Unique resources created by an experienced Secondary English and History teacher. These are academically rigorous resources that target children between 13 and 18 years of age.
Unique resources created by an experienced Secondary English and History teacher. These are academically rigorous resources that target children between 13 and 18 years of age.
Part of a set of resources created for a year 7 English class in Australia (ACARA syllabus). The other resources are also available in my store - Aussie_Resources. Designed for use in 70 minute lessons (with extra activities as a back up if the class is advanced). The focus text is ‘Black Snake: The Daring of Ned Kelly’ by Carole Wilkinson.
1) Lesson PowerPoint
The beginning of the PowerPoint introduces students to some of the key language features used in the novel Black Snake with definitions, examples and examples from Black Snake. The language features are colloquialisms, idioms, figurative language {similes / metaphors} & descriptive language {adjectives.} Afterwards there are some comprehension questions. Afterwards we look at a picture book – ‘Ned Kelly and the Green Sash’ written by Mark Greenwood and illustrated by Frane Lessac. As we read the story, students are encouraged to think about the language and visual features used and the effects they create in telling the story. Afterwards, the students can read the remainder of chapter 1 filling in the retrieval chart. If there is time at the end, there is a slide about how to identify factual information from evaluative language and a slide summing up the events in chapter 1.
2) A retrieval chart for students to summarise what they have learned while reading Chapter 1.
A PowerPoint used to teach a combined class of 11 and 12 Modern History students. It begins with information about significance (one of the historical concepts). The N.A.M.E acronym for determining whether something is significant is explained. Then the Learning Intention and Success Criteria for the lesson are unpacked. The core part of the lesson begins with information about why we reference and what this might look like in an exam vs an assignment. There is a slide explaining how to in text reference (with examples). This is followed by slides about paragraph writing. Students are presented with two acronyms which they can use – extended TEEL and the TEEASC structure from the History Skills website. There is an example paragraph from an essay about the Cold War written by a student. This is followed by information about how to unpack an exam question and what is required of a ‘to what extent’ response. There is also information about how to do a quick plan before writing an essay / paragraph. For the remainder of the lesson students have 3 questions to respond to in paragraph form (about Leopold II and imperialism in the Congo).
Resources designed for the senior Modern History syllabus (implemented in QLD in 2019). The syllabus objectives would also be useful more broadly for students in other states and countries with an interest in The Scramble for Africa.
Resources designed for the new senior Modern History syllabus (implemented in QLD in 2019).
This lesson includes:
1 x list of source types for warm up evaluation activity (can be laminated with a magnet on the back for sorting activity)
1 x PowerPoint
1 x Source Booklet with sources about Hitler Youth
1 x Independent Work Booklet with various activities designed to help students practice the evaluation skill
Context: My school runs this program in Alternative Sequence (yr 11 and 12s in together) due to the small size of the school. The lesson begins with some teaching that both grades can do together before the year 12s are assigned some independent work and the year 11s are given some more focused teaching. Then the year 11’s do independent work while the year 12s share their answers and receive feedback.
The sequence of the lesson:
The lesson begins with a warm up activity where students have to place types of sources on a grid in terms of how reliable and useful they typically are. Next students have to brainstorm some synonyms and antonyms for ‘reliable’ and ‘useful.’ Following this, year 12s are given a booklet which has evaluation activities (starting at simple activities and building up to those styled like the short response questions in the Term 4 exam). They begin completing these while the year 11’s get a more teacher centred lesson. In this portion of the lesson we begin with defining ‘evaluate’ before zooming in on the evaluation criteria we use in modern history – reliability and usefulness. There is information about what reliability is and that there are levels of reliability. There are tips for how to write a judgement of reliability and some things to look for when determining reliability. There is a list of reasons why a source may be deemed unreliable. There is an example reliability statement which has been colour coded to show how the writer has included various features of evidence in their evaluation.
