Title: "The Scarlet Ibis: Character Carousel"
Objective: Students will collaboratively explore the characters, themes, and symbolism in "The Scarlet Ibis" through a dynamic, rotating group activity.
Standards: NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1, NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4, NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1
Materials:
Reading of The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst
Depending on level of readers I would generally use an Annotation Tool such as this file to give students an easy reference to return to the story as they proceed with the tasks in the Scarlet Ibis "Carousel"
Objective: Students will collaboratively explore the characters, themes, and symbolism in "The Scarlet Ibis" through a dynamic, rotating group activity.
Standards: NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1, NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4, NVCCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1
Materials:
- Various tasks/handouts at each station of the carousel
- Pencils and Markers in different colors
- Time/Bell or sound device
Reading of The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst
Depending on level of readers I would generally use an Annotation Tool such as this file to give students an easy reference to return to the story as they proceed with the tasks in the Scarlet Ibis "Carousel"
| scarlet_ibis_annotating_and_analyzing_lesson.pdf |
After reading individually, with paired reading, or audio reading (depending on the reading level of students) students will be divided into groups of 3 to complete a variety of tasks to further explore the characters, themes, and use of figurative language in The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst. Example files for various activities for each station.
| summary-plot_-_sep_16_2024_-_10-39_am.pdf |
| figurative_language_-_sep_16_2024_-_10-43_am.pdf |
| picture_it-movie_poster_-_sep_16_2024_-_10-41_am.pdf |
| task_rubric_-_sep_16_2024_-_10-37_am.pdf |
Character Carousel Activity (40 minutes)
- Introduction (5 minutes):
- Explain the Character Carousel activity.
- Briefly recap the story and its main elements.
- Setup (3 minutes):
- Divide the class into groups of 3.
- Set up stations around the room, each with various tasks. Number of stations will depend on class size.
- Station 1: Context Clues
- Students analyze the text to identify context clues that reveal characters' traits, motivations, or the setting.
- Station 2: Plot Summary
- Groups create a brief summary of the plot, focusing on key events and their impact on the characters.
- Station 3: Objective Summary
- Students write an objective summary of a specific scene, focusing on the actions and dialogue without expressing personal opinions.
- Station 4: Characterization
- Groups analyze characters' traits, motivations, and relationships using specific examples from the text.
- Station 5: Figurative Language
- Students identify and analyze examples of figurative language (e.g., metaphors, similes, personification) used to describe characters or the setting.
- Rotation and Collaboration: Follow the same rotation and collaboration process as in the original activity.
- Collaborative Conclusion (2 minutes)
- As a class, create a collaborative Social Media "Post" or short paragraph that summarizes the story based on the insights gathered from all stations.
- Additional Considerations:
- Differentiation: For advanced learners, you could introduce more complex tasks, such as analyzing symbolism or exploring themes in depth. For struggling learners, provide additional support or scaffolding.
- Assessment: You could assess students' understanding by evaluating their contributions to the stations, the quality of their analyses, and their participation in discussions. (See Rubric)
- Extension Activities: Students can write a Prequel, Sequel, to The Scarlet Ibis or write diary entries from a character's perspectiv
- This approach is dynamic because it keeps students moving and engaged. It's collaborative as it requires group work and building on others' ideas. The activity encourages critical thinking, creativity, and comprehensive understanding of the story's elements.
- Engages multiple learning styles (visual, kinesthetic, verbal)
- Encourages peer learning and idea-sharing
- Allows for a comprehensive review of the story in a short time
- Promotes active participation from all students
- Builds on collective knowledge and insights