### Lesson Plan: Background of Texts
**Grade Level:** Primary 6
**Subject:** Literature in English
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Topic:** Background of Texts
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#### Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand what is meant by the "background" of a text.
2. Identify elements that contribute to the background of a text.
3. Explain how the background of a text can influence its content and themes.
4. Apply this understanding to a familiar story or book.
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#### Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Copies of a short story or an excerpt from a book suitable for Primary 6 (e.g., an excerpt from "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White or a similar age-appropriate text)
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Notebooks and pencils
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#### Lesson Procedure
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with an engaging question: "Have you ever wondered why a story happens in a certain place or time?"
- Briefly explain that the background of a text includes the setting, time period, cultural context, and historical events that influence the story.
- Write "Background of Text" on the whiteboard and list basic elements: setting, time period, culture, and history.
**2. Direct Instruction (15 minutes)**
- Define and discuss each element in more detail:
- **Setting:** Where the story takes place (country, city, environment).
- **Time Period:** When the story happens (past, present, future).
- **Culture:** The customs, traditions, and values of the society in the story.
- **History:** Any historical events that might affect the story.
- Use examples from a well-known story to illustrate these points (e.g., "Harry Potter" and its setting at Hogwarts, cultural elements of wizarding society).
**3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
- Hand out copies of the chosen short story or book excerpt.
- Read the text aloud to the class, or have students read silently, focusing on identifying elements of the background.
- Divide students into small groups and distribute chart paper and markers.
- Ask each group to discuss and list the background elements they found in the text on the chart paper.
**4. Group Discussion (10 minutes)**
- Have each group present their findings to the class.
- Discuss how the background elements they found contribute to the overall story.
- Ask questions to prompt deeper thinking, such as: "How would the story change if it were set in a different time period?"
**5. Independent Practice (5 minutes)**
- Assign students to write a paragraph explaining one element of the background of a text they have read recently and how it influenced the story or characters.
**6. Conclusion (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding the background of a text.
- Encourage students to pay attention to these elements when they read stories.
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#### Assessment
- Participation in group discussions and presentations.
- Completion of the individual writing assignment.
- Observations during guided practice and monitoring group discussions for understanding.
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#### Extensions and Differentiation
- **For advanced students:** Assign a project where they research the historical and cultural background of a book they are currently reading and present their findings to the class.
- **For struggling students:** Provide additional support by offering targeted questions to help them identify background elements and pair them with peers for collaborative learning.
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#### Homework
- Ask students to choose a book at home and write about the background elements they notice, including setting, time period, culture, and history.
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#### Reflection
- After the lesson, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Consider student engagement, understanding, and whether the objectives were met.
This structured approach aims to develop students' analytical skills and deepen their appreciation for literature by understanding the influences behind the texts they read.