Lesson Plan: Figurative Language and Sideshow Character Posters

Grade: 8th Grade Subject: Reading Duration: 3 days

Day 1: Introduction to Figurative Language and Sideshow Characters

Objective: Students will understand the concept of figurative language and its use in creating vivid descriptions. They will also explore the history and characteristics of carnival sideshows.

1. Warm-up Activity (10 minutes):
   • Display a few examples of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification) on the board.
   • Ask students to identify the type of figurative language used in each example.
2. Introduction to Figurative Language (15 minutes):
   • Provide a brief explanation of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, and idioms.
   • Discuss the purpose of using figurative language in writing and its impact on the reader.
3. Research Activity: Sideshow Characters (20 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different type of sideshow character (e.g., bearded lady, strongman, contortionist).
   • Instruct students to conduct research on their assigned character, focusing on their appearance, skills, and role in the sideshow.
   • Provide resources such as books, articles, and websites for students to gather information.
4. Group Discussion (10 minutes):
   • Have each group share their findings about their assigned sideshow character.
   • Encourage students to discuss the unique characteristics and traits of their characters.

Day 2: Creating Figurative Language Descriptions for Sideshow Characters

Objective: Students will practice using figurative language to create descriptive and engaging character posters for their assigned sideshow characters.

1. Review of Figurative Language (10 minutes):
   • Recap the different types of figurative language discussed in the previous lesson.
   • Provide additional examples and ask students to identify the type of figurative language used.
2. Brainstorming Activity (15 minutes):
   • Instruct students to individually brainstorm a list of descriptive words and phrases that could be used to describe their assigned sideshow character.
   • Encourage them to think creatively and use figurative language to make their descriptions more engaging.
3. Figurative Language Practice (20 minutes):
   • Distribute a worksheet with a list of sentences describing various sideshow characters.
   • Instruct students to identify the type of figurative language used in each sentence.
   • Discuss the answers as a class, providing explanations and examples for each type of figurative language.
4. Creating Sideshow Character Posters (30 minutes):
   • Provide each student with a large poster board and art supplies.
   • Instruct students to use only figurative language to create a visually appealing poster that describes their assigned sideshow character.
   • Remind them to include vivid descriptions, such as similes, metaphors, and personification.

Day 3: Presenting Sideshow Character Posters and Analysis of Carnival Sideshows

Objective: Students will present their sideshow character posters, dress up as their characters, and analyze the history and significance of carnival sideshows (advanced class differentiation).

1. Poster Completion (20 minutes):
   • Allow students to finish their sideshow character posters, ensuring they are visually appealing and contain only figurative language descriptions.
2. Presentation and Dress-Up (30 minutes):
   • Have each student present their poster to the class, dressed up as their assigned sideshow character.
   • Encourage them to use expressive language and gestures while presenting.
   • Allow time for questions and feedback from classmates.
3. Analysis of Carnival Sideshows (Advanced Class Differentiation) (30 minutes):
   • Provide advanced students with additional resources on the history and significance of carnival sideshows.
   • Instruct them to conduct research and write a short analysis on the historical context, cultural impact, and ethical considerations of sideshows.
   • Encourage students to think critically and present their findings to the class.
4. Reflection and Wrap-Up (10 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on their learning experience and the challenges they faced while creating their sideshow character posters.
   • Discuss the importance of using figurative language to create vivid descriptions in writing.

Assessment: - Completed worksheet identifying different types of figurative language. - Sideshow character poster using only figurative language. - Presentation of the poster and dress-up as the assigned character. - Advanced class differentiation: Analysis of the history and significance of carnival sideshows.