Title: Exploring the Themes and Characters in “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)

Objective: - To introduce students to the novel “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers - To explore the themes and characters in the novel - To engage students in critical thinking and analysis of the text

Materials: - Copies of the novel “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with discussion questions (optional) - Internet access (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes) a. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard of or read any books by Walter Dean Myers. b. Provide a brief background on the author and his writing style. c. Introduce the novel “Monster” and its significance in the young adult literature genre. d. Explain that the novel explores themes of identity, justice, and the power of storytelling.

2. Pre-Reading Activity (15 minutes) a. Divide the class into small groups. b. Distribute a handout with discussion questions related to the themes and characters in the novel. c. Instruct each group to discuss and share their responses to the questions. d. Facilitate a whole-class discussion based on the groups’ findings.

3. Reading and Analysis (30 minutes) a. Assign the first few chapters of the novel as homework. b. In class, ask students to share their initial impressions of the story, characters, and writing style. c. Discuss the main character, Steve Harmon, and his role as the narrator. d. Analyze the themes of identity and perception in relation to Steve’s experiences.

4. Character Analysis (20 minutes) a. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. b. Assign each group a different character from the novel (e.g., Steve’s parents, defense attorney, prosecutor, fellow inmates). c. Instruct students to analyze their assigned character’s motivations, actions, and impact on the story. d. Have each group present their findings to the class, highlighting the complexities of the characters.

5. Writing Activity (15 minutes) a. Ask students to reflect on the themes and characters discussed so far. b. Instruct them to write a short paragraph or journal entry expressing their thoughts and connections to the novel. c. Encourage students to use evidence from the text to support their ideas.

6. Culminating Activity (20 minutes) a. Divide the class into small groups. b. Assign each group a specific theme from the novel (e.g., justice, prejudice, redemption). c. Instruct students to create a visual representation (poster, collage, or PowerPoint presentation) that captures the essence of their assigned theme. d. Allow time for each group to present their visual representation to the class, explaining their artistic choices and connecting them to the novel.

7. Conclusion (5 minutes) a. Recap the main themes and characters discussed throughout the lesson. b. Encourage students to continue reading the novel and explore its deeper meanings. c. Provide information on additional resources, such as interviews with the author or related articles, for students who want to delve further into the novel’s themes.

Note: The duration of each activity can be adjusted based on the class’s pace and needs.