Objective of the Learning Engagement:
- To analyze 4 different characters using a Visible Thinking routine.
- To be able to identify 3 character traits per character and find supporting evidence for justification.
- To be able to comment on language and authorial choices.
Details of the Learning Engagement:
Character Wheel Activity:
As a part of the English curriculum, students of Grade 8 have been doing an analytical study of the novel 'The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night Time' written by Mark Haddon. In order to do an analysis of some characters from the novel, the students worked on a visible-thinking routine called the Character Wheel.
In this activity, the students were divided into 4 mixed ability groups of 3 - 4 students each. Each group was asked to select a representative. The group representatives chose the character they will be working on through a draw of lots system.Each group was given a printed format of a character wheel. The students were given the following instructions:
- Innermost circle - write 3 character traits of the character.
- Middle Circle - Find evidence from the book to support that character trait.
- Outer Circle - Analyze how the chosen evidence helps to bring out that character trait.
In Analysis, students were advised to:
* Comment on the language
* Identify the technique used by the writer
* Comment on the effect created by the writer's technique.
This task will be assessed on the basis of content and presentation.
The students worked collaboratively on this task and applied analytical skills in completing it.
Impact of the engagement on students and my reflection as a teacher:
As a facilitator, I could notice that the students were not only engaged and interested in the task, but were also debating among themselves about the best possible choice of evidence for each character trait. While writing the analysis, they were having meaningful discussions about the authorial choices and their effects.
I also took feedback from students about their experience while doing this activity. All students said that they enjoyed the activity thoroughly and gained clarity about several concepts by working with their peers.
Such a lovely activity . I really liked the use of visible thinking routine and the way you have divided the groups . The impact is so evident through your writing . I was wondering if the article had one or two clear pictures where student response is readable.
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