**Lesson Plan: Literature (Classic and Contemporary Texts)**
**Grade:** 9
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 2 weeks (10 days, 45-minute lessons each day)
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**Lesson Objectives:**
1. Students will compare and contrast classic and contemporary texts.
2. Students will analyze themes, characters, and settings in both classic and contemporary literature.
3. Students will understand the historical and cultural contexts of the texts.
4. Students will enhance their critical thinking and discussion skills through group activities and discussions.
5. Students will write a comparative analysis essay on selected texts.
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**Materials:**
- Copies of a selected classic text (e.g., "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee)
- Copies of a selected contemporary text (e.g., "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sticky notes
- Discussion questions handouts
- Comparative analysis essay rubric
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**Day 1: Introduction to Classic and Contemporary Literature**
1. **Bell Ringer (10 minutes):**
- Write definitions for "classic literature" and "contemporary literature."
- Share and discuss student definitions briefly.
2. **Introduction (15 minutes):**
- Teacher explains the characteristics of classic and contemporary literature with examples.
- Introduce the selected texts ("To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Hate U Give").
3. **Reading Activity (20 minutes):**
- Students read the first chapter of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- Brief discussion about initial thoughts and predictions.
**Homework:** Read the first chapter of "The Hate U Give."
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**Day 2: Historical and Cultural Contexts**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Write down any similarities you noticed between the first chapters of both books.
2. **Mini-Lecture (15 minutes):**
- Teacher gives background information on the historical and cultural contexts of both texts.
3. **Group Activity (25 minutes):**
- Divide students into groups and provide discussion questions about the historical contexts.
- Groups present their findings to the class.
**Homework:** Read chapters 2-3 of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
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**Day 3: Theme Analysis - Part 1**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Write down one major theme you identified in the first chapters.
2. **Reading and Theme Discussion (40 minutes):**
- Read selected passages from both texts that highlight major themes.
- Discuss as a class how these themes are presented and why they are important.
**Homework:** Read chapters 2-3 of "The Hate U Give."
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**Day 4: Character Analysis - Part 1**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Write down the main characters introduced so far and note their key traits.
2. **Character Study (40 minutes):**
- Teacher-led discussion focusing on main characters in both texts.
- Students create character sketches and compare characters’ development.
**Homework:** Read chapters 4-5 of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
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**Day 5: Setting Analysis**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Describe the setting of both texts.
2. **Setting Exploration (15 minutes):**
- Discuss the importance of setting in literature and how it affects the story.
3. **Group Activity (25 minutes):**
- In groups, students create visual representations of the settings in both texts.
**Homework:** Read chapters 4-5 of "The Hate U Give."
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**Day 6: Theme Analysis - Part 2**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Review major themes discussed on Day 3, add any new observations.
2. **Theme Deep Dive (40 minutes):**
- Engage students in deeper analysis through discussion and written responses about how themes evolve.
**Homework:** Read chapters 6-7 of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
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**Day 7: Character Analysis - Part 2**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Reflect on characters’ actions and motivations in chapters read.
2. **Character Arc Examination (40 minutes):**
- Discuss how characters have changed and what these changes signify about the themes and messages of the books.
**Homework:** Read chapters 6-7 of "The Hate U Give."
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**Day 8: Preparing for Comparative Analysis**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- List key similarities and differences you’ve seen between the two books.
2. **Pre-Writing Activity (40 minutes):**
- Students create Venn diagrams to organize their comparative analysis.
- Teacher provides guidelines and rubric for the comparative analysis essay.
**Homework:** Begin drafting your comparative analysis essay.
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**Day 9: Writing Workshop**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Write down one challenge you encountered while drafting your essay.
2. **Draft Review and Peer Editing (40 minutes):**
- Students share drafts and provide peer feedback using a structured worksheet.
- Teacher circulates to provide individual guidance.
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**Day 10: Finalizing Essays and Class Discussion**
1. **Bell Ringer (5 minutes):**
- Reflect on what you’ve learned about comparing classic and contemporary literature.
2. **Essay Finalization (20 minutes):**
- Students make final revisions to their essays based on peer and teacher feedback.
3. **Class Discussion and Reflection (20 minutes):**
- Discuss final thoughts and insights gained from the study.
- Share excerpts from essays as a class.
**Homework:** Submit the final essay.
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**Assessment:**
- Participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Completion and quality of Venn diagrams and character sketches.
- Comparative analysis essay (graded with provided rubric).
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**Extensions:**
- Students can read additional classic and contemporary texts and write a reflective piece comparing them.
- Create a multimedia presentation summarizing their comparative analysis essay.
**Note:** Adjust reading assignments and lesson pacing as needed to fit your specific class’s needs and academic calendar.