To Kill a Mockingbird Unit

This is a TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD unit plan that puts the responsibility for learning in the students' hands. You will not find chapter questions and traditional worksheets in this package; instead, there are activities that help your students uncover many life lessons as they use their critical thinking skills to work through the novel together, with you as their guide. New: this product now includes Activities for Pre and Post Reading.

This unit divides the novel into four sections. In the beginning, students are given bookmarks and organizers that guide their note taking as they read. Then, rather than doing traditional chapter questions, students will meet in groups to discuss the notes they take while reading.

Each section will use the following format:

• Students will begin each section with a free-write based on a writing prompt. The zip file includes a separate file with the free-writes only, so you can project them for your students.

• Groups will meet to discuss notes, fill in the graphic organizers provided and make conclusions about Lee's purpose. They will report back to the whole class.

• Students will also use graphic organizers to track character development and other important themes.

• Each section will have extra assignments that students can complete after they have their discussions. The idea is that they will do the inferring first, before you give them particular elements to focus on. You can mix this up whatever way works best for your class, especially if you want to differentiate. Strong groups may never need the organizers as they will discover important points on their own, while other groups may need the organizers very early in the process.

There are two journal assignments that ask students to think critically about author technique, two assignments that ask students to respond to quotes of their choice, and opportunities to do creative writing and class presentations. Editable rubrics, answer keys and exemplars are included.

This unit can also be found in my Three-unit comprehensive bundle along with:

Inquiry project that asks students to be a hero for a mockingbird

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