Narrative Text - Novel

Realistic Contemporary Fiction, Novel

To Kill a Mockingbird ,

Harper Lee

Before Reading the Novel, To Kill A Mockingbird:

Step 2: Set a purpose for reading.

It is always a good idea to set a purpose for your reading. It will help you to understand the text and hopefully give you motivation to read as well.

As you read the novel, think about these questions:

1) Why are we reading the novel To Kill a Mockingbird today when it was written in the 1960s?

2) Do the ideas in the book have any importance today?

3) What does the book mean in terms of how I think about myself, my family, my peers, my community, my country and humanity?

(From Deeper Reading,p.20,157 by Kelly Gallagher)

Step 3: You will maintain a Readers Notebook as a place for you to write your reactions to the novel and to record your assignments.

Below is an example of what to include in Readers Notebook:

Readers Notebook

Things to think about as I read

Reactions to what I read

Why are we reading this novel today since it was written a long time ago?

The author is giving me a lot of background about the town of Maycomb. Why would she do that? Its boring.

Are the ideas in the book still important?

Jem and Scout are funny names, and why do they call their Dad Atticus instead of Dad?

How does this book relate to my life, my family, etc?

Whats the big deal about Boo Radley? Did he really stab someone with scissors?

Step 4: View the PBS website below about the Scottsboro Trial. Harper Lee based some of the events of To Kill A Mockingbird on this trial. Be sure to read the timeline and the description of the film.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/scottsboro/

Step 5: After you view the website, write a journal entry in your Readers Notebook with your response to these questions:

1) Were you surprised by what happened to "The Scottsboro Boys?"

2) Did they get a fair trial? Why or Why not?

3) Do things like this happen today? Give examples.

Rubric for Answering Questions:

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Identifies details

Student answers each question thoroughly and accurately, using many relevant details from the book.

Student answers each question accurately, using some relevant details from the book.

Student answers most questions accurately, using few details from the book.

Student does not answer questions accurately, and does not use details from the book.

Identifies opinions when asked

Student gives logical opinions and extensive evidence for support.

Student gives opinions and evidence for support.

Student gives opinions but little evidence for support.

Students opinion is difficult to determine and there is no evidence for support.

Step 6: View the powerpoint presentation below on elements of a novel, as background for reading.

Later in the unit you will be asked to use the information in this powerpoint so it is important that you view it.

Narrative Elements

· plot, setting, conflict

(internal/external),

· theme

· character development

· mood, tone, style

· authors purpose

· point of view

· design

Elements of A Novel PowerPoint:

ElementsOfANovelPPT.ppt

There is a copy of the power point in the folder for this unit.

Last modified: Tuesday, 21 June 2011, 12:25 PM