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	Introduction to Fever 1793
Quantity	1
Any other preferences	Activity

Engaging Introduction to Friedrich's Fever 1793

Activity: Time Travel Through a Letter

Objective:

To introduce students to the historical context and thematic elements of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson through a creative time-travel letter-writing exercise.

Materials Needed:

• Sheets of parchment-style paper or any paper that resembles old letter paper
• Pens or quills (optional, for added effect)
• Access to historical information about yellow fever, Philadelphia in 1793, and basic information about the author

Instructions:

1. Setting the Scene: Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and playing soft instrumental music from the 18th century to help students immerse themselves in the time period. Briefly explain that they are about to embark on a journey back to the year 1793, a time filled with great challenges, particularly the outbreak of yellow fever.

2. Group Discussion: Engage students in a short discussion about what they know regarding epidemics and how historical events can impact a community. Pose questions such as:

   • What do you think life was like in a city facing an epidemic?
   • How do you think people communicated with each other during such times?

3. Letter Writing Exercise: Explain to the students that they will be writing a letter as if they were a young person living in Philadelphia during the outbreak of yellow fever. Use the following prompts to guide their writing:

   • Describe the atmosphere of Philadelphia and the changes you have witnessed in your community.
   • Share your feelings about the uncertainty and fear that accompanies the outbreak.
   • Include a message to a friend or family member, offering them hope and strength amidst the crisis.

4. Writing Time: Allow 15-20 minutes for students to write their letters. Encourage them to be creative and heartfelt, using any historical details they can remember from the discussion.

5. Sharing: After writing, invite a few students to read their letters aloud. Discuss how their letters reflect the themes of fear, community, and resilience, which are central to Fever 1793.

Conclusion:

Wrap up the lesson by connecting the letters back to the book, emphasizing how personal stories during historical crises can help us understand the broader narrative. Let students know that they will dive deeper into the story of Matilda Cook and her experiences in Fever 1793 in the upcoming classes.

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The time travel letter-writing activity not only captures students' imaginations but also sets a poignant tone as they prepare to explore the world of Fever 1793.