Student Teacher: Gabriella Pozzan Date: 14 November 2017

Room: 203 Grade/Level: Group 4AP Period: 3 (11:40 to 12:58)

Purpose

To promote healthy discussion in the classroom concerning societal issues surrounding the novel To Kill
a Mockingbird.

Learning outcome(s)

Students will have a better understanding of the importance of To Kill a Mockingbird and how it has
affected society since its publication.

Bridge-in

Starting the lesson with the usual recapitulation of the chapters which students had to read for that class.
Lead a short discussion about respect.

Pre-test

Ask students about their awareness of racial tensions in the South of the United States to slowly begin the
conversation.
Input from you Guided practice

One of the reason why this novel is still read in
schools is because it is still relevant to North
American society. The themes of family, racism,
rape, and more are still common topics being
discussed.
The information used for this lesson comes from
various articles and videos which discuss the
controversies relating to the novel with differing
approaches.
- Language Power
- Discussion about respect: Remind students
that they should respectfully listen to each
other, raise their hand when they want to
share their opinion, and respect others
assure them that this is necessary for this
lesson, but also for all future class
discussions, and that this will be helpful for
other situations as well.

Using the SmartBoard for this presentation is
useful for multiple reasons easy access to the
necessary videos, avoiding multiple copies of
multiple articles, and, most importantly, for
differentiation purposes. It particularly involves
various learning styles by providing a chance for
certain students to read and watch, for others to
listen to the audio and people talking, and for
others to participate by volunteering to read aloud
for the class or by sharing their opinions.
The Centre for Teaching & Learning Services
- Activity about controversies: Have
discussions concerning the following
sources:
1- Looking at the American Library
Associations website to see all the multiple
instances where places have banned, or
wanted to ban, To Kill a Mockingbird.
2- Reading about one of these instances
from 2016 in Virginia.
3- Another instance in 2017 Mississippi.
4- Looking at an article discussing why the
novel keeps being banned.
5- Watching three videos about the socio-
 The information used for this lesson is, for the most historical aspects, the way in which the
part, based on facts rather than opinion. This is novel is approached, and how Go Set a
helpful in creating a beneficial discussion. Watchman changed perspectives.

It is also important to discuss respect before the - Closure: Closing question Should it be
discussion concerning controversies; not only to normalised, and why?
remain polite and civil, but so that students feel
safe to share their opinion and to listen to each
other respectfully.
Timing

- Language Power: 10 minutes

- Discussion: 5 minutes

- Activity: 55 minutes

- Closure: 8 minutes

Closure

Ask students about their opinion on whether the novel and its themes should be normalised and why they
think so.
Check for understanding

Ask students if they would like to share anything else and if they have any questions.
Remind them that, because of what we discussed, To Kill a Mockingbird is a very important novel.

Assessment

This lesson is part of the unit on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Students will not be
evaluated on this lesson.
Self Directed Teaching Skill

- Make sure to repeat students answer to confirm and to ensure that every student understands.
- Must be prepared for unexpected issues (such as computer or smartboard not working), and have a
plan B.
- Remember to ensure that everything is clear and that all students know what they must do.
- Maintain low noise levels and order in the classroom.
- Ensure that all students have a chance to share if they wish to and attempt to avoid constantly
choosing the same students.
- Do not be overly ambitious with timing make sure to have enough time when teaching the
lesson to avoid having to leave out the end of the activity.
- Avoid shushing by waiting to have students attention and reminding them to listen to who is
speaking.

The Centre for Teaching & Learning Services