up to 180 mins of lesson.
Lesson begins with analysing real newspapers (either online, or physical papers), looking for articles on various topics (immigrants/LGBTQ+/racism/environment/EU politics/art,etc), gauging the political slant of the paper, and how the paper has chosen to cover the headlines for the day chosen.
Students should be given plenty of time to read articles that interest them, attempt puzzles, discuss the articles in small groups.
Find a news story that occurs in all papers, and have students compare how the paper approaches the news/topic.
The students should spend the rest of the time organising themselves to create their own newspaper. Each student should be encouraged to write a couple of articles in different styles. I have had students who have created their own puzzles, advertisments, agony aunts, etc. Students edit/proofread each others work, and bring their paper together.
I have suggested 90 minutes for this activity, but I rarely interrupt the students as they become invested in their newspaper. I will make a copy of the paper for each student.
90 mins (+homework/writing exercise).
Pack includes: lesson plan, and worksheets.
An in-depth study of Roald Dahl’s short story ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’. This short story appears simple on the surface but offers broad discussions and a range of interpretations for students. It is an easy read.
Analyse the short story, then write essays, summaries or creative writing projects.
Comprehension questions for the story and further discussion points are included.
The lesson can be linked with essay writing, summary writing, and creative writing.
Other Dahl lesson plans include: The Landlady (which can be used for comparison essays)
60 mins (+ additional writing, +film available on youtube)
pack includes: lesson plan and student worksheet.
Read and analyse poem ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ by Roald Dahl. Worksheets detail poetic devices (rhyme, metre, etc) which students should search for in the text (not included, available online).
Activities include: dramatic readings, adapting poem into a play/film, writing own poem based on a traditional fairy tale, and watching an adaptation of Dahl’s poem.
10+ hours of lessons
pack includes 5 complete lessons with dozens of activities for students to engage with the topic.
Celebrate the contributions and milestones of the
LGBTQ+ community with our comprehensive lesson plan bundle. This collection covers key figures, events, and movements, providing students with an engaging and insightful exploration of UK LGBTQ+ history. This collection of Lessons on LGBTQ+ history focuses on:
The History of Pride - Understand the significance of this event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and its lasting impact on the movement.
The Stonewall Riot - Learn about these trailblazing activists and their roles in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
LGSM (Lesbian and Gays Support the Miners) - the importance of intersectional activism.
The legacy of Alan Turing -
Queer literature - Dorian Gray
Key Features:
-Historical Context: Each lesson provides an in-depth look at the social, political, and cultural factors surrounding these key figures and events.
-Interactive Activities: Engage students with primary source analyses, creative projects, role-playing scenarios, and multimedia presentations.
Critical Discussions: Facilitate thoughtful conversations on discrimination, social justice, and the importance of activism and community support.
Reflective Exercises: Encourage students to connect historical events with contemporary issues, fostering empathy, awareness, and critical thinking.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the significance of each figure and event in the broader context of LGBTQ+ history and civil rights movements.
Analyse the challenges faced and the strategies used to overcome discrimination and achieve social justice.
Reflect on the enduring legacies of these individuals and events, and their relevance to current societal issues.
Perfect for LGBTQ+ History Month or any curriculum focused on history and social justice, this lesson plan bundle will inspire your students to appreciate the contributions and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.
90-120 mins (+homework).
Pack includes: lesson plan, and worksheets.
An in-depth study of Roald Dahl’s short story ‘The Landlady’. This short story appears simple on the surface but offers broad discussions and a range of interpretations for students. It is an easy read.
Analyse the short story, then write essays, summaries or creative writing projects.
Comprehension questions for the story and further discussion points are included.
The lesson can be linked with essay writing, summary writing, and creative writing.
Other Dahl lesson plans include: Lamb to the Slaughter
90+ minutes
pack includes: Lesson plan and worksheet (short story available online)
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to identify and analyse the central themes of technology and isolation, conformity vs. individuality, and surveillance and control in Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian.”
Students will be able to draw connections between the themes and societal concerns depicted in “The Pedestrian” and contemporary issues related to technology, social isolation, and surveillance.
Students will be able to participate in group discussions, articulating their insights and interpretations of the story’s themes, imagery, and societal implications, and respond thoughtfully to their peers.
worksheet includes: background information on Ray Bradbury, comprehension questions, group discussion themes.
Lesson ends with writing a short story based on the themes of the Pedestrian - updated for a modern audience.
Lesson plan includes: warm-up activities, group discussion prompts, and comprehension answers.
90+minutes
pack includes: lesson plan, worksheets, games
Pack focus: the history of Pride in the UK
Discover the rich and diverse history behind LGBTQ+ Pride Month with this engaging and comprehensive lesson plan. Perfect for middle and high school classrooms, this resource provides educators with everything they need to teach students about the origins, significance, and key figures of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Comprehensive and Ready-to-Use: Save time with a well-researched and pre-assembled plan that covers all essential aspects of LGBTQ+ history.
