Read Around Ball for Fantasy and Science Fiction
Created By:
Lauren Millikan
Location:
Minnesota
Grade Level:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Type of Lesson:
Stand-alone lesson Type of Schedule:
Combination Collaboration Continuum:
None Content Area:
Language Arts Content Topic:
Genre Lesson: Fantasy and Science Fiction Scenario:
This lesson can be used as an introduction to the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres for upper elementary or middle school students on either a fixed or flexible schedule. This lesson builds upon previous knowledge of the literary genres and encourages the students to read widely across the genres. The instruction is delivered by the teacher-librarian to introduce the students to new types of books and to increase reading for pleasure. The teacher-librarian may collaborate with language arts or reading teachers and use the lesson as a jumping off point for a reading project within the Science Fiction or Fantasy genres. Overview:
In the first part of this lesson, the students review the concept of "genre," discuss the major characteristics of the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres and subgenres and explore their similarities and differences. The next segment of the lesson is a “Read Around Ball,” in which students move from table to table for a read around, where each student spends 30 seconds with each book, recording their favorite book in their “dance cards.” Final Product:
Each student will record at least 6 titles that look interesting to him or her in the blank spaces of the "Dance Card," for future reference. Library Lesson:
The students will be able to: 1)Define the Fantasy and Science Fiction Genres, 2) Discuss the differences and similarities between Fantasy and Science Fiction, 3) Spend thirty seconds evaluating a book to find the “What if?” question, 4) Select and record books for personal reading, 5)Effectively use browsing and check-out time to find books
Estimated Lesson Time:
45 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
For struggling readers: Pull titles with lower reading reading levels (graphic novels, short stories, etc.)
For students with severe emotional or behavioral problems: Set aside several stacks of books on a separate table for the student to look at. At the chime, the student will move to a new stack, rather than to a new table.