Holes Lesson 20: The Past is a Foreign Country - Lesson Plan

In Lesson 20 of the Holes novel study, the learning objective is to understand how the author, Louis Sachar, intricately connects the main plot with the sub-plot within the narrative. This lesson aims to delve into the motifs and thematic links that intertwine the two storylines, providing a richer understanding of the novel's structure. To assess progress, students will engage in tasks titled 'Narrative Links' and 'The Past and the Present', which are designed to consolidate their comprehension of these connections.

The lesson is structured to cater to different learning outcomes, where all students must gain a basic understanding of the plot links, while some should achieve a secure understanding, and others could reach deeper insights. Differentiation opportunities are available to tailor the lesson to various abilities, including editing the PowerPoint, adjusting scaffolding, and balancing teacher guidance with independent learning. The lesson kicks off with a collaborative 'What Happens Next?' discussion as a starter activity, followed by the main teaching activity, which involves reading and discussing the novel up to Chapter 40, completing the 'Narrative Links' task, and engaging in 'The Past and the Present' written activity, with an extension for advanced learners. The plenary session concludes with volunteers offering feedback, encouraging peer and self-assessment.