Grava Theme Leads to Understanding of Morality and Language
Stage 1 Desired Results
ESTABLISHED GOALS
Students will understand that the
theme of a novel can have implication
in the way we view todays situations.
Students will understand that an
author can manipulate the language in
order to lead the audience toward their
purpose.
Transfer
Students will independently be able to use their learning to
Evaluate and respond to people and situations based on the morality and language
established by interactions.
Meaning
UNDERSTANDINGS ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Students will understand that How does language contribute to an
understanding of purpose?
The theme of a novel can have
implication in the way we view What do themes in literature teach people
todays situations. about reacting to present day situations?
An author can manipulate the
language in order to lead the
audience toward their purpose.
Acquisition
Students will know Students will be skilled at
How to read and comprehend the Identifying the varied of rhetoric employed
aspects of the plot within the by the author
novel.
Examine the purpose for the rhetoric used
How to examine the elements
involved in characterization.
 How to take the information from
plot and characterization and
infer its effect on the audience.

Stage 2 - Evidence
Evaluative Criteria Assessment Evidence

Use of domain specific language PERFORMANCE TASK(S):

Connection to contemporary society Thematic essay

Complete a Literary Analysis Booklet

Elements of characterization OTHER EVIDENCE:

(direct/indirect)
Group Character drawing/poster
Central ideas
Plot diagram
Tone words
Identifying central topics
Conflict
Annotated text identifying characterization/rhetoric

Reflective journals

Stage 3 Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

Mini Lessons (foundational)

Guided lesson on rhetoric: on the Smart Board create a map of Rhetoric (purposeful writing) Rhetorical Appeals (ethos,
pathos, logos), Rhetorical strategies/devices (imagery, allusion, tone, hyperbole, etc.)
Characterization Direct and Indirect Elements
 Central Ideas/Topics repetitive idea
Theme - taking the topic and turning it into how it connects to a bigger picture outside of the literature

Application of mini lessons

Read/listen to a short story There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
Discuss what took place in the story: listing the characters within the text
In small groups create a plot diagram on a post sheet to hang up around the room
Gallery walk the plot diagrams provide each group with several sticky notes in order to add into other groups diagrams things
that they feel are important that may not be present
Return to group diagram and brainstorm the possible topics that are present within the story this can be represented through
a variety of visuals (thinking map, graphic organizer, mind map on the computer or other online mapping)
As a class, reread/listen to the short story and annotate for Rhetoric (have a class created key for annotations)
Shoulder partner discussion: share rhetoric that each annotated and add the pieces that partners found, share why each was
annotated, look for patterns in the rhetoric
Long distance partner (someone from the opposite side of the room): share shoulder partner discussion and add partners
insights to annotations as needed
Individually or in partners (up to students), complete a character study (Sue Beers - Character Study, Character Web (paper or
computer),
As a class, create a Smart Notebook of the topics represented in the short story.
Final Product: Choose from menu of products (Literary Analysis Booklet, Flipchart, Thematic Essay, Storyboard (hand drawn or
computer-based)) Final Criteria: Domain specific language, evidence of rhetoric used, characterization, Thematic Rationale,
Extension - apply to a contemporary situation