Purpose and Multiple Text Review

If you've glanced through the whole unit in which this lesson belongs, you've likely noticed a large gap in reading. Our last novel work day addressed chapters in the teens; suddenly, the whole book is done.

There is a simple explanation for this: we ran out of time. We had work that HAD to be done in class for our writing project, and so the reading became all homework--finish the book for today's lesson. Students had a week to complete their reading. Not ideal, of course, but we've all been there--the last day of school looms near, and there simply isn't enough time thanks to a plethora of snow days this winter.

To start our day, I ask students to write 3 questions for discussion about A Lesson Before Dying as a  whole. I encourage students to write questions which will lead to "so what" discussion, or the big picture--themes, life take-aways, etc.

Ideally, students would discuss the big picture of the novel at this point:

• What themes appear? How?
• What religious connections exist? Why?
• Is the novel hopeful or pessimistic regarding equality? Explain.
• Who learned the most?

Unfortunately (and as mentioned in the overview), time has been an issue in our study of this novel. Students are sadly unprepared to discuss, so we move into review.