aidemia--modules-lessonanyideas_request	Give a creative idea how to organize and what to do at a part of the lesson
What part of a lesson	Introduction
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 7
What topic	ELA FEVER 1793
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Introduction to "Fever 1793"

Lesson Objective

By the end of this introduction, students will have a foundational understanding of the historical context, themes, and characters in Laurie Halse Anderson's novel Fever 1793, setting the stage for deeper analysis and discussion in subsequent lessons.

Materials Needed

• Copies of Fever 1793 (one per student)
• A large map of Philadelphia in 1793 (can be printed or displayed digitally)
• Sticky notes in various colors
• Markers
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Projector (for visuals and key points)

Activity: Setting the Scene - Philadelphia in 1793

1. Historical Context Overview (15 minutes)

• Engage the Students: Begin with a brief introduction to the historical context of the yellow fever epidemic that struck Philadelphia in 1793. Ask students, "What do you know about epidemics or diseases throughout history?" to draw on prior knowledge.
• Key Points to Cover:
  • Briefly explain what yellow fever is and its symptoms.
  • Highlight the significance of the year 1793 — a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
  • Discuss the social, political, and economic conditions of Philadelphia during that time.

2. Mapping Philadelphia (10 minutes)

• Visual Learner Engagement: Display a large map of Philadelphia in 1793.
• Student Participation: Have students locate and mark key locations relevant to the story (e.g., the Free African Society, the hospital).
• Discussion Prompt: Ask students how they think the geography and social institutions at the time affected the spread of the fever.

3. Character Introductions (15 minutes)

• Character Brainstorming: Before diving into the characters, ask students to create sticky notes with character traits or roles they would expect in a story about a historical epidemic (e.g., a doctor, a volunteer, a family member).
• Character Reveal: As a class, uncover the main characters from Fever 1793: Matilda Cook, Grandfather, and Dr. Rush. Discuss their roles and potential influence on the story.

4. Discussion on Themes (10 minutes)

• Group Discussion: Divide students into small groups and provide each group with one key theme from the novel (e.g., survival, disease, social class, family, resilience).
• Share Insights: Allow each group to share how they think their theme connects to the characters introduced and the historical context discussed. Encourage students to consider why these themes might still be relevant today.

5. Closing Activity: Think-Pair-Share (5 minutes)

• Reflective Thinking: Prompt students to think about what they learned today and how it relates to their own experiences or current events involving health crises.
• Pair and Share: Have students pair up and discuss their thoughts for a few minutes before concluding the introduction.

Conclusion

This introduction sets a comprehensive groundwork for exploring Fever 1793. By actively engaging with the historical context, mapping the setting, understanding key characters, and discussing relevant themes, students will be better prepared to dive deeper into the text and enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills in English Language Arts.