Original request from teacher:
"I would like your library lesson to focus on theme and analyzing the way in which the theme or meaning of a selection represents a view or comment on the human condition."Where I took it:
I first tried to think through it as a student. I had to start by confirming "theme" in the literary sense, so I knew I was on the right track. I knew short reading selections would be the way to talk about and play with the theme of a work, but the kids are bored to tears with the short stories the teachers feed them. So, drawing on my background as a children's librarian, I chose my favorite read-aloud picture books that had obvious "lessons" in them. I also wanted to make it relevant to the teens, and since they are always on Facebook and inundated with technology, I thought maybe we could take what they'd learned and put it on there - as a meme. I know I see all sorts of inspirational life lessons in meme form every day.How it was received:
Of the five classes of sophomores and juniors I presented this lesson to, only one group complained about being treated like kids, and they got over that once the reading began. They just had to make a show of it as they came in. The classes earlier in the day were more engaged in the reading and discussions than the later classes, but I feel like this is an ongoing systemic problem, and not a problem with the format or the individuals. Kids just get restless after hours and hours of classes. The kids were engaged in the books, laughing at the humorous parts and making observations as we read. During the small group activity portion of the classes, students delegated the job responsibilities consistently. I observed some very rapt attention as the readers read the stories to the other team members. Very few students chose to put in minimal effort, and those few were in the classes that came at the end of the day. Discussions did a good job of staying on topic. Most groups were able to brainstorm on two possible themes, pull textual evidence, and condense their theme down to a short catchy saying on the first day. Condensing the brainstorming about theme down to a concise statement for an image really solidified the theme for the teens.What worked well:
- Asking them to put their broad theme idea into a statement they might see on a Facebook meme made them think about it in terms of what knowledge they could share with other people.
- Division of labor with specific jobs made sure each member was doing their part (mostly).
- Guiding the discussion of the book through the eyes of the protagonist and what they learned. I stole this idea from the "Searching for a Theme" graphic organizer here: www.scholastic.com/teachers/top_teaching/2011/02/helping-students-grasp-themes-in-literature
Things I didn't think about (but should have) before the lesson:
I thought this would move much faster. But, I was basing my original estimates on how long it would take me to make a meme, read a book, etc. The students were engaged, but did not move as quickly as I wanted it to or would have done it myself. It ended up taking two class periods instead of just one.Things to worry about or change for next time:
- While I think this worked well, I worry that the themes the kids (and I) can find in these books don't match what's on the big "list of themes found in literature" provided by the teacher.
- How to engage the end-of-day-and-tired-of-it-all students.
Resources:
Books Used - Duck & Goose, Edwina the Dinosaur who didn't know she was extinct, A Visitor for Bear, Bob & Otto, Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Zomo the Rabbit, The Dot, Armadilly Chili, Stellaluna
Meme Generator - www.imgflip.com
Best Memes Produced by the Students:
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