Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson. The academic subject for which the text must be created - English. Content must be appropriate f...
←
→

Engaging Introduction to the Novel Study: "A Monster Calls"

Objective

To spark curiosity and set the stage for a deep exploration of Patrick Ness's poignant novel, "A Monster Calls," through a creative and interactive lesson introduction.

Lesson Beginning: "The Monster Within"

Activity Overview

Before diving into the world of Conor O'Malley and the haunting figure that visits him, let's engage in a creative activity called "The Monster Within." This will allow students to explore the themes of the novel in a personal and imaginative way.

Materials Needed

Instructions

  1. Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)
    Begin with a brief discussion about fears and challenges. Ask students:

    • What is something that scares you?
    • How do you cope with difficult emotions?
      Discuss how everyone has "monsters" they face in different forms—be it fears, sadness, or personal challenges.

  2. Creative Drawing (15 minutes)
    Hand out blank sheets of paper and colored markers or crayons.

    • Prompt students to draw their own "monster." This could represent a fear, a problem, or an emotion they struggle with. Encourage them to be imaginative and to think outside the box.
    • Remind them to think about how this monster might look, how it behaves, and what it symbolizes for them.

  3. Share and Reflect (10 minutes)
    Once students finish their drawings, invite them to share their creations with a partner or in small groups. Have them explain:

    • What their monster represents.
    • How it makes them feel.
    • How they deal with or wish to confront this monster.

  4. Gallery Walk (10 minutes)
    After sharing, create a "Monster Gallery" on the board or walls of the classroom.

    • Students can stick their drawings on the wall or post them on sticky notes.
    • Allow time for a gallery walk where they can observe each other's monsters, prompting discussions about the various fears and issues represented.

  5. Connection to the Novel (5 minutes)
    Conclude the activity by connecting their creations to "A Monster Calls."

    • Explain that just like their monsters, Conor's monster helps him confront his fears and emotions throughout the story.
    • Pose a closing question: What do you think we can learn by facing our own monsters?

Transition

With their own monsters in mind and a greater understanding of the challenges they face, students will be ready to embark on their journey into the world of Conor O'Malley, exploring the themes of grief, fear, and the power of storytelling found in "A Monster Calls."

This engaging and reflective introduction sets a personal tone for the novel study, encouraging students to connect emotionally with the text and its themes from the very beginning.