aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	English
What topic	The Westing Game novel study
What length (min)	30
What age group	Year or Grade 6
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences

Lesson Plan: The Westing Game Novel Study

Subject: English

Grade: 6

Duration: 30 Minutes

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Objectives

• Students will understand the main themes, characters, and plot of The Westing Game.
• Students will engage in discussions about the novel's mysteries and how clues are presented.
• Students will reinforce their comprehension skills through a group activity.

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Materials Needed

• Copies of The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
• Whiteboard and markers
• Character maps (handouts)
• Worksheet with discussion questions
• Homework assignment handout

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Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Hook: Ask students what they think makes a story intriguing (e.g., mystery, suspense, interesting characters).
2. Briefly introduce The Westing Game and its central premise— a mystery surrounding the late Sam Westing and his competitive will.
3. Outline the lesson’s objectives for the day.

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Direct Instruction (10 minutes)

1. Character Review: Present key characters of the novel (Sam Westing, Turtle Wexler, Chris Theodorakis, etc.) on the whiteboard. Briefly describe their traits and roles in the story.

2. Plot Overview: Summarize the plot focusing on:

   • The mysterious nature of Westing’s will.
   • The different heirs and their motivations.
   • The setting in the Sunset Towers and its significance.

3. Themes: Discuss major themes such as:

   • The complexity of identity.
   • The importance of teamwork and collaboration.
   • The critique of wealth and socio-economic status.

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Group Activity (10 minutes)

1. Character Mapping:

   • Divide students into small groups.
   • Provide each group with character maps. Each map should highlight the relationships between characters and their respective motivations.
   • Have students fill in the maps based on their understanding of the text.

2. Discussion: After completing the character maps, each group will share one interesting discovery about their assigned characters. Encourage students to connect these discoveries to the larger themes of the novel.

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Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Recap the key points discussed during the lesson.
2. Open the floor for any questions about the characters, plot, or themes.
3. Explain the homework assignment.

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Homework Assignment

Tasks:

1. Write a one-page response to the following prompt:

   • Choose a character from The Westing Game. Describe how their actions contribute to the central mystery of the story. Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Complete the character map for two characters of your choice that were not discussed in class.

Correct Answers (Sample Response):

1. Response example for character choice (e.g., Turtle Wexler):

   • Turtle Wexler plays a pivotal role in solving the mystery of the Westing Game. Her cleverness and determination help her navigate through the challenges posed by the game. For example, her ability to understand the clues left by Westing shows her resourcefulness and helps guide her team toward the solution. Turtle’s fierce independence and intelligence set her apart and show that she is more than just a child; she is a true competitor in the game.

2. Character Map (example):

   • Character 1: Angela Wexler

     • Relationships: Sister to Turtle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wexler
     • Motivation: To live up to her family’s expectations while secretly seeking her own identity.
     • Role in Plot: Her character highlights family dynamics and societal pressures.

   • Character 2: Chris Theodorakis

     • Relationships: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodorakis, sibling to Theo
     • Motivation: To prove himself intellectually despite his physical limitations.
     • Role in Plot: His observations contribute key insights to the mystery and symbolize how different perspectives can help in solving problems.

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This lesson plan provides an engaging way for Grade 6 students to explore The Westing Game, focusing on character development and thematic elements. The outlined activities foster comprehension and encourage critical thinking, preparing students for deeper literary analysis.