Simpler Version:
Lesson Plan: “Exploring Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’”
Grade Level: Year 9 (ACARA)
Subject: English
Duration: 1-2 lessons (45 minutes each)
Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze and interpret the themes and messages conveyed in Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits.’
2. Develop critical thinking skills by examining the use of visual and written techniques in the book.
Materials:
- Copies of Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’ (one per student or small group)
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
Procedure:
Lesson 1: Introduction and Analysis
1. Introduce Shaun Tan as an Australian author and illustrator known for his unique storytelling style.
2. Show the students the cover of ‘The Rabbits’ and ask them to make predictions about the story based on the visuals.
3. Distribute copies of the book to each student or small group and ask them to silently read the text and examine the illustrations.
4. Facilitate a class discussion using the following guiding questions:
a. What themes or messages do you think the author is trying to convey?
b. How do the illustrations contribute to the story?
c. What emotions or reactions did the book evoke in you?
Lesson 2: Visual and Written Techniques
1. Review the themes and messages discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific visual or written technique used in ‘The Rabbits’ (e.g., symbolism, metaphor, etc.).
3. In their groups, students should analyze the book to identify instances of their assigned technique and discuss how it enhances the storytelling.
4. Each group presents their findings to the class, explaining their assigned technique and providing examples from the book.
5. As a class, discuss the impact of these techniques on the overall message and effectiveness of the story.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Analysis of visual and written techniques in ‘The Rabbits.’
Same Version:
Lesson Plan: “Exploring Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’”
Grade Level: Year 9 (ACARA)
Subject: English
Duration: 2-3 lessons (45-60 minutes each)
Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze and interpret the themes and messages conveyed in Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits.’
2. Develop critical thinking skills by examining the use of visual and written techniques in the book.
3. Enhance creative writing skills by creating a response to the text.
Materials:
- Copies of Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’ (one per student or small group)
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.)
- Writing paper or notebooks
Procedure:
Lesson 1: Introduction and Analysis
1. Begin the lesson by introducing Shaun Tan as an Australian author and illustrator known for his unique storytelling style.
2. Show the students the cover of ‘The Rabbits’ and ask them to make predictions about the story based on the visuals.
3. Distribute copies of the book to each student or small group and ask them to silently read the text and examine the illustrations.
4. Facilitate a class discussion using guiding questions to analyze the themes, illustrations, emotions, and reactions evoked by the book.
Lesson 2: Visual and Written Techniques
1. Review the themes and messages discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific visual or written technique used in ‘The Rabbits’ (e.g., symbolism, juxtaposition, metaphor, alliteration, etc.).
3. In their groups, students should analyze the book to identify instances of their assigned technique and discuss how it enhances the storytelling.
4. Each group presents their findings to the class, explaining their assigned technique and providing examples from the book.
5. As a class, discuss the impact of these techniques on the overall message and effectiveness of the story.
Lesson 3: Creative Response
1. Begin the lesson by revisiting the themes and messages identified in the previous lessons.
2. Instruct students to choose one theme or message from ‘The Rabbits’ that resonated with them.
3. Ask students to create a creative response to the text, such as a poem, short story, or artwork, that explores their chosen theme or message.
4. Provide art supplies and writing materials for students to work on their responses.
5. Allow time for students to share their creative responses with the class, explaining their inspiration and the techniques they used.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Analysis of visual and written techniques in ‘The Rabbits.’
- Creative response to the text, demonstrating understanding of the themes and messages.
Complex Version:
Lesson Plan: “Exploring Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’”
Grade Level: Year 9 (ACARA)
Subject: English
Duration: 3-4 lessons (60 minutes each)
Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze and interpret the themes and messages conveyed in Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits.’
2. Develop critical thinking skills by examining the use of visual and written techniques in the book.
3. Enhance creative writing skills by creating a response to the text.
4. Explore the historical and cultural context of colonization in Australia.
Materials:
- Copies of Shaun Tan’s ‘The Rabbits’ (one per student or small group)
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers
- Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.)
- Writing paper or notebooks
- Research materials on Australian colonization
Procedure:
Lesson 1: Introduction and Analysis
1. Begin the lesson by introducing Shaun Tan as an Australian author and illustrator known for his unique storytelling style.
2. Show the students the cover of ‘The Rabbits’ and ask them to make predictions about the story based on the visuals.
3. Distribute copies of the book to each student or small group and ask them to silently read the text and examine the illustrations.
4. Facilitate a class discussion using guiding questions to analyze the themes, illustrations, emotions, and reactions evoked by the book.
5. Introduce the historical and cultural context of colonization in Australia, providing relevant background information.
Lesson 2: Visual and Written Techniques
1. Review the themes and messages discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific visual or written technique used in ‘The Rabbits’ (e.g., symbolism, juxtaposition, metaphor, alliteration, etc.).
3. In their groups, students should analyze the book to identify instances of their assigned technique and discuss how it enhances the storytelling.
4. Each group presents their findings to the class, explaining their assigned technique and providing examples from the book.
5. As a class, discuss the impact of these techniques on the overall message and effectiveness of the story.
Lesson 3: Historical and Cultural Context
1. Begin the lesson by revisiting the historical and cultural context of colonization in Australia.
2. Engage students in a research activity, either individually or in small groups, to explore the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians.
3. Students should gather information and examples of colonization’s effects on culture, land, and identity.
4. Facilitate a class discussion using the research findings, encouraging students to make connections between the historical context and the themes in ‘The Rabbits.’
Lesson 4: Creative Response
1. Begin the lesson by revisiting the themes and messages identified in the previous lessons.
2. Instruct students to choose one theme or message from ‘The Rabbits’ that resonated with them.
3. Ask students to create a creative response to the text, such as a poem, short story, or artwork, that explores their chosen theme or message.
4. Provide art supplies and writing materials for students to work on their responses.
5. Allow time for students to share their creative responses with the class, explaining their inspiration, the techniques used, and the connections to the historical and cultural context.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Analysis of visual and written techniques in ‘The Rabbits.’
- Research on the historical and cultural context of colonization in Australia.
- Creative response to the text, demonstrating understanding of the themes, messages, and historical context.
Extension Activities:
- Compare and contrast ‘The Rabbits’ with other works by Shaun Tan or other authors exploring similar themes.
- Create a multimedia presentation or short film adaptation of ‘The Rabbits.’
- Organize a class debate or discussion on the ethical implications of colonization and its ongoing effects.