Engaging and Interactive: Keep students interested with a variety of dynamic activities and multimedia elements.
Inclusive Education: Promote empathy and understanding by teaching the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Equip your classroom with the tools to honor Pride Month and educate students on the importance of LGBTQ+ history. Purchase this lesson plan today and inspire the next generation to appreciate and celebrate diversity!
90+minutes
pack includes: lesson Plan, worksheets
Overview:
Immerse your students in the pivotal events of the Stonewall Riots, a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ history that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. This engaging lesson plan is designed for middle and high school classrooms, providing educators with the resources to teach about the significance of Stonewall and its enduring impact on the fight for equality.
Empower your students with the knowledge of a critical moment in LGBTQ+ history. Purchase this Stonewall Riots lesson plan today and inspire meaningful conversations about equality and justice in your classroom!
90+ minutes
pack include: lesson Plan, worksheets
Overview:
Introduce your students to the inspiring story of “Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners” (LGSM), a remarkable example of solidarity and activism during the UK miners’ strike of the 1980s. This engaging lesson plan is perfect for middle and high school classrooms, offering educators comprehensive resources to teach about this unique alliance and its impact on both the LGBTQ+ and labor movements.
What’s Included:
Historical Context: Detailed background on the UK miners’ strike of 1984-1985, including the economic and political challenges faced by the miners.
LGSM Formation: An exploration of how the LGSM group was formed, the motivations behind their support for the miners, and the initial challenges they faced.
Key Events and Actions: A chronological account of LGSM’s activities, from fundraising efforts to public demonstrations, and their interactions with mining communities.
Impact and Legacy: Analysis of the long-term effects of LGSM’s activism on LGBTQ+ rights and labor movements, including the mutual support and lasting alliances formed.
Interactive Activities: Engage students with role-playing scenarios, group discussions, and creative projects to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discussion Prompts: Thought-provoking questions designed to spark classroom conversations about solidarity, activism, and the power of diverse communities working together.
Comprehensive and Ready-to-Use: Streamline your preparation with a thorough and well-organized lesson plan covering all key aspects of the LGSM movement.
Engaging and Dynamic: Keep students captivated with a variety of interactive and multimedia resources that bring the story of LGSM to life.
Educational and Inspiring: Highlight the importance of unity and mutual support in activism, fostering a sense of empathy and social responsibility in students.
Empower your classroom with the inspiring story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners: teach your students about the power of solidarity and the enduring impact of collective action!
90+mins
pack includes: Lesson Plan, worksheets, game cards .
Explore the life and legacy of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and a key figure in both the development of modern computing and LGBTQ+ history. This comprehensive lesson plan is designed for middle and high school classrooms, providing educators with the tools to teach about Turing’s groundbreaking contributions to science and his enduring impact on LGBTQ+ rights.
Biographical Overview: An in-depth look at Alan Turing’s early life, education, and the key events that shaped his career and personal life.
Contributions to Computing: Detailed explanations of Turing’s work on the Turing Machine, his role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II, and his foundational contributions to computer science.
LGBTQ+ History: An exploration of Turing’s experiences as a gay man in mid-20th century Britain, including the challenges he faced due to his sexuality and the impact of his prosecution on his life and career.
Legacy and Recognition: Analysis of Turing’s posthumous recognition, including the eventual public apology from the British government and the significance of “Turing’s Law” in the context of LGBTQ+ rights.
Empower your students with the story of Alan Turing, a pioneer who changed the world through his intellect and courage.
90+ mins
pack includes: Lesson Plan, worksheets.
Delve into the captivating world of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” with this immersive lesson plan designed for high school classrooms. Through a blend of literary analysis, historical context, and thematic exploration, students will uncover the novel’s timeless themes and its significance in the context of Victorian society.
Introduction to Oscar Wilde: A biographical overview of Oscar Wilde’s life, focusing on his literary contributions, his role in the Aesthetic Movement, and the societal context of late 19th-century England.
Historical and Social Context: Examination of Victorian attitudes towards art, beauty, morality, and the repression of individual desires, with a focus on how these themes are reflected in the novel.
Immerse your students in the fascinating world of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece.
This bundle includes 3 lesson plans including:
Lamb to the Slaughter lesson plan and worksheets (90+mins)
The Landlady lesson plan and worksheets (90+mins)
Essay Writing lesson plan and worksheets.
Lesson plans include sample essay questions for each short story, as well as comparison essays for students to compare the two stories characters, motives and themes.
(stories not included, though easily found online)
120 mins (+homework).
Pack includes: lesson plan, and worksheets.
An in-depth study of George Orwell’s essays published in newspapers, including ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’ and ‘Moon Under Water’. These essays express the authors opinions on important aspects of British culture.
