This page has lesson plans for Unit 7 class sessions.
March 17- April 4
(approx 13 sessions)
Essential Questions:
How do the elements of drama combine to create exciting stories?
How can we explore and express ideas in dramatic works of literature?
Texts
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Topics:
Character Change
internal/external conflict & change
circumstances
gradual change vs. epiphany (sudden change as the result of a moment of realization)
connection between character development & action/plot
Character's relationship to group and/or society
inclusion/exclusion
Values & Contrasts
Characters
Settings
Narrative Pacing
description vs action
details
scene vs summary
Narrator perspective
Symbols, setting as symbol
Motifs
Themes
Simile, Metaphor
Personification
Literary criticism - AP FRQ Practice
broader context
revision your interpretation based on additional evidence
Creative Writing
Dialogue (see notes & The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing pg 343-356)
Writing a scene for a play/movie
Dramatic storytelling - characterization, conflict, character change, dialogue, action, plot
Unit Skills:
Describe and explain the interrelationship between character change, character choices/actions, and plot.
Describe and explain internal and external conflicts in a story or play.
Examine and discuss narrative pacing in a story or play.
Diagram, compare and contrast the plot of a story and its structure.
Write a literary interpretation that explains how the broader historical and/or social context influences your interpretation of the literary work.
Write a scene for a play/movie that includes characterization, conflict, character change, dialogue, action and plot.
Give positive constructive feedback on a classmate's creative work, analyzing use of characterization, conflict, character change, dialogue, action and plot.
Formative Assessment(s):
Group Discussion Notes
Reading Notes - evidence, commentary, analyses, questions, research
Creative Writing - write a scene for a play or movie (2-5 pages)
AP Multiple Choice Quiz/Practice
Summative Assessment(s):
Assessment is focused on helping students develop:
critical thinking
creative expression
analytical writing skills
research skills
intellectual and professional communication skills
Visit the assessments page for more details.
Life as an adventure
"Be humble. It’s good for learning and your relationships." by Richard Sima --> "intellectual humility"
"The brain loves a challenge. Here’s why." by Richard Sima --> "how to train your brain for difficult things"
Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life by Shigehiro Oishi
My Great, Wide, Beautiful World by Juanita Harrison
The Odyssey by Homer
"Ithaka" by C.P. Cavafy
need artwork, more poems, music
Tuesday March 17
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write for at least 10 minutes in response to a literature-based prompt.
Read & discuss "Here’s what science considers a path to a good life" by Richard Sima --> "psychological richness"
7.1 Reading & Annotation
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday March 18
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Identify and describe what specific textual details reveal about a character and that character’s perspective and motives.
Explain the function of contrasting characters.
Identify and describe specific textual details that convey or reveal a setting.
7.2 Opening Scene Image & Reading Notes - read and take notes on the opening paragraphs, due Tuesday January 14
_______________________________________________________
Thursday March 19
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Explain how a character’s own choices, actions, and speech reveal complexities in that character, and explain the function of those complexities.
Identify and explain the function of symbolic images and objects in The Alchemist.
7.2 Opening Scene Image & Reading Notes - read and take notes on the opening paragraphs, due Tuesday January 14
_______________________________________________________
Friday March 20
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Explain how a character’s own choices, actions, and speech reveal complexities in that character, and explain the function of those complexities.
Identify and explain the function of symbolic images and objects in The Alchemist.
Identify and describe details, diction, or syntax that reveal a character’s perspective.
Explain how choices between first-person and third-person POV influence the details, information, and voice in the storytelling.
7.2 Opening Scene Image & Reading Notes - read and take notes on the opening paragraphs, due Tuesday January 14
_______________________________________________________
Tuesday March 17
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write for at least 10 minutes in response to a literature-based prompt.
7.1 Reading Notes - read and take notes on Chapter 1-5, due Tuesday January 14
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday March 24
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write for at least 10 minutes in response to a literature-based prompt.
7.X Reading Notes - read and take notes on the book, due Tuesday March 31
_______________________________________________________
Thursday March 26
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write for at least 10 minutes in response to a literature-based prompt.
7.X Reading Notes - read and take notes on the book, due Tuesday March 31
_______________________________________________________
Thursday March 26
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write for at least 10 minutes in response to a literature-based prompt.
Read:
“Nurture Your Resilience: Bouncing Back from Difficult Times” from NIH News in Health
“How To Be More Resilient: 8 Strategies for Difficult Times” by Kathy Katella in Yale Medicine
“5 Strategies for Becoming a More Resilient Person” from St. Luke’s Penn Foundation
Discuss:
Why does resilience matter throughout the story?
