Grade and Subject:
9th grade English/Language Arts
*This lesson will be implemented after a unit in which I provide an example of international young adult literature from each continent. Students were allowed to choose which of the examples they find most interesting and then were asked to read the book in its entirety.
Objectives:
- Students will be able to identify examples of theme in international literature.
- Students will be able to collaborate effectively to reflect upon a text.
Materials:
International novel of choice
Paper and a pencil
Opening:
Students will be asked to call out what comes to mind when they are presented with the phrase “young adult literature.” Once students were given the chance to respond, they will be asked to do the same thing only when thinking of the phrase “international young adult literature.”
Direct Instruction (“I do”)
After the opening, I will present a short PowerPoint presentation that discusses what Young Adult Literature is. In this presentation I will talk about genres as well as talk about how Young Adult Literature can be made up of various genres. Then, I will present what international literature is and how international literature can be made up of various themes as well. I will provide a list of popular themes in young adult literature that includes family, identity, religion, sexuality, and coming-of-age.
Guided Practice (“We do”)
After each student has read an example of international young adult literature, they will be asked to split into groups based on what novel they have read. Once students are sitting with those who have read the same novel that they have, they will be asked to use the examples of themes I provided in the presentation and apply that to their own novel. The groups will be asked to brainstorm possible themes that were represented in their novel and then provide textual evidence that supports their claims. Once every group has completed this, each group will present their ideas to the class and students will be given the opportunity to ask questions and add to their list.
Assessment (“You do”)
The assessment portion of this unit will be held on the following day of class. Students will be given a rubric along with prompt in class asking them to choose one main theme from their text and elaborate on how it related to the category of international young adult literature. They will also be asked to use evidence from the text to justify their response. At the end of class, students will turn their written assessment into me for review.
Closing:
After the assessments have been completed, I will conclude the unit by summarizing what we have learned. I will briefly discuss what international young adult literature is and how it can be carried across all cultures. I will also discuss what theme is and how theme played a role in what the students read. Finally I will demonstrate the importance of international young adult literature as it allows for students to gain insight on other cultures as well as form similarities with that of their own.