Example Lesson Summaries

(annotated)
Symbolism
Objs + Goals
SWBAT… define symbolism in their own words
SWBAT… identify symbolism in a variety of medias
SWBAT… create an artistic representation of a concept using visual symbols

After viewing a PowerPoint presentation defining

symbolism and exploring examples, students are put
into learning groups and given a concept. (ex: love,
greed, fear, etc)
They are given art supplies, magazines, newspapers,
etc and are asked to create a collage of images
(symbols) that convey the concept to the viewer.
For example if a groups’ concept is fear, they will want
to find symbols and images that represent fear.

(Digital Adaptation for remote students: students can

create a powerpoint slide with google image search)

Theme
Objs + Goals
SWBAT… define theme in their own words
SWBAT… identify theme in a variety of medias
SWBAT… write a short story implementing theme

After viewing a powerpoint defining theme and showing examples, students watch various
Pixar short clips and are asked to identify the theme of each clip. For each clip, students will
write a response to the clip explaining the theme and providing evidence to back up their
answer. Students will also read several short stories over time and discuss the theme of
each one.
For a summative assessment students create their own short story and develop a theme for
the audience.
Tone and Mood
Objs + Goals
SWBAT… define tone
SWBAT… define mood
SWBAT… differentiate between tone and mood
SWBAT… identify tone in story and other mediums
SWBAT… identify mood in story and other mediums

Students will use compare and contrast charts to differentiate between the tone and mood
of different movie trailers. I will play the original movie trailer and have students determine
the tone and mood and then I will play an altered version of the trailer (ex: comedy movie is
turned into a horror movie trailer). The students will then chart the differences and explain
what factors help to alter the tone and mood of the trailer.

Writing Exercise (Snowball writing)

Objs + Goals
SWBAT… practice creative writing skills
SWBAT… collaborate with peers in crafting a final product

Each student receives a piece of notebook paper with a topic. The students are given 30
seconds to 1 minute to begin writing a story based on the topic. Once the time is up, the
students crumble up their piece of paper and lightly toss it to the other side of the room
where another student will pick up their paper (at random) and continue the story for
another 30 seconds to 1 minute. This process repeats until the paper is full of writing. At the
end, the students read the story (which is usually very funny) and we all have to guess who
started the story off.

Socratic Seminar (Fish Bowl)

Objs + Goals
SWBAT… discuss topics and ideas related to (story or novel being read)
SWBAT… collaborate with peers
SWBAT… question different perspectives
SWBAT… develop a deeper understanding of a topic

Two circles are formed with desks in the classroom; a small circle and a large one.
Within the small circle, students discuss topics that they pull from the “fish bowl”. When a
student from the outside circle decides they would like to contribute to the conversation,
they replace one of the students from the inner circle. Students are given a requirement to
join the inner circle at least twice during a fishbowl discussion.