What would happen if Santiago didn’t learn and practice resilience?
In what ways does Santiago learn and practice resilience throughout the novel? What are some of the things he does that help make him more resilient?
Journal Writing:
How do you practice resilience?
What skills, strategies, tools, and supports do you use?
What strategies do you want to try?
7.X Reading Notes - read and take notes on the book, due Tuesday March 31
_______________________________________________________
Tuesday March 31
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Use scrap paper to capture and organize your ideas and text evidence.
Write an outline and thesis statement for an essay in response to an AP Literature FRQ prompt.
Write an outline that presents your line of reasoning, including relevant claims and text evidence.
Write a one-sentence thesis statement that answers the prompt and presents a defensible interpretation of the novel.
Review AP Literature Exam format
Review Novel FRQ Rubric & example essay
Review Novel FRQ Prompt formats
Anatomy of an AP Literature FRQ prompt
Using Your Scrap Paper
Organizing your ideas --> line of reasoning / outline
Writing your thesis statement
Practice: Novel FRQ Outline & Thesis
Homework: Finish reading and taking notes on The Alchemist
7.11 Novel FRQ in class on Wednesday April 1
_______________________________________________________
Tuesday March 31
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
EXTRA CREDIT: Macbeth Video Reflection: Record a 1-2 minute video of you or your group discussing Macbeth. Be sure to include text evidence and explain your thinking. Choose one or more of the following questions to discuss:
Literary Techniques in Macbeth: Figurative Language (Juxtaposition, Symbols, Dramatic Irony, Motifs) Share an example and explain how it influenced meaning and interpretation in the story.
Character Changes: How does each character change over the course of the story?
Plot Development: How did Shakespeare build conflict, tension and suspense in the story?
Don't forget to introduce yourself and the play! Start out by telling us your name, the title of the play, and the author's name.
7.10 Short Film Adaptation due Tuesday April 7
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday April 1
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Write five paragraph literary interpretation essay essay that includes a thesis statement and presents a clear line of reasoning in body paragraphs with relevant claims, text evidence and commentary.
Write commentary that explains the relationship between the evidence and the claim.
Use relevant literary terminology in a literary interpretation essay.
Write using appropriate capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and transition phrases.
Literary Interpretation Essay in AP Classroom
7.11 Literary Interpretation FRQ in AP Classroom due in class today
_______________________________________________________
Thursday April 2
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Use a rubric to discuss and evaluate your own literary interpretation essay to determine the score your essay should receive based on the thesis, line of reasoning (including claim, evidence and commentary), and sophistication.
FRQ Scoring Form
Practice: Use the rubric-based form to annotate & score your poetry interpretation essay
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday April 8 & Thursday April 9
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
EXTRA CREDIT: Macbeth Video Reflection: Record a 1-2 minute video of you or your group discussing Macbeth. Be sure to include text evidence and explain your thinking. Choose one or more of the following questions to discuss:
Literary Techniques in Macbeth: Figurative Language (Juxtaposition, Symbols, Dramatic Irony, Motifs) Share an example and explain how it influenced meaning and interpretation in the story.
Character Changes: How does each character change over the course of the story?
Plot Development: How did Shakespeare build conflict, tension and suspense in the story?
Don't forget to introduce yourself and the play! Start out by telling us your name, the title of the play, and the author's name.
7.10 Short Film Adaptation due Tuesday April 7
_______________________________________________________
Friday April 10
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Analyze and discuss the significance and impact of filmmaker choices in short film adaptations of scenes from The Alchemist.
Viewer response feedback questions on artist choices, connection to the story & meaning/significance to guide discussion and feedback on short film adaptations of scenes from The Alchemist.
Practice: Use the rubric-based form to annotate & score your poetry interpretation essay
_______________________________________________________
Wednesday April 8
Welcome back! My plan for this unit is to guide you to:
Identify and list at least 6 books that you are interested in reading. For each book include:
Book cover
Title
Author
1 paragraph – Why are you interested in reading this book?
1 paragraph – Summary (can be copied and pasted but must include quotation marks and a link to the webpage)
Book List
TBD
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Match critical questions with the corresponding literary theory (critical lens).
Evaluate thesis statements based on whether they meet the following criteria:
present a defensible interpretation
use specific wording
insightful, reflecting deep thought
Claims & Thesis Statement Review
Create Questions
Gather text evidence and write commentary
Exit Ticket: Thesis Statement Evaluation Quiz
6.10 Literary Criticism & Thesis Quiz
6.11 Thesis Statement Evaluation Quiz
Homework: Read Their Eyes Were Watching God Chapters 6-15
6.12 Literature Seminar Discussion - critical questions due tomorrow
_______________________________________________________
TBD
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Use a dialectical journal format to manage text evidence and commentary related to character development, setting, significant events, conflict and a critical lens.
