Skellig Lesson 9: Motifs - Lesson Plan

In Lesson 9 of the "Skellig" by David Almond novel study, the lesson's central aim is to deepen the students' understanding of the character Mina. This is accomplished through a combination of reading, discussion, and an empathetic writing task. Students will engage with Chapter 15 of the novel, delving into the intricacies of Mina’s personality and experiences. To assess progress, students will craft a diary entry from Mina's perspective, demonstrating their grasp of her character.

The expected outcomes of the lesson are tiered to cater to varying levels of comprehension. All students must exhibit a basic understanding of Mina, while they should aim to show a secure understanding. Those who could provide deeper insight into her character will have excelled. The lesson plan offers differentiation opportunities, allowing educators to tailor the PowerPoint presentation and tasks to the needs of their class, balancing teacher guidance with independent learning. The lesson kicks off with a 10-minute starter activity where students create a mind map about Mina, followed by a 10-minute reading and discussion session. After a 10-minute introduction to the diary writing task, students spend 20 minutes composing Mina’s diary entry. The lesson concludes with a 10-minute plenary where volunteers read their work aloud, and peers offer constructive feedback.