Lesson Plan: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Grade: Year 8

Objective: To analyze and understand the themes, characters, and historical context of the novel “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” through various activities and discussions.

Materials: - Copies of the novel “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” by John Boyne - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Internet access - Projector or smartboard - Video links: 1. Trailer of the movie adaptation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ypMp0s5Hiw 2. Holocaust survivor testimonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x2m47lGvJ8

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard of or read the book “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.”
   • Show the trailer of the movie adaptation to generate interest and engage students in the topic.
   • Ask students what they think the story might be about based on the trailer.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (15 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a copy of the novel.
   • Ask students to examine the cover, read the blurb, and discuss their initial thoughts and predictions about the story.
   • Have each group share their predictions with the class.
3. Reading and Analysis (30 minutes):
   • Assign the first few chapters of the novel as homework or in-class reading.
   • Instruct students to take notes on the characters, setting, and any significant events or themes they notice.
   • Discuss the students’ observations as a class, focusing on the themes of friendship, prejudice, and the Holocaust.
4. Historical Context (20 minutes):
   • Introduce the historical background of the Holocaust to the students.
   • Show video clips of Holocaust survivor testimonies to provide a firsthand account of the events. (Video link provided)
   • Facilitate a class discussion on the impact of the Holocaust and its relevance to the novel.
5. Character Analysis (25 minutes):
   • Assign each student a character from the novel (e.g., Bruno, Shmuel, Father, Mother) and ask them to create a character profile.
   • Instruct students to include physical appearance, personality traits, and motivations.
   • Have students present their character profiles to the class, discussing how their character contributes to the story.
6. Theme Exploration (20 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a theme from the novel (e.g., friendship, innocence, prejudice).
   • Instruct students to discuss instances in the story that exemplify their assigned theme.
   • Each group presents their findings to the class, explaining the significance of their chosen theme.
7. Reflection and Conclusion (10 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on the novel and its impact on them personally.
   • Discuss the lessons and messages conveyed by the story.
   • Conclude the lesson by encouraging students to read the rest of the novel and explore related books or movies.

Note: The duration of each activity can be adjusted based on the available class time.