Identify and comment on patterns, themes and observations in 1984.
Choose a critical lens for examining literary elements and themes in 1984.
Brainstorm at least one question for examining 1984 through a critical lens.
Generate questions related to character development, character perspectives and motivations, significant events, and themes in 1984.
Write a 1-2 sentence thesis statement that addresses a question and presents a defensible interpretation of the novel.
Present and discuss your interpretation, including your claim, text evidence and commentary.
Literary Criticism:
Literary Theory & Critical Lenses
Examples of critical essays
Significance & Thesis Statement
Silent Reading & Dialectical Journal
Commentary & Line of Reasoning
Create Questions
Gather text evidence and write commentary
Video Discussion - Critical Lenses
Homework: Read Their Eyes Were Watching God Ch 6-15 and take notes
_______________________________________________________
TBD
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
EXTRA CREDIT: Macbeth Video Reflection: Record a 1-2 minute video of you or your group discussing Macbeth. Be sure to include text evidence and explain your thinking. Choose one or more of the following questions to discuss:
Literary Techniques in Macbeth: Figurative Language (Juxtaposition, Symbols, Dramatic Irony, Motifs) Share an example and explain how it influenced meaning and interpretation in the story.
Character Changes: How does each character change over the course of the story?
Plot Development: How did Shakespeare build conflict, tension and suspense in the story?
Don't forget to introduce yourself and the play! Start out by telling us your name, the title of the play, and the author's name.
7.9Macbeth Audio Recording due Sunday March 24 by 11:59pm
_______________________________________________________
DATE
Welcome back! My plan for this unit is to guide you to:
Analyze an author's use of literary techniques in a poem or short fiction passage.
Unit 6 Progress Check MCQ - 4 passages, 27 questions, 35 minutes
6.16 Unit 6 Progress Check MCQ
Wednesday March 6
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Generate and discuss questions before, during and after reading Act 2 of Macbeth.
Examine and discuss plot development, tension, suspense and narrative pacing in Macbeth.
Examine literary devices in Macbeth to understand character development and plot.
Watch & Read Macbeth Act 2 (pg. 16-28 of NoFear Shakespeare script)
Literary Devices: simile, juxtaposition, motif, dramatic irony
Small Group Discussion - Macbeth Questions - Depth & Complexity
Class Discussion - Macbeth Questions share out and discuss
_______________________________________________________
Thursday March 7
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Generate and discuss questions before, during and after reading Act 3 of Macbeth.
Discuss the character changes and transformations in Macbeth.
Examine literary devices in Macbeth to understand character development and plot.
Write one paragraph that includes a relevant claim, evidence and commentary.
Read then watch Macbeth Act 3 (pg. 28-43 in NoFear Shakespeare script)
Literary Devices: simile, juxtaposition, allusion, motif, dramatic irony
Juxtapositions: Banquo & Macbeth, Macbeth & Lady Macbeth
Motifs:
snake (Act 1, Scene 5 pg. 12; Act 3 Scene 2 pg. 33; Scene 4 pg. 37)
Small group discussion - What do you think will happen?
_______________________________________________________
Friday February 10
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Review and discuss questions, options and answers in the multiple choice test.
List and explain insights and tips for success on future multiple choice questions.
Review of MCQ #1 & #2
Reflection / Share Insights
What did you notice as you were reviewing the questions and working on the corrections?
What insights or interesting realizations did you have?
Reflection
_______________________________________________________
Friday March 10
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Individual conferences
Reflection
Reflection
_______________________________________________________
DATE
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Brainstorm and write about themes, styles and techniques you would like to explore in your creative writing.
What theme or idea would you like to explore? Why is this theme interesting to you? What other works (books, poems, movies, TV shows, videos, artwork, photographs, songs, etc.) explore this theme?
What books, poems, movies, TV shows, videos, artwork, photographs or songs can you use as inspiration? What style or techniques does the author/artist use that you would like to try?
Literary Techniques
Journal Writing
Themes & Techniques (Padlet)
Journal Writing - Example
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Read a book of your choice independently for at least 15 minutes.
Continue drafting your short story, developing the plot and narrative structure and building suspense and tension. How does each detail and event influence the course of the story?
In your writing, explore the theme, style and/or techniques you brainstormed earlier this week.
Share theme ideas on chalkboard board
Narrative Structure & Pacing
Short Story Draft
Short Story Draft & Annotations - example
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Continue drafting your short story, working on character development. What happens and how does your character change over the course of the story?
