Holes Lesson 8: Got the Sub-plot? - Lesson Plan

In Lesson 8 of the Holes novel study, the learning objective is to deepen students' understanding of the sub-plot, a secondary strand of the story that runs parallel to the main plot. The lesson is designed to consolidate knowledge up to Chapter 7, using a cloze passage and a storyboard activity to assess students' grasp of the sub-plot's nuances. The expected outcomes are tiered to cater to different levels of comprehension: a basic understanding is a must, a secure understanding is the goal for most, and a detailed understanding is the challenge for those who could push further in their analysis.

The lesson plan includes differentiated opportunities to ensure that all students can access the learning material. Teachers can edit the PowerPoint presentation as needed, add or remove scaffolding, and strike a balance between guided instruction and independent learning. The lesson begins with a 10-minute starter activity that involves a collaborative discussion about the nature of a sub-plot, its role in 'Holes', and the reasons authors use sub-plots. Following this, the main teaching activity spans 40 minutes, where students read and discuss the characters and key events up to Chapter 7, then engage in the sub-plot and storyboard tasks. For those who finish early, an extension activity encourages them to animate their storyboards using an online tool like PowToon. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute plenary where volunteers present their storyboards, facilitating peer and self-assessment.