Following this, the gradual release method is used to engage with the first few sources in the booklet. (I explain the first activity, we engage with Source 1 and then complete the question together – with me modelling my thinking process via think alouds. Students then do Source 2 as a pair and Source 3 on their own). This is followed by explicit teaching on how to determine the usefulness of a source. There is also information about the importance of corroboration (including a video from the History Skills website). This is followed by some sentence starters which can be used when corroborating. This is followed by completing activities from the booklet (first as a we do, then students do one in a pair, then they do one on their own). Following this, the year 11’s continue doing the booklet independently while I go through the answers with the year 12s.
A set of questions for studying Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne – arranged by chapter. These are a mixture of comprehension questions, questions focusing on the setting, questions about specific language features / word choices, questions about specific characters, questions about themes (e.g. racism) etc.
NB: Answers to these questions are provided in the PPT slides also available in my store: Aussie_Resources.
Resources designed for 10 English in Queensland, Australia. It is part of a novel study unit which culminates in a 90-minute examination (500 to 800-word essay). Students had 1 week notice of the question and could bring 100 words of notes in with them.
Within this unit students explored how an author’s use of language features, images and vocabulary contributed to the representation of themes in the novel. They also gained a deeper understanding of key literary techniques, including (but not limited to) characterisation, plot, and setting.
A PowerPoint used to teach chapters 16-21 of Phillip Gwynne’s 1998 novel Deadly Unna?
As these chapters weren’t crucial to the task, I summarised them rather than reading them with the class. This PowerPoint contains a summary for each chapter and then slides with chapter questions (no answers). The PPT also includes a creative writing activity for fast finishers (a way of exploring perspective).
Resources designed for 10 English in Queensland, Australia. It is part of a novel study unit which culminates in a 90-minute examination (500 to 800-word essay). Students had 1 week notice of the question and could bring 100 words of notes in with them.
Within this unit students explored how an author’s use of language features, images and vocabulary contributed to the representation of themes in the novel. They also gained a deeper understanding of key literary techniques, including (but not limited to) characterisation, plot, and setting.
A PowerPoint used to teach chapters 36-41 of Phillip Gwynne’s 1998 novel Deadly Unna?
We would read one chapter at a time (or listen to the audio book on CD) and then students would answer the chapter questions.
This PowerPoint contains a summary for each chapter and then slides with answers to the chapter questions. The PPT also includes post reading questions and some assessment preparation. It explains the major text structure of the novel (division of book into ‘summer’ and ‘winter.’) Students are asked to determine what they believe the intended reading of the novel is. There is a paragraph writing activity about the representations of Australia within the novel. There are also key terms for students to define in their glossary.
Resources designed for 10 English in Queensland, Australia. It is part of a novel study unit which culminates in a 90-minute examination (500 to 800-word essay). Students had 1 week notice of the question and could bring 100 words of notes in with them.
Within this unit students explored how an author’s use of language features, images and vocabulary contributed to the representation of themes in the novel. They also gained a deeper understanding of key literary techniques, including (but not limited to) characterisation, plot, and setting.
The lesson begins with an explanation of what themes are, and an image of common themes in literature.
Following this there are slides explaining the following themes:
Masculinity (and toxic masculinity)
Racism
The importance of family
Mateship
Duty and Sacrifice
Examples from the novel are provided.
This is followed by a practice question + some planning activities around this question.
Resources designed for 10 English in Queensland, Australia. It is part of a novel study unit which culminates in a 90-minute examination (500 to 800-word essay). Students had 1 week notice of the question and could bring 100 words of notes in with them.
Within this unit students explored how an author’s use of language features, images and vocabulary contributed to the representation of themes in the novel. They also gained a deeper understanding of key literary techniques, including (but not limited to) characterisation, plot, and setting.
A PowerPoint which provides an image and summary for the following characters from Deadly Unna? (pictures taken from the film Aussie Rules).
