Creative Lesson Introduction: A Journey Through "A Long Walk to Water"
Objective
To engage students in understanding the hardships and resilience depicted in "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park, while also encouraging empathy and critical thinking.
Lesson Start: The Visual Storyteller
Materials Needed:
- A large map of South Sudan (or a printed handout for each student)
- Sticky notes or index cards
- Markers
- A short video clip (1-2 minutes) about water scarcity in different parts of the world
Steps to Begin the Lesson:
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Setup the Atmosphere:
- Dim the lights and play soft African music in the background as students enter the classroom. This creates a warm, inviting, and culturally relevant atmosphere.
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Map Exploration:
- Once seated, hand out the maps of South Sudan to each student. Briefly explain the country's geography, highlighting key cities, rivers, and regions where water scarcity is an issue.
- Ask students to take a moment to look over the map and reflect on what they see. Invite them to mark places that interest them with sticky notes or markers, adding comments or questions about those places (e.g., "Why is this region so dry?" or "What might life be like here?").
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Video Engagement:
- Show a short video clip that illustrates water scarcity in South Sudan, setting the stage for the themes in "A Long Walk to Water."
- After the video, hold a brief discussion by asking students questions like, "How would your life change if you had to walk miles each day for water?" Encourage them to think critically about the implications of water scarcity and the resilience of those affected.
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Personal Connections:
- Distribute index cards and ask students to write down one word or phrase that comes to mind when they think about water. It could be related to abundance, scarcity, or personal experiences (e.g., "ocean," "thirst," "happiness").
- Invite a few students to share their words with the class, fostering connection and allowing for varied perspectives on the significance of water.
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Transition to the Text:
- Conclude the introduction by highlighting how "A Long Walk to Water" takes readers on a journey through the eyes of individuals facing challenges related to water access. Share a compelling quote from the book to set a reflective tone as students prepare to dive into the text.
Conclusion
This engaging start to the lesson not only introduces the main themes of "A Long Walk to Water" but also nurtures empathy and critical thinking skills. Students will be motivated to read the book with a deeper understanding of the context, eager to learn about the characters' journeys in their quest for water.