Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Introduction to Reading Groups - Form reading groups based on interest in specific books. Each group will discuss initial thoughts and set goals for their reading journey, focusing on identifying ethical dilemmas in the narratives. (20 min)
Narrative Mapping Workshop Kick-off - Begin the project with a collaborative workshop where each group creates a basic plot and setting map of their chosen book using visual tools. Discuss how the setting might influence character decisions. (25 min)
Exploring Ethical Dilemmas - In groups, read assigned chapters and identify key ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Discuss how these mirror real-world challenges. Document initial findings in a group journal. (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share initial narrative maps with another group and receive feedback. Use peer insights to refine and enhance the map for better clarity and detail. (20 min)
Deep Dive into Setting - Analyze how the book's setting shapes the narrative and influences character decisions. Each group will prepare a short presentation on their findings to share with the class. (25 min)
Socratic Seminar Preparation - Prepare questions for an upcoming Socratic seminar, focusing on character decisions and ethical dilemmas. Encourage self-reflection and consider how these questions relate to students' own lives. (20 min)
Socratic Seminar - Engage in a class-wide Socratic seminar to discuss the prepared questions. Reflect on how the characters' decisions and ethical dilemmas relate to personal experiences. (30 min)
Self-Reflection Journaling - Write a journal entry reflecting on the seminar discussion, focusing on personal values and ethical decision-making. Share insights with peers for feedback. (15 min)
Collaborative Narrative Refinement - Continue refining the narrative maps based on feedback and new insights from the week's activities. Emphasize the influence of setting and ethical dilemmas on the plot. (25 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Review progress from the week and set goals for the next phase of the project. Discuss as a group how to integrate diverse perspectives into the ongoing inquiry process. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Each reading group creates an initial narrative map that visually outlines the plot and setting of their novel.
2. Students develop a list of character decisions and actions that present ethical dilemmas in their novels.
3. Groups produce a short research plan outlining their self-generated questions and the sources they plan to use.
4. Participate in a Socratic seminar, sharing insights on how characters' decisions relate to real-world ethical dilemmas.
5. Reflective journal entries where students document their self-reflections and feedback from peers and teachers.
Preparation 1. Gather a selection of diverse novels appropriate for 8th-grade reading levels, focusing on rich settings and complex characters.
2. Create reading group assignments based on students' interests and reading abilities.
3. Provide digital tools and materials such as poster boards, markers, and craft supplies for narrative mapping activities.
4. Set up a digital platform for students to collaborate and share resources, such as Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.
5. Prepare guidelines and templates for students to conduct short research projects related to their chosen novels.
6. Organize a schedule for the Socratic seminar, including prompts and discussion guidelines.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Reflective Reading Circle - In small reading groups, students discuss their characters' decisions and ethical dilemmas within the book, drawing parallels to real-world scenarios. (25 min)
Self-Directed Inquiry - Students individually generate questions about the text's setting, conduct brief research, and share findings with their group to foster diverse perspectives. (20 min)
Narrative Mapping Refinement - Groups refine their visual narrative maps, focusing on how the setting influences character decisions. They work collaboratively to add depth and detail to their maps. (30 min)
Gallery Walk - Students display their maps and circulate the room to give and receive peer feedback, enhancing their self-directed learning process. (15 min)
Socratic Seminar Preparation - Individually, students prepare thoughts and questions for an upcoming Socratic seminar, focusing on ethical dilemmas faced by characters in their books. (15 min)
Facilitated Discussion - Groups engage in a structured discussion to explore diverse perspectives and deepen understanding of the text's ethical dimensions. Teacher circulates to support critical thinking. (30 min)
Narrative Mapping Workshop - Students use creative materials to finalize their narrative maps, ensuring they capture the plot, setting, and character development. (25 min)
Group Reflection - Students collaboratively reflect on their contributions to the group work, documenting insights and areas for personal growth. (20 min)
Socratic Seminar - Participate in a Socratic seminar where students discuss how characters' decisions mirror ethical dilemmas in their own lives, fostering personal reflection and growth. (30 min)
Self-Assessment - Students individually assess their learning progress and contributions to their group, setting goals for the next phase of the project. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. A shared digital document containing the group's character analysis, including motivations, decisions, and ethical challenges of the characters.
2. A visual representation of the book's setting, demonstrating its impact on the narrative and character development.
3. Written reflections from each student summarizing their insights from the Socratic seminar, connecting characters' dilemmas to real-world contexts.
4. Peer feedback notes and self-reflection entries documenting personal and group learning progressions.
Preparation 1. Gather a selection of books that contain ethical dilemmas and complex characters for student reading groups.
2. Prepare digital or physical tools for visual mapping, such as poster boards, markers, or software for digital storytelling.
3. Set up a shared digital platform (such as Google Docs) for group collaboration and documentation of character analysis.
