Lesson Opening for "The Great Gatsby"
Objective:
To engage students with the themes, characters, and historical context of "The Great Gatsby" and set the tone for an in-depth exploration of the text.
Opening Activity: "The American Dream Through the Decades"
Materials Needed:
- A large timeline banner (can be drawn on butcher paper)
- Sticky notes in multiple colors
- Markers
Instructions:
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Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin by asking students what they know about the American Dream. Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging them to share their thoughts and perceptions about what the American Dream means to them, both historically and in contemporary society.
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Timeline Creation (10 minutes):
- Present a large timeline banner either on the board or as a paper hanging in the classroom. Label the timeline with key decades—1920s, 1930s, 1940s, etc.—up to the present.
- Pass out sticky notes and markers. Ask each student to write down one important event, trend, or cultural phenomenon related to the American Dream that they associate with a specific decade. Encourage them to think beyond just the 1920s as they make their contributions.
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Discussion and Sharing (10 minutes):
- Invite students to come up and place their sticky notes on the timeline, explaining briefly why they chose that event or trend and how it relates to the American Dream.
- Discuss how each decade shaped perceptions of ambition, success, wealth, and identity in American society.
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Transition to "The Great Gatsby" (5 minutes):
- Conclude the activity by telling students that as they prepare to delve into "The Great Gatsby," they will explore these themes in the context of 1920s America—the era Fitzgerald portrayed.
- Pose a thought-provoking question: “How does Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream reflect both the hopes and disillusionments of his time?” This question will linger in their minds as they read the text throughout the unit.
Summary:
This lesson opening actively engages students by blending personal reflection with historical context, encouraging them to consider the evolution of the American Dream while setting the stage for a deeper analysis of "The Great Gatsby."