Holes Lesson 3: Stanley and the Curse - PowerPoint

In a lesson dedicated to exploring the theme of destiny and the character of Stanley Yelnats, students are invited to delve into the concept of a family curse as presented in the novel "Holes." The lesson's objective is to develop a deeper understanding of these themes and their impact on the protagonist's life. The lesson begins by asking students to contemplate the nature of curses, fate, and destiny, setting the stage for a discussion about the specific curse that plagues Stanley's family—a curse attributed to a one-legged gypsy introduced in Chapter three of the book. Students are encouraged to reflect on their beliefs regarding curses and whether they think such supernatural elements can influence one's life.

As the lesson progresses, the focus shifts to Stanley Yelnats himself. Students are prompted to share their initial impressions of Stanley, using descriptive words and phrases to capture their thoughts. To aid in their analysis, the lesson provides guidance on how to articulate these impressions by writing a paragraph. Sentence starters are offered to help students structure their responses and to encourage them to consider how the author, Louis Sachar, presents Stanley to the reader. The activity not only serves to enhance their comprehension of the character but also to practice their analytical writing skills by examining characterisation techniques within the text.