Grade 10 English FAL (First Additional Language) Lesson Plan: Woman on the March

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Lesson Plan Title:

Grade 10 English FAL (First Additional Language) Lesson Plan: Woman on the March

Materials Needed:

  • Textbook: “Woman on the March”
  • Worksheets with comprehension questions
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Audio equipment (for audio excerpts, if available)
  • Computer with internet access (optional, for supplementary videos)
  • Copies of the text for each student

Learning Objectives:

  • To understand the key themes and messages in “Woman on the March”
  • To analyse the characters, setting, and plot
  • To enhance vocabulary related to the theme of women empowerment
  • To develop critical thinking and comprehension skills

Vocabulary:

  1. Empowerment – The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
  2. Suffrage – The right to vote in political elections.
  3. Patriarchy – A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.
  4. Inequality – Difference in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality.
  5. Activism – The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about social or political change.

Previous Learning:

Students have previously explored themes of justice, equality, and civil rights through various texts. They have been introduced to key literary analysis skills, such as identifying themes, analysing characters, and understanding plot structures.

Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:

  • Challenge: Students may find the historical context challenging.
    Solution: Provide background information and discuss the historical context of women’s rights movements.
  • Challenge: Vocabulary complexity.
    Solution: Pre-teach key vocabulary before delving into the text.

Beginning Activities (4 minutes):

  • Introduction to Objectives: Discuss the learning objectives with students.
  • Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students what they know about women’s rights and historical figures who have influenced these rights. Use this as a springboard to introduce “Woman on the March.”

Middle Activities (48 minutes):

  1. Direct Instruction (10 mins):
  2. Provide a brief historical background on women’s suffrage and the women’s rights movement.
  3. Introduce the main themes of the story “Woman on the March”.
  4. Guided Reading (15 mins):
  5. Read aloud an excerpt from the text, or play an audio version if available.
  6. Pause periodically to ask comprehension questions and discuss important points.
  7. Group Work (15 mins):
  8. Divide the class into small groups.
  9. Assign each group a section of the text to analyse, focusing on different aspects such as character analysis, theme identification, and plot development.
  10. Provide worksheets to guide their analysis.
  11. Class Discussion (8 mins):
  12. Reconvene as a class and have each group present their findings.
  13. Encourage students to ask questions and engage in a discussion about the text and its themes.

End Activities (8 minutes):

  • Exit Ticket Activity: Hand out a short worksheet with questions designed to consolidate their learning from the lesson. Questions could include:
  • What is the primary theme of “Woman on the March”?
  • How does the main character demonstrate empowerment?
  • What historical events or movements are referenced in the text?

Assessment and Checks for Understanding:

  • Comprehension questions during guided reading.
  • Group work analysis and presentation.
  • Exit ticket worksheet to check for individual understanding.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:

  • Scaffolding: Provide sentence starters and graphic organisers for students who may need help structuring their analysis.
  • Extension: Offer additional reading material or research projects for advanced students to further explore the topic.
  • Support: Pair ELL (English Language Learners) students with more proficient peers and provide them with a glossary of terms.

Teaching Notes:

  • Emphasise the importance of understanding the historical context of the text.
  • Encourage students to draw parallels between the text and current events related to women’s rights.
  • Use probing questions to facilitate deeper thinking and engagement.
  • Ensure all students can access the text and provide alternative formats if necessary.

Accessibility Considerations:

  • Ensure audio equipment and digital materials are accessible to all students.
  • Provide printed copies of any digital worksheets or materials.
  • Use large print materials for students with visual impairments.
  • Implement classroom arrangements that accommodate any physical disabilities.

This lesson plan aims to equip students with a deeper understanding of women’s rights movements and the empowerment of women through literature, allowing them to critically analyse texts and historical contexts.