Title: Exploring Themes in “Little Fires Everywhere”

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

Objective: - Students will analyze and discuss the major themes present in the novel “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. - Students will develop critical thinking skills by examining the complexities of identity, motherhood, conformity, and the pursuit of perfection. - Students will apply their understanding of the themes to real-life situations and reflect on their own values and beliefs.

Materials: - Copies of the novel “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Sticky notes - Handouts with discussion questions (prepared in advance)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever felt torn between their own desires and societal expectations.
   • Share a brief overview of the novel “Little Fires Everywhere” and its themes, such as identity, motherhood, conformity, and the pursuit of perfection.
   • Explain that the class will be exploring these themes in depth and discussing their relevance to our lives.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (15 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups and distribute sticky notes and markers.
   • Ask each group to brainstorm and write down their initial thoughts and questions about the themes mentioned.
   • Have each group share their ideas with the class, and compile a list of questions on the board or chart paper.
3. Reading and Analysis (30 minutes):
   • Assign the first few chapters of the novel as homework.
   • In the next class, have students discuss their initial impressions and observations about the characters and their actions.
   • Facilitate a class discussion using the questions generated during the pre-reading activity.
   • Encourage students to support their opinions with evidence from the text.
4. Theme Exploration (30 minutes):
   • Divide the class into four groups, assigning each group one of the major themes: identity, motherhood, conformity, and the pursuit of perfection.
   • Provide each group with a handout containing discussion questions related to their assigned theme.
   • In their groups, students should discuss the questions and prepare a brief presentation summarizing their findings.
   • Allow time for each group to present their theme and engage in a class discussion afterward.
5. Real-Life Application (20 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect individually on how the themes explored in the novel relate to their own lives or the world around them.
   • Have students share their reflections in pairs or small groups.
   • Invite volunteers to share their thoughts with the whole class, encouraging respectful discussion and diverse perspectives.
6. Culminating Activity (20 minutes):
   • Assign a short writing assignment where students choose one theme from the novel and connect it to a current event or social issue.
   • Encourage students to express their opinions and support them with evidence from both the novel and their research.
   • Collect and review the written assignments for assessment purposes.
7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Recap the major themes discussed throughout the lesson.
   • Emphasize the importance of critically examining societal expectations and the complexities of human experiences.
   • Encourage students to continue exploring these themes in their own reading and personal lives.

Extension Activity: - Organize a book club or literature circle where students can read and discuss other novels that explore similar themes. - Invite a guest speaker, such as a psychologist or sociologist, to discuss the impact of societal expectations on individuals and communities. - Encourage students to create artistic representations (e.g., paintings, poems, or short films) that reflect their understanding of the themes explored in the novel.