Unit+Lessons

Some example lessons for this unit will be featured on this page for reference and resource purposes.

Lesson Plan #1 (by Eleni and Zak) follows


 * For: 9th Grade **


 * A Hero’s Journey: Day 1 **

Reading Applications: Literary Text: 9th Grade 5. Interpret universal themes across different works by the same author and different authors.
 * Lesson Plan Curriculum Objective **

Writing Applications:9th Grade 6. Produce informal writings (e.g, journals, notes and poems) for various purposes.

Books: //Of Mice and Men Hunger Games, The Lightning Thief, Boys of Steel, Heroes by Ken Mochizuki, Madeline’s Rescue, When I Was a Soldier, Little Brother// Computer/Projector
 * Materials Needed **


 * Instructional Strategies **
 * Read-aloud of picture book: 5-10 minutes
 * Have the class do a 5-minute quick-write on “what is a hero?”
 * Think-pair-share for 5-10 minutes
 * Video clips of different types of heroes, journal throughout on the characteristics of the different heroes: 5-10 minutes
 * Book Pass: 15 minutes

Quick exit-slip on whether their definition of a hero changed.
 * Closure (possibly including Assessment and/or Reflection opportunity) **

Lesson #2; Lauren Spector & Chelsea Kerr
Memoir Lesson Curriculum Objective: Reading Standards for Informational Text, Craft and Structure, Grade 9-10: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.

Language Standards, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Grade 9-10: 5. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings. b. analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.

Resources: When I Was A Soldier by Zenatti Computer, Internet access, Projector

Strategies:
 * Introduce the memoir, connection to canonical title
 * Have class write a short list of some of the most important things in/parts of their lives
 * Think-pair-share for 5 minutes, discuss what makes you “you”
 * List at least 10 individual words that they feel express something about them (about 5 min), have one word ready to share with class
 * Discuss importance of synonyms, connotation vs. denotation
 * 6-Word-Memoir video
 * Have class write their 6-Word-Memoir, volunteers to share, share with partner

Closure:
 * Reflect on what students think their 6 Word Memoir revealed about them, is there anything admirable in some of the other memoirs that were shared with the class?