In your writing, explore the theme, style and/or techniques you brainstormed last week.
Share ___ on chalkboard board
Character Change - two ways to plan your story:
Plot-->Change: What happens next in the story? How do the events influence a change in your character?
Change-->Plot: How will your character change? What happens to get your character to this change?
Short Story Draft
Short Story Draft & Annotations - example
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Discuss plot development and character development in your story or in Macbeth using text evidence such as descriptive details, dialogue, and action.
Describe how a character changes, and include specific details about the circumstances, context, and significant events.
Identify and explain an example of how details created suspense or tension in a story.
Review elements of narrative structure: plot development, character changes, suspense, tension, conflict, dialogue, action
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Share and discuss your writing with a partner or small group.
Give and receive specific, positive constructive feedback on classmates' writing.
Small group discussion - writing share and feedback, asking questions
Individual Writing Conferences
Writing workshop individual notes
Group discussion peer evaluation
Writing workshop individual notes - as comments or in your Journal Writing document
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Revise and edit your piece based on feedback and notes from writing workshop.
Reflect on your writing notes and the feedback you received from writing workshop.
Revise & Edit Creative Writing
Individual writing conferences
Reflection
Reflection:
What do I want to work on in my writing?
What words, phrases and sentences did people notice?
What did people like about my piece? What did I do well?
What questions did people have for me?
What other questions do I have for myself?
_______________________________________________________
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Discuss the following terms and concepts:
group as character, collective attitude
inclusion vs. exclusion
character details: background, perspective, attitude, agency, nuance
character relationships, interactions, contrasts
character development, changes, epiphany
conflict
setting: mood, atmosphere, contrasts, changes
plot: narrative pacing
narrator: reliability, contradictions
symbols, setting as symbol
motif
figurative language: simile, personification
Socratic Seminar Overview
Read & Annotate
Instructions:
Read and annotate the following texts:
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
"Alief" by Bryan Washington
"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Narrative Pacing from Masterclass
Come up with three discussion questions and/or observations of your own.
Questions:
What details stood out to you in the text? Why? Where there any details that you could relate to? Were there any details that made you curious?
In what ways can one's background and experiences influence his/her work as a writer?
Discussion expectations:
student-led discussion: establish norms for student discussion and participation
discuss (inquiry, responses that grow from the thoughts of others, communal spirit) NOT debate (persuasion, rebuttals, clear sides)
teacher keeps track of conversation participation (see comment-tracking form by Sarah Heim)
| = comment
? = question
+ = insightful comment or question
t = textual reference in comment
Reflection: Choose one of the reflection questions below to respond to:
Choose one question or point that was brought up in seminar that you would like to explore further. Write a paragraph answering the question or responding to the point that was made.
Self-assess: How did you do in today's seminar? What do you think you did well? What could you do next time to improve your participation? Answer in one paragraph.
DATE
Welcome back! My plan for today is to guide you to:
Share and discuss your writing with a partner or small group.
What helped you the most when writing your essay?
Revise your literary interpretation essay using your rubric-based score and specific comments.
Correct errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and transition phrases.
Small group discussion
Literary Interpretation Essay Revision & Editing
Reflection / Share Insights - What did you notice as you were reviewing the questions and working on the corrections? What insights or interesting realizations did you have?
Reflection
_______________________________________________________
AP Literature Skills Focus for Unit 7: Drama
CHR 1.B Explain the function of a character changing or remaining unchanged.
CHR 1.C Explain the function of contrasting characters.
CHR 1.D Describe how textual details reveal nuances and complexities in characters' relationships with one another.
CHR 1.E Explain how a character's own choices, actions, and speech reveal complexities in that character, and explain the function of those complexities.
SET 2.B Explain the function of setting in a narrative.
SET 2.C Describe the relationship between a character and a setting.
STR 3.B Explain the function of a particular sequence of events in a plot.
STR 3.D Explain the function of contrasts within a text.
STR 3.E Explain the function of a significant event or related set of significant events in a plot.
STR 3.F Explain the function of conflict in a text.
NAR 4.C Identify and describe details, diction, or syntax in a text that reveal a narrator's or speaker's perspective.
NAR 4.D Explain how a narrator's reliability affects a narrative.
FIG 5.C Identify and explain the function of a symbol.
FIG 5.D Identify and explain the function of an image or imagery.
FIG 6.A Identify and explain the function of a simile.
FIG 6.C Identify and explain the function of a personification.
LAN 7.B Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
LAN 7.C Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis.
LAN 7.D Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning.
LAN 7.E Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.