| 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 | English |
| What topic | To kill a mockingbird beginning a unit |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 10 |
| 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 slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
English
To Kill a Mockingbird - Beginning a Unit
Year 10
20
30 minutes
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Novel | 5 mins | Briefly introduce "To Kill a Mockingbird", its author Harper Lee, and its significance in literature and society. Discuss the historical context of the setting. |
| 2 | Theme Exploration | 10 mins | Introduce key themes (e.g., racism, childhood, morality). Use guided questions to foster responses. Elicit thoughts from students about how these themes might appear in the text. |
| 3 | Printable Card Activity | 5 mins | Hand out printable cards. Students will fill in their initial thoughts on the themes discussed and any questions they have about the book. |
| 4 | Random Collection of Cards | 5 mins | Collect or randomly check the cards to gauge understanding and generate discussion. This can be done by calling out a few themes or questions and discussing responses. |
| 5 | Summary and Homework Assignment | 5 mins | Summarise the lesson's highlights and assign homework, which includes reading the first chapter of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and reflecting on initial impressions. |
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re starting an exciting journey into one of the most iconic novels in American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee. This book isn't just a story; it’s a powerful exploration of important social issues that are still relevant today.
Now, let’s talk about the historical context. The novel is set in the 1930s in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression. This period was marked by significant social and economic challenges, particularly around issues of race and class.
As we read this book, keep these contexts in mind, and think about how they shape the characters and the story. Are there any initial thoughts or questions before we dive deeper? Excellent! Let’s move on to explore the themes in our text."
"Next, let’s delve into some key themes that To Kill a Mockingbird addresses: racism, childhood, and morality.
First, let’s consider racism. Why do you think this is an important theme in the book? Feel free to raise your hand or call out your ideas.
[Pause for student responses].
Great thoughts! Now, let’s think about childhood. How do you think the experiences of children in the story might reflect broader societal issues?
[Pause for student responses].
And lastly, morality. What does morality mean to you, and why do you think it’s significant in the context of this novel?
[Pause for student responses].
Wonderful insights! As you read, keep an eye out for how these themes appear and develop throughout the story."
"Now, I’m going to give you each a printable card. On this card, I’d like you to jot down your initial thoughts on the themes we've just discussed—racism, childhood, and morality. Additionally, I want you to write down any questions you might have about the book based on our discussion so far.
You’ll have about five minutes to complete this. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer—just your personal reflections and queries. Ready? Let’s get started!"
[Distribute the cards and give students time to write.]
"Alright, time’s up! Please pass your cards forward or hand them to me when I come around. I’m going to read a few of the themes and questions without mentioning your names. Let’s see what some of you have been thinking!
[Collect the cards and pick a few to read out loud, discussing each briefly.]
This is fantastic! You all have raised some intriguing points. Engaging with the text on this level will enhance your understanding as we progress—thank you for your insights!"
"To wrap up today’s lesson, we’ve learned about Harper Lee and the context of To Kill a Mockingbird. We explored key themes such as racism, childhood, and morality, and you’ve begun to think critically about them through our activities.
For your homework, I want you to read the first chapter of the novel. As you read, take notes on your initial impressions of the characters and how the themes we discussed might start to emerge. After reading, please write a short reflection of about 250 words detailing your thoughts.
I’m looking forward to seeing how these initial impressions may shape your understanding as we continue through the book. Thank you all for your participation today; I’ll see you next lesson!"
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What social issues does To Kill a Mockingbird highlight? | |
| In what historical context is the novel set and why is it significant? | |
| How does the theme of racism manifest in the story? | |
| What role does childhood play in the development of the narrative? | |
| How can the moral dilemmas faced by the characters relate to our lives? | |
| What are your initial thoughts on the character of Scout Finch? | |
| How might the Great Depression influence the events in the story? | |
| In your opinion, what is the significance of the setting in Maycomb? | |
| How do the experiences of the children in the novel reflect societal issues? | |
| What does morality mean to you, and how do you think it is portrayed in the novel? |