SHS1 Literature In English · Semester 1 Week 8: Knowing Your Narrative Elements

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Examine characters and theme, and how they reflect context and society

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define character types (major/minor, round/flat) and theme, and recall the difference between a subject and a thematic statement.
Identify character types and themes in a selected prose excerpt, using evidence from the text to support their claims.
Analyse how an author develops characters and themes to reflect the context and society of the text.
Construct thematic statements from general themes found in a text, following the PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) template.
Present group findings orally and in written form, using ethically acceptable academic language and showing respect for diverse viewpoints.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Prose (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Knowing Your Narrative Elements (2.1)
Content standard: 1.2.1.CS.2 - Demonstrate understanding of how novelists use elements of prose to create stories 1.2.1.LO.1 Establish meaning by exploring a variety of prose fictional texts for pleasure. 1.2.1.LO.2 Analyse the author's creation of elements of prose. 1.2.1.LO.3 Analyse authors choice of language and style in prose fictional texts to create effect.
Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Examine characters and theme, and how they reflect context and society
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 8 (Week 8 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 34

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning:

- Learners in groups (mixed ability/gender), examine how an author creates plot and setting in a selected text. This activity will demand learners think critically to connect meaningfully with the text in the same task groups.

- Have learners present their findings to build consensus, innovate the work and present in print or on slides.

Diamond Nine Strategy:

- Appreciate the authors' craft through the use of sub plots with fishbone charts. Learners develop critical thinking as they apply knowledge which enables them to appreciate various authors' craft.

- In groups (mixed ability/gender), distinguish between the nature of major and minor, round and flat characters and their characteristics in selected level, appropriate texts with PEE template.

- Work in groups to develop collaboration to enable learners relate to and be sensitive to others and develop participatory problem-solving skills.

Project-Based Learning:

- Compare and contrast the use and effect of other elements of prose such as Foreshadow, Flashback, etc. in level appropriate texts.

- Learners think critically to apply knowledge to enable them compare and contrast these in varied texts as they reflect to present the right information.

- In sharing ideas and learning from each other, learners are encouraged to use academic language.

Structuring Talk for Learning:

- Initiate (whole class) discussions with the help of KWL charts, concepts maps to discuss and to review the meaning of theme. All learners will be required to participate, they therefore need to use ethically accepted language to avoid hurting the sensitivities of others. Learners can creatively present their information devoid of personal biases.

- In groups (mixed ability/gender), examine the development of main and sub-themes throughout the text. Present their work patiently waiting for their turn to contribute or critique as the case may be.

- In groups (mixed ability/gender), make general themes and turn them into thematic statements.

- Have learners present their work both orally and in written form.

Assessment (1.2.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Selected excerpts and text lesson plans
- Literary Text Multi -sensorial classrooms online summaries
- Annotation guides
- Audio-visual resources
- Work sheets
- Writing templates or plans
- Audio versions of excerpts
- Video excerpts of tension-based or suspenseful plots