Lesson 1: Introduction to The One and Only Ivan
Objective: Students will be introduced to the novel The One and Only Ivan and gain an understanding of the main characters and setting.
- Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever heard of the book The One and Only Ivan. Allow students to share their prior knowledge or experiences with the book, if any.
- Introduce the novel by providing a brief summary of the story and its main characters.
- Show the cover of the book and ask students to make predictions about what they think the story might be about based on the cover.
- Read aloud the first chapter of the book, or a selected excerpt, to the class.
- After reading, facilitate a class discussion about the main characters and the setting of the story. Ask students to describe Ivan, the gorilla, and the other animals in the story. Discuss the setting of the mall and the importance of the circus theme.
- Assign students a short writing task where they write a paragraph describing their favorite character from the story and why they like them.
Lesson 2: Character Analysis
Objective: Students will analyze the main characters in The One and Only Ivan and identify their traits and motivations.
- Review the main characters from the previous lesson: Ivan, Stella, Ruby, and Mack.
- Provide each student with a character analysis graphic organizer. Instruct them to choose one character from the story and fill in the graphic organizer with details about the character’s appearance, personality traits, and motivations.
- After completing the graphic organizer, have students pair up and share their findings with a partner. Encourage them to discuss similarities and differences between their chosen characters.
- As a class, create a character analysis chart on the board or chart paper, compiling the information gathered by students. Discuss the similarities and differences between the characters and their motivations.
- Assign students a writing task where they choose one character from the story and write a short paragraph explaining why they think that character is important to the overall plot.
Lesson 3: Theme and Symbolism
Objective: Students will identify and analyze the themes and symbolism present in The One and Only Ivan.
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of theme with the class. Explain that theme is the underlying message or lesson that the author wants readers to take away from the story.
- Review the main events and conflicts in The One and Only Ivan. Ask students to brainstorm possible themes that they think the book might explore.
- Introduce the concept of symbolism and explain that symbols are objects, characters, or events that represent deeper meanings or ideas.
- Provide examples of symbolism from the book, such as Ivan’s paintings or the broken crayon. Discuss with the class what these symbols might represent.
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different theme or symbol from the book. Instruct them to discuss and analyze their assigned theme or symbol, providing evidence from the text to support their ideas.
- Have each group present their findings to the class, explaining their chosen theme or symbol and how it contributes to the overall meaning of the story.
- As a culminating activity, ask students to write a short paragraph reflecting on the themes and symbolism in The One and Only Ivan and how they relate to their own lives.
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