events should be mentioned? What thoughts or feelings does the character want to share?

4. Designing the Postcard: Each student will draw or write on one side of their postcard. They should illustrate what the character would see surrounding them while writing their message. On the other side, they will pen down their message.

5. Sharing Time: After 15-20 minutes, invite students to share their postcards with a partner or with the class. They should discuss the character they chose and the thoughts they conveyed in their messages, opening the floor for a brief discussion about differing perspectives and interpretations in the story.

6. Transition to the Review: Conclude the activity by bringing the focus back to the text. Highlight how the postcards relate to the themes and character developments introduced in Chapters 1 and 2. Use this opportunity to segue into a deeper review of the chapters using guided questions or group discussions.

Conclusion

This "Character Postcards" activity not only helps students connect personally with the text but also establishes a creative and engaging atmosphere for exploring Once. By the time they begin discussing the chapters academically, they've already invested emotionally in the characters and their journeys.