The lesson described in this paper is based on the book The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The lesson is intended for a year 10 class in a grammar school, the recipients of the lesson will therefore be 14 to 17 year old pupils. The fantasy novel The Hobbit was chosen for several reasons. The book was originally written for children which means that it contains relatively easy vocabulary and is fun to read at the same time. Pupils are likely to enjoy this book as it is set in a fictional world that is lovingly described and is packed with action as the protagonists have to survive many exciting adventures. Furthermore, J.R.R. Tolkien is listed in the syllabus for Realschulen as an author that could be discussed in year 10. As the pupils at grammar school are the same age, should have similar competences and most likely have similar interests as pupils in a Realschule, the book should be appropriate for grammar school pupils too.
The lesson described in this paper would be the first of about eight lessons on the book and would be 45 minutes long. The main focus of the lesson is set on reading comprehension and so the overall goal of the lesson is for the pupils to be capable of summarising the first two chapters of “The Hobbit” in their own words as well as being able to reflect on the novel. This goal is based on the syllabus for English in grammar schools in year 10. The aims of reading comprehension that should be attained by the end of year 10 are described here. Among other things, Pupils should be able to read long and complicated literary texts and understand them on their own. This is expected of the pupils in the lesson on The Hobbit, as the homework due for the lesson is to read the first two chapters of The Hobbit on their own. In the section on understanding texts, there is a passage stating that pupils in year 10 should read either a novel or a drama of the twentieth or twenty-first century and understand, interpret and give their own opinion on the text (ISB 2004). The novel The Hobbit fits into the category of novels from the twentieth century as it was published in 1937 (Tolkien 1997) and in the course of the lesson will be understanding, interpreting and giving their own opinion on the text.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Lesson plan
- Structure of the lesson
- Warm-up
- Lead-in
- Reading comprehension
- Post-reading
- Homework
- Subsequent lessons
- Evaluation
- Appendix
- Lesson grid
- Worksheet
- Bibliography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The lesson aims to develop pupils' reading comprehension skills by focusing on the first two chapters of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. This lesson serves as the first in a series of eight lessons exploring the novel, with the ultimate goal of enabling pupils to summarize and reflect on the text. This approach is aligned with the English syllabus for year 10 grammar school students, which emphasizes the ability to understand and interpret complex literary texts. The lesson also incorporates opportunities for oral and written communication, encouraging active participation and engagement with the text.
- Reading comprehension strategies
- Developing vocabulary related to fantasy literature
- Character analysis and empathy
- Oral and written communication skills
- Encouraging a positive view on literature
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The lesson focuses on the initial chapters of "The Hobbit," exploring the introduction of Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected encounter with the wizard Gandalf. The lesson analyzes Bilbo's character, his initial reluctance to embark on a journey, and the gradual influence of Gandalf's persuasion. Through reading comprehension questions and reflection activities, students will explore the themes of home, comfort, and the allure of adventure. The lesson also emphasizes the importance of vocabulary related to fantasy literature, such as the descriptive language used to portray Bilbo's home and the fantastical elements introduced through Gandalf's arrival.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this lesson include reading comprehension, fantasy literature, character analysis, oral and written communication, and the themes of home, comfort, and adventure. The lesson uses the pre-while-post-reading model to structure student engagement with the text, with a focus on activating prior knowledge, analyzing the text through comprehension questions, and culminating in reflection and creative tasks. By incorporating various activities, the lesson aims to enhance reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and critical thinking skills within the context of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, The Hobbit.
- Quote paper
- Teresa Schenk (Author), 2017, Understanding and Interpreting Texts. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien (Englisch 10. Klasse Realschule), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/367658
