Lesson #11
Tasks:
• Collect Journal Entries
• Ch. Questions 26-31
• Vocab – Ch. 32-33
• Theme Statements
• Reading
Collect Journal Entry #2
Journal Entry #2 is due at the beginning of class.
Chapter Questions 26-31
1. Write questions on the board. Students are to answer in writing in full sentences. These are to be handed in or checked for completion marks.
2. Discuss answers to chapter questions. Facilitate discussion by asking follow up questions.
Vocabulary 32-33
1. Write the list of vocabulary words on the board.
2. Call on students to guess at the definitions.
3. After giving students a chance to define the words orally, write the definitions on the board for students to copy into their notes. Remind students that they will be tested on this material.
4. Students must now practice using the vocabulary by writing sentences using the words. Challenge students to use as many vocabulary words as possible in a single sentence – words must be used correctly and in a way that makes sense.
5. Invite students to share their sentences and check to proper use.
Theme Statements
1. Ask students to define the word ‘theme.’
2. Write the literary definition on the board: Theme is the main idea or message in a story. It says something about life and/or people.
3. Explain that theme is different from a moral. It doesn’t state what people should or should not do. Instead, it says something about what it means to be alive. A moral might be as follows: look before you leap. While the theme from the same story might be as follows: people are often impulsive and hedonistic.
4. Review the formula for theme: Topic + Insight = Theme
5. Present the structure for theme statements:
Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn shows…[insert theme].
6. Review the list of topics on the board from last day.
7. Students are to write three theme statements using proper structure.
8. Invite or call on students to share their theme statements with the class. Check for understanding of theme.
Reading
Students are to use this time to read silently. If necessary, attach marks to silent reading time to keep students quiet and on task. Reading is the best way to improve vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, and general writing skills. It is a valuable use of class time.
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