| 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 | Realistic fiction |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To introduce students to the genre of realistic fiction and spark their interest in writing their own stories.
Begin the lesson by dimming the lights and playing soft music to create a relaxed atmosphere. Distribute a blank sheet of paper and a pen to each student. Inform them that they will be receiving a special letter from their future selves.
Read Aloud: Share a dramatic fictional scenario to hook their imagination. For example:
"Imagine it's 10 years from now. You have just accomplished something amazing in your life—something you’ve dreamed about for years! Now, you are writing a letter back to yourself as a 7th grader. What advice do you want to give your younger self about challenges, friendships, and staying true to yourself?"
Give students 5-10 minutes to write their letters. Encourage them to be as creative and realistic as possible, using their own experiences to inform the advice they share. Remind them that realistic fiction can explore real-life scenarios and relatable emotions.
After the writing session, invite a few volunteers to share their letters with the class. This allows students to practice reading aloud and sharing personal insights.
Discuss: After sharing, transition the discussion to realistic fiction. Highlight how their letters can be seen as a form of realistic fiction:
Conclude the lesson by explaining that throughout this unit, they will explore various examples of realistic fiction, analyze characters and plots, and eventually write their own stories based on real-life experiences. This approach not only makes the genre relatable but also allows students to engage deeply with their writing and creativity.
For the next class, students should read a short realistic fiction story from the provided reading list and come prepared to discuss how the characters dealt with realistic challenges.
By starting with a personal, imaginative exercise, students connect their own lives to the theme of realistic fiction, setting a solid foundation for the exploration of the genre.