Direct Instruction
The learning intention this lesson was to think critically about a war poster. We used a visual prompt as our 'text' to promote discussion.
In this lesson you will see the students consider the author's purpose for creating the text and consider who's voice is heard and who's is not.
You will also see the students practice the phrase 'add on' as we work on having more extended discussion in our reading groups.
Reflection
Upon reflection from a previous episode, I wanted the focus for this lesson to be extended discussion. The visual text was used as a prompt for the discussion and critical literacy questions were asked to get the students thinking deeper.
One way that we brought about discussion was using the phrase ‘add on’, this encourages the students to build on each other's ideas. It was good to see the students make connections between the war and their own lives. The students reflected on family members that they knew had been to war as well as connecting this poster with war posters of today that included women. I was impressed with the symbolism that the students noticed in the poster as well.
Next time I think it would be good to compare and contrast this poster with another war time poster. I think that this would bring about some quality discussion. I also think that on reflection, I would have liked each student to have a printed version of the war poster.
Things to note
The questions in the extended plan are ones to pick and choose from (depending on where the conversation is flowing). I wouldn't ask all of these in one reading group.
Class Site Content
Learning Intention
We are learning to think critically about a text.
We are learning to consider the author's purpose for creating a text.
We are learning to question and consider who’s voices are heard in a text and who’s are not.
We are learning to use phrases such as ‘add on’ to help with our discussions in groups.
Learner Generated Content
Helena Pownall
New Brighton Catholic School
helena.pownall@manaiakalani.org
Manaiakalani Education Trust
PO Box 18 061, Glen Innes
Auckland, New Zealand