### Lesson Plan: Reading Comprehension (Classic and Modern Texts)
**Grade Level:** 9
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 1 Week (5 Class Periods, 45 minutes each)
**Objective:**
Students will develop reading comprehension skills through the analysis of both classic and modern texts. By the end of the week, students should be able to compare and contrast themes, characters, and settings, and articulate the relevance of classic literature in modern contexts.
#### Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.9: Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work.
#### Materials Needed:
- Copies of classic novel (e.g., "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee)
- Copies of modern novel or short stories (e.g., "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas)
- Notebooks
- Pens/Pencils
- Highlighters
- Graphic organizers
- LCD projector or smartboard
#### Week Breakdown:
**Day 1: Introduction to Classic and Modern Texts**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):** Ask students to write down their favorite book or story and why they like it.
2. **Lesson Introduction (10 minutes):** Discuss the importance of reading both classic and modern texts. Define what makes a text "classic" and discuss characteristics of modern literature.
3. **Reading Session (20 minutes):** Begin reading the first two chapters of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Encourage students to annotate as they read.
4. **Discussion (10 minutes):** Summarize the chapters read. Discuss initial impressions, setting, and characters introduced.
5. **Homework:** Read the next two chapters of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Take notes on themes and character development.
**Day 2: Analyzing Classic Texts**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):** Quick recap quiz on the previous day's reading.
2. **Group Activity (20 minutes):** Divide students into small groups for a deeper analysis of themes and characters in the chapters read. Use graphic organizers to track evidence and inferences.
3. **Class Discussion (15 minutes):** Groups share their findings. Highlight key pieces of evidence that illustrate themes and character development.
4. **Homework:** Read a selected chapter from "The Hate U Give." Prepare comments on how the themes compare to "To Kill a Mockingbird."
**Day 3: Transition to Modern Texts**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):** Ask students to share their homework comments with a partner.
2. **Reading and Watching Session (20 minutes):** Read a short excerpt from "The Hate U Give." Show a short clip from the movie adaptation.
3. **Discussion (10 minutes):** Compare the text and movie adaptation. Discuss how modern elements are portrayed differently than in the classic text.
4. **Graphic Organizer (10 minutes):** Fill in a Venn diagram comparing themes, settings, and characters of the two texts.
5. **Homework:** Read the next chapter of "The Hate U Give." Focus on character development and social issues presented.
**Day 4: Group Analysis and Comparative Essays**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):** Students summarize the latest chapter read from "The Hate U Give."
2. **Group Activity (15 minutes):** In groups, complete a comparative chart for "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Hate U Give" based on themes, characters, and conflicts.
3. **Essay Planning (20 minutes):** Guide students to plan an essay comparing a theme from the two texts. Provide an essay outline and let students start drafting the introduction and thesis statement.
4. **Discussion (5 minutes):** Quick share-out where students discuss their thesis statements.
5. **Homework:** Complete drafting the body paragraphs for the comparative essay.
**Day 5: Reflections and Assessments**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):** Free write: Reflect on the week's discussions. How has your understanding of reading and analyzing texts evolved?
2. **Peer Review (15 minutes):** Peer review essay drafts, focusing on clarity, coherence, and support for the thesis with textual evidence.
3. **Class Discussion (20 minutes):** Discuss how the themes of the classic and modern texts are still relevant today. Relate discussions to current events and students' personal experiences.
4. **Wrap-Up and Assignment (5 minutes):** Finalize essay drafts over the weekend. Submit completed essays next Monday.
5. **Homework:** Finish and polish comparative essays.
**Evaluation:**
- Participation in class discussions and activities
- Annotated readings and graphic organizers
- Comparative essay (assessed with a rubric focusing on clear thesis, textual evidence, analysis, and writing structure)
**Extension Activities:**
- Conduct a debate on the relevancy of classic literature in today’s curriculum.
- Creative assignment where students reimagine a scene from a classic text set in a modern context.
By engaging in this week-long lesson plan, students will not only improve their reading comprehension skills but also develop an appreciation for the valuable lessons offered by both classic and modern literature.