Holes Lesson 7: Point, Evidence, Explain - Lesson Plan

The seventh lesson in the 'Holes' novel study series aims to equip Year 9 students with the ability to craft structured and detailed extended responses, with a specific focus on writing a character analysis of Mr. Pendanski. This skill is not only crucial for their current level but also serves as a foundational element in preparation for their GCSEs. The lesson's primary learning objective is to ensure that students can articulate a well-supported character analysis by employing the P.E.E. (Point, Evidence, Explain) formula, an effective strategy for structuring their thoughts and arguments.

To achieve this, the lesson begins with a brief starter activity highlighting the importance of writing extended answers. This introduction sets the stage for the main teaching activity, which spans 45 minutes and includes reading, discussion, and writing tasks. Students will first read up to the end of Chapter 5, followed by a teacher-led modelling of the 'Points and Evidence' task, which they will then complete independently. The core of the lesson involves students writing a detailed paragraph about Mr. Pendanski, using direct references from the text and the P.E.E. formula to structure their analysis. For those who finish early, an extension activity prompts them to explore the relationship between Mr. Pendanski and Mr. Sir. The lesson concludes with a plenary where volunteers share their findings, facilitating peer and self-assessment. Throughout the lesson, differentiation opportunities are provided, such as editing the PowerPoint or adjusting the level of scaffolding to cater to varying abilities within the class.