Holes Lesson 19: Crime and Punishment - Lesson Plan

In Lesson 19 of the 'Holes' novel study, students aim to deepen their understanding of the novel's plot, characters, and the central theme of crime and punishment as explored by Louis Sachar. The lesson employs a combination of discussion and a dynamic hotseating activity to achieve this learning objective. During hotseating, students will have the opportunity to embody characters from the novel, allowing them to explore the characters' motivations and perspectives in relation to the theme of crime and punishment. This interactive task serves as a means of assessing students' progress in grasping the novel's complexities.

The lesson is structured to cater to different levels of comprehension among students. The expected outcomes range from gaining a basic understanding of the plot, characters, and theme ('Must'), to securing a more in-depth grasp ('Should'), and finally, developing a nuanced insight into these elements ('Could'). To accommodate varied learning needs, the lesson plan suggests differentiation opportunities, such as modifying the PowerPoint presentation, adjusting the level of scaffolding provided, and finding the right balance between teacher-led guidance and independent learning. The lesson begins with a 15-minute starter activity focused on discussing crime and punishment, followed by the main teaching activity which includes introducing the hotseating task, group work, and performances. It concludes with a 5-minute plenary for peer and self-assessment, where students reflect on what they've learnt about the characters through their participation in the activity.