Active learning ideas
This topic focuses on characterization, the art of bringing fictional people to life. Students analyze the techniques authors use to reveal character, such as dialogue, actions, physical descriptions, and the reactions of others. They also delve into character motivation, asking 'why' characters behave the way they do and how their internal conflicts drive the narrative forward.
Activity 01
One student plays a character from the text while the rest of the class asks them questions about their choices and feelings. The student in the 'hot seat' must answer in character, using evidence from the book to justify their responses.
How do earthquakes occur?
Activity 02
Students identify a controversial action by a character. They work in pairs to find three possible reasons for that action, then share their most convincing reason with the class to debate the character's true intent.
What factors determine the extent of earthquake damage?
Activity 03
Students create 'before and after' posters showing a character at the start and end of the story. They must include quotes that demonstrate how the character has changed in terms of their beliefs, relationships, or personality.
How do earthquakes affect human lives and infrastructure?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Characters are either 'good' or 'evil'.
Most literary characters are 'grey' and possess both strengths and flaws. Using a 'character spectrum' activity where students place characters on a scale of morality helps them appreciate the complexity of characterization.
Characterization is just about what the character looks like.
Indirect characterization, what a character says, thinks, and does, is often more important than physical description. Analyzing a character's dialogue in a specific scene helps students see how personality is revealed through voice.
Methods used in this brief
Plate Tectonics and the Earth's Structure
Students learn about the internal structure of the Earth and the movement of tectonic plates.
8 methodologies
Volcanoes and their Impacts
Students explore the formation of different types of volcanoes and the positive and negative impacts of volcanic eruptions.
8 methodologies
Mitigating Tectonic Hazards
This topic evaluates the various strategies and technologies used to mitigate the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes.
8 methodologies