Bob Black aka The Old Man
Gwen Black (Blacky’s mum)
Gary Black
Dumby Red
Pickles
Coach Robertson aka Arks
Tim Black aka Best Team-Man
Darcy
I printed these up and used them as posters in the classroom.
Extracts from the Hobbit used to exemplify the different parts of a short story structure. Some clips from the film used as well. Additional examples from the set text for this year 12 unit (An Autobiography called Slave by Mende Nazer).
Perfect for NAPLAN preparation. This resource explains what is assessed in year 9 NAPLAN tests (Australia's national testing). It includes various stimulus examples and planning steps.
Includes 6 weeks worth of homework activities including chapter questions, a vocabulary list (and activities) and tips for creative writing.
It steps students through an assessment task which requires students to write a short story (a transformation of a section of the novel and a preface justifying their creative decisions). Specific task details are below.
Mode/Medium: Imaginative Written short story (fiction).
Subject Matter: Throughout time short stories have captured the imaginations of both readers and listeners. A good short story will capture the interest of its audience and hold it to the end.
Purpose: To entertain and demonstrate your knowledge of the short story genre.
Task: For this task you have a choice:
1. Write an imaginative short story that creates a character or “gives voice” to a silenced or marginalised character in the novel that you have studied in class.
2. Place the character into the novel which you have studied in class. This can be at the beginning, the middle or end of a scene. For example, you might write from the perspective of someone who observed an event, assisted the protagonist or befriended them. Or you may create a new character. E.g. A new best friend for the protagonist.
Your teacher will explain what it means to “give voice” to a character in a novel. Your character must interact with the novel’s protagonist. You may change the storyline and plot to accommodate your character if you desire, however, your story must remain true to the themes and setting of the novel. (E.g. you can’t turn it into a comedy or change the country where the novel is set).
Requirements: Length is to be 400-500 words plus a 100 word preface explaining how the story is both original and imaginative.
You must demonstrate that you have a sound knowledge of short story conventions and adhere to the short story structure. You can make your story both original and imaginative in the following ways:
• Creative use of the conventions of a short story, for example a twist at the end.
• Create non-stereotyped characters that make unpredictable choices.
• Juxtapose related texts.
• Promote alternative beliefs and values through your writing.
A multifaceted lesson (PowerPoint) which encourages students to speculate about the opinions of the nurse, Juliet and Lord Capulet about events we have read thus far (in preparation for a monologue task). This has key questions to prompt this discussion. It also introduces some new terms that are important for understanding the ‘arranged marriage’ which Juliet is faced with (patriarchy, social class, feminism, liberalism). it includes a youtube clip of Baz Luhrmann’s version of the party scene which could be compared with the 2013 film. Slides also discuss language clues and how the writing style changes when the characters are feeling loving vs angry. This PPT also includes a summary of all the scenes in Act 2. It includes a video clip of the Baz Luhrmann balcony scene. It includes quotes and prompts which help students to analyse Juliet’s speech and behaviour in the “balcony scene” to better understand the pressures on her and the way they make her act.
An updated PowerPoint about Act Two which includes more key quotes and questions to check for understanding. It is designed for a unit where the only assessment is an exam at the end of the term. It includes images and clips to cater to visual learners. It focuses on key language (aesthetic) features within the play which students may like to refer to in their exam responses.
A handout - revision activity - a list of jumbled up events from this act which students have to reorganise into chronological order.
A script for the balcony scene which has been translated into modern language (more accessible for students).
Part of a set of resources created for a year 10 English class in Australia (ACARA syllabus). The other resources are also available in my store - lrigb4. Designed for use in 70 minute lessons (with extra activities as a back up if the class is advanced).
A PowerPoint which focuses on Act 3 (Scenes 2-5). To be taught after a lesson acting out the first scene (fight scene). The lesson includes a summary of each scene with key quotes and questions. Additionally, it features important historical context information that students need to know to understand the play. There is a link to an Australian performance of Juliet’s famous soliloquy (Act 3, Scene 2). This is followed by a close look at the lines of this soliloquy. Viewing Act 3, Scene 5 from the 2013 film. Important things to note from Act 3.