Analyse the essays, then write opinion essays.
Comprehension questions for the story and further discussion points are included.
The lesson can be linked with essay writing, summary writing, and creative writing.
Other Orwell lesson plans include: Homage to Catalonia
(Orwell’s essays not included, but easily found online)
Lesson plan focused on how to write an effective essay in the British academic style.
This lesson can be combined with short story lesson, history, and many other lesson plans. (In my lesson plans, there are notes in the ‘Materials Needed’ and ‘objectives’ boxes at the top of the lesson plan).
As well as information about academic essay writing, there are small writing activities for students which break down the essay into small, manageable pieces.
Worksheet is designed as a reference tool for after the class.
90+ mins
Pack includes: lesson plan and student worksheets. Activities include: creating a presentation on historical context research, comparative analysis essay and comparative essay, set design, lighting and soundscape creation, and finally blocking an entire scene.
Students collaborate to map Macbeth’s transformation, and how his character affects and is affected by the action.
Lesson assumes that the class has already read Macbeth.
Learning objectives:
Students will analyse how different staging choices affect the interpretation and emotional impact of scenes from “Macbeth”.
Students will identify and describe the key elements of staging a play, including set design, lighting, sound, costumes, and actor movement.
Students will deepen their understanding of “Macbeth” by exploring how staging can highlight themes, character motivations, and dramatic tension.
Enhance Understanding of Shakespeare: by engaging with the play through creative projects, students gain a deeper understanding of “Macbeth,” its characters, and its themes. The lesson plan helps demystify Shakespeare’s language and makes the text more approachable and enjoyable for students.
90+ mins
Pack includes: lesson plan and student worksheets. Activities include: creating a characterisation, studying direct and indirect characterisation, identifying quotes, finding evidence for characteristics, and identifying characteristics. Students collaborate to map Macbeth’s transformation, and how his character affects and is affected by the action.
Lesson assumes that the class has already read Macbeth.
Learning objectives:
Understand the complexity of Macbeth’s character.
Analyse how Shakespeare uses various literary devices to develop Macbeth’s character.
Evaluate the transformation of Macbeth throughout the play.
Discuss the themes of ambition, power, and guilt as they relate to Macbeth’s character.
90+ minutes
Pack includes: Lesson plan and worksheet. (short story available online).
Lesson Objectives
Students will analyse the themes of life, death, and loss of innocence in Indian Camp.
Students will explore and interpret the symbolism and imagery in Indian Camp.
Students will understand the historical and cultural context of the story, including the portrayal of Native American characters and the use of period-specific language.
Students will articulate their understanding of the story through creative responses.
Pack includes:
Detailed lesson plan with activities, discussion prompts and pre-reading exercise prompts.
Worksheet with biographical information on Hemingway, and information about the change of language, pre-reading exercises, annotation activities, discussions on symbolism and a project to turn the short story into a short film.
90+ minutes
pack includes: Lesson plan, worksheet and short story (out of copyright)
Introduce your students to Edgar Allan Poe and his short stories with a critical reading of the short story “The Tell-Tale Heart”.
Students will create their own definitions for words that are not now commonly used, read the story and analyse the themes, imagery and the effect of an unreliable narrator.
Students will end writing their own short story with an unreliable narrator - either during class or as homework.
Pack includes the lesson plan with details of the activities as well as definitions for the words the students need to create definitions for - a worksheet for the students to complete and a copy of the short story (out of copyright) for the students to annotate. There are directions for the students on how to annotate their short story.
90+ mins
pack includes: Lesson plan, Worksheet, Creative Writing Prompts (on a presentation slide).
-not included- Short story “Ruthless” by William de Mille (easily found online)
Learning Objectives:
Students will explore how these themes are presented in the story and their relevance to real-life situations.
Students will recognize and interpret the use of literary devices such as irony, foreshadowing, and suspense in the story.
Students will evaluate the moral and ethical questions raised by the story, particularly regarding the concept of justice and the consequences of vengeful actions.
activities include:
analysing the short story
anslysing how short stories work (literary devices)
rewriting the short story with a different perspective
writing a short story
90+ minutes
pack includes: lesson plan, and worksheet. (not included: lyrics for “Sunscreen” by Baz Luhrmann - available online).
I’ve also included a collection of mindfulness exercises for future lessons :)
Learning Objectives:
Students will reflect on how the advice in the song relates to their own lives and future plans.
Students will evaluate the relevance of the song’s advice in the context of contemporary society and their personal experiences.
Students will reflect on their learning process and outcomes through journal entries and group discussions.
This lesson plan is designed to help students with anxiety or concerns about their futures relax. The lesson is ostensibly about advice and giving students space to think about education as something that can help them get to where they want, instead of a set of hoops to jump through.