# Lesson Plan: Reading and Analyzing Non-African Poetry & "Faceless" by Amma Darko: Plot and Themes
## Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2 (SS2)
## Subject: Literature in English
## Duration: 80 Minutes
### Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
1. Understand the basic elements and techniques used in non-African poetry.
2. Analyze and discuss the plot of "Faceless" by Amma Darko.
3. Identify and explore the key themes in "Faceless."
4. Develop critical thinking and interpretive skills.
### Materials:
- Copies of the selected non-African poems.
- Copies of "Faceless" by Amma Darko.
- Whiteboard and markers.
- Projector (if available for visual aids).
- Handout: Elements of Poetry and Plot Structure (optional).
### Lesson Structure:
#### Introduction (10 Minutes):
1. **Greeting and Attendance:**
- Greet students and take attendance.
2. **Activator:**
- Display a short, impactful non-African poem on the board or projector.
- Read the poem aloud and ask students to note down any initial thoughts or feelings.
- Briefly discuss their initial impressions.
#### Part 1: Non-African Poetry (30 Minutes):
3. **Discussion:**
- Briefly introduce the genre of non-African poetry, highlighting key elements such as tone, imagery, form, and mood.
4. **Poetry Analysis:**
- Distribute copies of selected non-African poems.
- Read the poems collectively as a class.
- Engage students in a guided analysis, discussing elements such as:
- Rhyme and meter
- Imagery and symbolism
- Themes and tone
- Encourage students to share their interpretations and analyses.
#### Part 2: Plot and Themes in "Faceless" by Amma Darko (40 Minutes):
5. **Summary of "Faceless":**
- Provide a brief overview of the novel "Faceless" by Amma Darko for context.
- Highlight the setting, main characters, and basic plot. Ensure students have copies prior to class or have read key sections.
6. **Plot Analysis:**
- Discuss the major events in the plot, focusing on the structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
- Use a whiteboard to draw a plot diagram and fill it in collectively as a class activity.
- Ask students to identify key turning points and character developments.
7. **Themes Exploration:**
- Identify and explain the central themes of "Faceless," such as:
- Social injustice
- Gender inequality
- Poverty and survival
- Family and community
- Engage students in a discussion:
- How do these themes relate to the characters and their actions?
- Are these themes still relevant today?
- What message is Amma Darko trying to convey through this novel?
8. **Group Work:**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a theme or a major plot point.
- Instruct them to discuss and analyze their topic in-depth and prepare a short presentation.
#### Conclusion (10 Minutes):
9. **Group Presentations:**
- Allow each group to present their analysis briefly.
- Facilitate a class-wide discussion on the shared insights and conclusions.
10. **Wrap-Up:**
- Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- Answer any remaining questions.
- Provide a brief preview of the next lesson.
### Homework:
- Assign students to write a comparative essay on the non-African poem analyzed in class and a poem from African literature, focusing on themes and styles.
- Ask students to read the next chapter(s) of "Faceless" in preparation for the next class.
### Assessment:
- Evaluate students' participation in discussions and group work.
- Review and assess their homework essay for comprehension and analytical skills.
- Conduct a follow-up quiz in the next lesson to ensure understanding of the plot and themes of "Faceless."
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This plan should provide a structured yet interactive framework for students to deeply engage with both non-African poetry and the novel "Faceless" by Amma Darko, fostering both comprehension and critical analysis skills.