An updated PowerPoint which features all of Act 3 (Scenes 1-5). This lesson is designed to run over a couple of lessons. It includes more quotes from the play, checking for understanding questions (some to answer in books and some to discuss as a class) & some brain breaks (viewing activities + one game of scattergories). This lesson is designed to fit into a unit where students must complete an exam where they respond to an essay which argues that Friar Laurence is solely to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Through studying each scene in depth, students should begin to see that a range of other characters could be referenced in their counter argument.
A handout - revision activity - a list of jumbled up events from this act which students have to reorganise into chronological order.
Part of a set of resources created for a year 10 English class in Australia (ACARA syllabus). The other resources are also available in my store - lrigb4. Designed for use in 70 minute lessons (with extra activities as a back up if the class is advanced).
Miseenscene definition and music videos to exemplify (one Coldplay and one Brittney spears).
Talking about genre and target audience and the importance of branding your artist.
Viewing Pink's music video 'Just Give Me A Reason' and completing a quiz about lighting and shot sizes.
Introducing new term - cinematography and what it means.
A PowerPoint exploring the origins and evolution of film (1895-present). Information about The Seven Ages of Film and the advent of sound. Video clips from 'Singing in the Rain' which depict how film studios began to make talking pictures. Looking at the advent of colour in films with clips from The Wizard of Oz showing the use of technicolour. Information about the introduction of The American movie rating system in 1968. The phenomena of Midnight movies - with clips from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
PowerPoint 1: Unit introduction including classroom expectations (rules), an explanation of the unit, key questions for the unit, explaining the 2 assessment tasks, looking at famous quotes about teens and seeing if they agree, a list of teen issues and themes, common settings and characters for teen films.
PowerPoint 2: exploring teenage stereotypes. This lesson defines stereotypes and gives examples of what stereotypes are, explores why we stereotype people, looks at common stereotypes about teenagers. The PPT includes excerpts from 2 Hollywood films (10 Things I Hate About You & Mean Girls) and questions to encourage students to identify the stereotypes in them.
This PowerPoint includes: a synopsis of film and information about the author of the novel: Dashiell Hammett. This ppt introduces the femme fatale and film noir and explores its defining features and how they influenced crime films. It also looks at societal influences on writers and filmmakers of the time. Within the lesson there are a few viewing activities including an excerpt from The Maltese Falcon and the trailer of Postman always rings twice (another well-known example). If I have time I usually show the trailer of Gone Baby Gone as a modern example. For homework, students consider how they could incorporate some of these elements into their own short story.
Defining bullying and the various types. Info about the emergence of cyber bullying, a novel example - Destroying Avalon (2006) with a summary and key quotes. A list of texts which feature bullying. A few clips from Mean Girls followed by reflection questions, a clip from Glee, The OC and The Breakfast Club followed by reflection questions.
A student workbook for watching the film including; a synopsis, a list of characters, viewing questions, themes in the film, key quotes & what others have said about the film.
The second is annotated notes taken from Cateforis, T. (2009). Rebel girls and singing boys: Performing music and gender in the teen movie. Current Musicology, (87), 161-190,247. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/224870683?accountid=16285
Introduction to the hard-boiled genre of crime fiction (Set in1930s - 1950s America)
This PowerPoint examines the genre conventions of hard-boiled fiction, the typical protagonist of these tales & events that were occurring in American society at the time these tales were written, and how these influenced these texts. Students will watch a trailer for The Maltese Falcon Trailer (a famous example). The movie of The Maltese Falcon is dated 1941, during the War, but the story was published in 1930: it’s a tale of the roaring ‘20s. The PPT also includes a trailer for a recent example (the HBO television series Boardwalk Empire) which recreates this era.