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.
This lesson is designed to help students revise for their upcoming exam by reviewing the major settings in Phillip Gwynne’s 1998 novel Deadly Unna?
It begins by explaining what ‘setting’ means. An example structure for a paragraph about setting is provided (check boxes). An overview of the following settings is provided (including significant quotes from the novel).
The Jetty
The Beach
The Pub
The oval and sports facilities
The cemetery
The Point (mission)
The question we used in this year was “To what extent is Deadly Unna by Phillip Gwynne a realistic representation of modern-day Australia?”
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.
Two resources:
A unit plan which includes: a unit description, key questions for the unit, a breakdown of the learning intentions & success criteria, some planning resources, key details about the assessment, scaffolding notes for the assessment {cognitive verbs, a structure, evaluative language, other expected language features}. A list of the themes in the novel. Questions for a self/peer review (student reflection). Reflection questions to be used at the end of the unit (teacher reflection prompts).
A Scope and Sequence which outlines how I taught the unit. (My school has 4 x 70 minute lessons a week).
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.
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.
This is a media lesson designed for a year 9 class (however a lot of the content could also be used for an English lesson).
Narrative music videos and their key components: plot, theme and structure
Defining narrative. Visual display of the narrative structure.
Defining the key terms plot, structure, and theme and watching a film clip to identify these (teacher answers provided on slides).
Links to other narrative music videos
Also included: a music video report card for analysing music videos
This lesson uses Tenacious D's video 'Tribute' to teach students about various editing / special effects, types of lighting and other elements including shot sizes and angles. After defining these terms, students watch the video and fill in a music video report card (also included) which is a scaffolded way of learning to review a music video.
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.
This lesson was designed for a year 11 class who are required to present an election speech to be on a youth advisory committee for the federal government. This lesson goes through the main aspects required for the introduction, body, and conclusion. It defines thesis statement and gives an example. It includes examples of each part of the speech (given about legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes). It reviews the PEEEL paragraphing acronym and the importance of paraphrasing, summarising and quoting. It ends with some tips for political speeches and some suggested vocabulary.
A PowerPoint designed to last a few lessons. It explores two key themes in Macbeth: Power and Ambition. After defining these terms it looks at specific examples from the play. It includes prompting questions to get the students thinking. It also introduces a continuum of power and how this is illustrated within the play: The seduction of power - The lust for power - The obsession with power - The seizure of power - The abuse of power - The corruption by power - The insatiability of power - The destruction resulting from the obsession and abuse of power. It also includes key quotes from the play which demonstrate this. Finally, this PowerPoint includes exam advice including how to plan for the test and structure the essay.
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.
Two PowerPoints for a 10 English class.
defines satire, introduces key terms that students need to know including hyperbole, irony and parody. Introduces Daria as an example satirical text.An example clip and viewing questions.
Defining mockumentaries. How mockumentaries use satirical elements to reflect human experience. View excerpts an example mockumentary (Summer Heights High). 3 clips and responding questions.
A PowerPoint. Revision activity - Viewing an example calendar with images taken by a year 9 student in 2015 and discussing the various elements of photography used. Introducing key photography terms (aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, ISO and sharpness). Looking at example photographs which demonstrate each of these.
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
Defining each theme and posing questions for students to consider e.g. Why do human beings have a basic need and desire to be in a group? What are the consequences of being an outcast from main groups? (both physically and mentally). Can groups affect your behavior and encourage you to engage in behaviors you might not otherwise? A list of texts which feature this theme. Clips from various teen films (mostly trailers) with questions for students to respond to post-viewing. It also explains how popular teens and unpopular teens are commonly shown.
PowerPoint 1: Defines monologue, goes through the requirements if students choose to record their monologue rather than presenting in class, prompts for what students should look for when watching Glee, post episode summary and activity,
PowerPoint 2: Explaining the monologue assessment task and requirements. Going through the structure of a monologue. Viewing a clip from Ferris Bueller's day off for inspiration. Going through expected language features.