4. Organize a schedule for group check-ins and allocate time for the Socratic seminar.
5. Ensure access to multimedia resources for students to engage in setting exploration, such as videos, images, or virtual tours related to the book settings.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Critical Character Analysis - Groups select a pivotal character from their book and analyze their decisions and ethical dilemmas in detail. Document findings in group journals. (25 min)
Research Workshop - Conduct short research on real-world ethical dilemmas similar to those faced by the characters. Share findings within groups to expand perspectives. (20 min)
Narrative Mapping Enhancement - Use insights from character analysis to add layers to the narrative maps, focusing on character development and ethical dilemmas. (25 min)
Peer Review Session - Share updated narrative maps with another group for feedback, focusing on clarity and depth of ethical dilemmas presented. (20 min)
Real-World Connections - In reading groups, discuss how the ethical dilemmas in the book relate to current events or personal experiences. Document insights in journals. (25 min)
Video Presentation Planning - Begin planning a reflective video presentation. Outline key points on how characters' decisions connect to real-world scenarios. (20 min)
Socratic Seminar Practice - Conduct practice discussions in small groups focusing on essential questions about character decisions and ethical dilemmas. (25 min)
Self-Reflection and Feedback - Write a reflective journal entry on personal growth and understanding of ethical dilemmas. Exchange feedback with peers. (20 min)
Collaborative Video Creation - Work in groups to create a draft of the reflective video presentation, integrating feedback from peers and teachers. (25 min)
Goal Setting and Reflection - Reflect on the week’s progress and set goals for finalizing projects. Plan how to incorporate various perspectives in the final presentation. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of a detailed digital story map by each reading group, illustrating the plot, setting, and character development of their chosen book.
2. A reflective video presentation by each group analyzing ethical dilemmas faced by the characters and connecting them to real-world situations.
3. Submission of individual portfolios containing self-directed learning reflections, peer feedback, and teacher feedback.
4. Participation in a Socratic seminar discussing the ethical dilemmas in literature and personal reflections on values.
5. A summary report from each group outlining their research findings and new avenues for inquiry based on multiple sources.
Preparation 1. Gather digital tools such as tablets or laptops for creating digital story maps.
2. Prepare art supplies like poster boards, markers, and colored pencils for visual mapping.
3. Collect diverse literature sources related to ethical dilemmas for students to draw upon during research.
4. Arrange video recording equipment for students to create reflective video presentations.
5. Organize a library visit or virtual resource session to explore additional literature sources.
6. Set up an online platform for students to share feedback and reflections with peers and teachers.
7. Create a rubric for assessing digital story maps and reflective video presentations.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Final Narrative Map Review - Conduct a thorough review of each group's narrative map, ensuring all elements such as plot, setting, and character development are complete. Use peer feedback to make final adjustments. (25 min)
Preparation for Literary Ethics Expo - Begin preparing for the upcoming expo by organizing materials, practicing presentations, and finalizing reflective pieces. Discuss how to effectively communicate key insights about ethical dilemmas and narrative structure to the audience. (20 min)
Video Presentation Drafting - Collaborate in groups to draft video presentations that analyze ethical dilemmas in the reading books and relate them to real-world scenarios. Focus on clear communication and storytelling techniques. (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback Session - Share video drafts with peers and provide constructive feedback. Use insights from peers to refine video content and enhance clarity and engagement. (15 min)
Final Video Editing - Use feedback from peers to make final edits to video presentations, ensuring they are polished and effectively convey the analysis of ethical dilemmas. Incorporate creative elements to enhance engagement. (30 min)
Self-Directed Learning Reflection - Write individual reflections on personal growth throughout the project, focusing on self-directed learning and contributions to group work. Share reflections with peers for additional insights. (15 min)
Expo Setup and Rehearsal - Set up the classroom for the Literary Ethics Expo, organizing narrative maps and video presentations for display. Rehearse presentations as groups, focusing on clear communication and audience engagement. (25 min)
Group Reflection and Final Preparations - Conduct a final group reflection session to discuss the learning journey and contributions made. Finalize any remaining details for the expo, ensuring all materials and presentations are ready. (20 min)
Literary Ethics Expo Presentation - Host the Literary Ethics Expo where students present their narrative maps and video presentations to peers, teachers, and community members. Engage in discussions about ethical dilemmas and narrative structures. (30 min)
Post-Expo Reflection - Reflect on the expo experience, discussing what was learned and how it relates to real-world ethical dilemmas. Document insights and areas for future exploration in personal journals. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. A completed digital story map for each reading group, illustrating plot, setting, and character development.
2. A reflective video presentation analyzing the ethical dilemmas faced by characters and connecting them to real-world scenarios.
3. A compiled portfolio of self-directed learning reflections, including feedback from peers and teachers.
4. A visual display for the Literary Ethics Expo showcasing key plot points, settings, and character decisions.
5. A reflective piece accompanying the display, discussing how literary elements relate to real-world ethical challenges.
Preparation 1. Arrange the classroom for the Literary Ethics Expo, including tables for displays.
2. Ensure digital tools and equipment are available for video presentations (projector, speakers, laptops).
3. Gather materials for creating visual displays (poster boards, markers, printouts, etc.).
4. Prepare feedback forms for peers, teachers, and community members attending the expo.
5. Organize a sign-up sheet for student groups to present their narrative maps and video presentations.