Subject:
English Language Arts
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
High School
Grade:
11
Provider:
Pearson
Tags:
  • American Dream
  • Argument
  • Evaluation
  • Grade 11 ELA
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English

    Introducing Your Character

    Introducing Your Character

    Overview

    In this lesson, students will get into character and introduce themselves to the others who will be at the convention.

    Preparation

    • Read the lesson and student content.
    • Anticipate student difficulties and identify the differentiation options you will choose for working with your students.
    • Be sure to plan for the logistics of the convention. For example, will you change the furniture set-up to enable students to mingle freely?

    Character Intro Sheets

    • Give students a few minutes to fill out an introduction sheet for their character.
      • SWD: Consider allowing students with verbal expression difficulties to work with a partner, instead of with a larger group, to minimize potential distractions.

    Opening

    • With your group members, fill out an introduction sheet for your character.

    Social Schmoozing Review

    • The purpose of this task is to give students an overview of the lesson's activities. ELL: For ELLs who are more comfortable with written English than with spoken English, this task is a good opportunity to prepare possible responses in advance. Encourage them to take notes that they will be able to use during the Character Mixer.

    Work Time

    At the beginning of any convention, it’s important to spend some time making the rounds and getting to know other participants. Your job for today is to talk to as many different characters as possible, getting to know their backgrounds, beliefs, and opinions, and sharing your own.

    • Part 1: Brainstorm questions . With your group, think of questions to ask the other characters.
    • Part 2: Schmooze and chat . Then mingle with your classmates, meeting as many different characters as you can. Choose two or three questions to ask each character you meet and listen carefully to their answers.

    Questions Brainstorm

    • Students are generating questions to ask the other characters; students will choose from the list that has been shared.
    • Remind students that they should be prepared to answer any questions on the list.
      • SWD: Some students can benefit from focusing on only a few potential questions rather than preparing answers for all of them. If that is the case for several group members, consider helping them to divide up the questions and work in pairs so that all content is covered.
    • Distribute nametags to students and instruct them to write their characters' names.

    Work Time

    work time Questions Brainstorm

    • With your group, brainstorm questions for other characters in each of the following categories.
      • Family background
      • Political beliefs
      • Life struggles
      • Current events
      • Dreams and goals
      • My American Dream . . .
    • Write them down and make sure all group members have a copy.
    • Then generate a list of questions you think other students might ask your character. Make sure you, acting as your character, can answer the questions your classmates might pose.

    Open Notebook

    Character Mixer

    • Encourage students to talk to as many different characters as they can.
      • ELL: This is a great opportunity for students to practice English pronunciation. Remind them that the content of what they are saying is more important than choosing just the right word or being overly concerned about grammar rules.

    Work Time

    • Put on your nametag and mingle as your character, asking questions, taking notes, and listening carefully to your classmates’ responses.

    Open Notebook

    Group Strategy Session

    • Check in with each group to get a sense of how group members think today's work went.

    Closing

    • Return to your group and strategize. What final steps does each group member need to accomplish?

    Final Presentation Prep

    • Make sure students are clear on their responsibilities for the presentation.

    Homework

    • Finish any tasks you still have to complete for your presentation.