Year 11 Literacy Lesson Plan: The Importance of Decision Making for Rangatahi

Lesson Overview

Subject: Literacy
Year Level: 11
Duration: 29 minutes
Class Size: 7 students
Focus: Decision Making in the Lives of Rangatahi
Curriculum Link: The New Zealand Curriculum - English

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of decision making and its relevance in their lives.
2. Analyse how different characters in New Zealand literature make decisions and the consequences of these decisions.
3. Reflect on their own decision-making processes and discuss how these can affect their future.

Materials Needed

• Excerpts from "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera (relevant to decision making)
• Video clips from NZ films/shows depicting key decision moments (optional)
• Chart paper and markers
• Decision-Making Worksheet (to be provided)

Lesson Structure

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Begin with a quick introduction: "Today, we're going to explore how decisions can shape our futures, especially as rangatahi in New Zealand. We'll look at some examples from literature and media, and you'll get a chance to assess your own decision-making skills."
• Briefly discuss the concept of decision-making. Ask students for examples of decisions they made this week.

Introduction to Theme with Text (7 minutes)

• Introduce an excerpt from "The Whale Rider" where the protagonist makes a crucial decision.
• Read aloud the passage, then ask, "What was the decision made? What were the potential consequences?"

Group Activity: Analysing Decisions (10 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups.
• Give each group a different excerpt or video clip that showcases a decision-making moment in New Zealand literature or media.
• Ask them to discuss:
  1. What decision is being made?
  2. What factors are influencing the decision?
  3. How do the outcomes reflect the decision made?
• Each group will use chart paper to write down their analysis.

Class Discussion (5 minutes)

• Groups share their findings with the class.
• Engage the class in a discussion on the differing outcomes based on the decisions made by the characters.

Personal Reflection and Closure (2 minutes)

• Distribute the Decision-Making Worksheet.
• Prompt: "Think of a decision you need to make soon. List the pros and cons using the worksheet we've given out."
• Conclude with emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making: "Remember, every decision you make is shaping your future. It's important to think about them carefully.”

Assessment

• Observation of group discussions: Are students actively participating and contributing thoughtful analysis?
• Review of the chart papers from group work to assess understanding and engagement with the theme.
• Check the completed Decision-Making Worksheets to ensure students have grasped the concept of evaluating different outcomes.

Additional Resources

• Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) - English Online for more resources on teaching English in New Zealand.
• NZ Curriculum - Senior Secondary Guide for understanding the requirements at this level.

Note: Ensure you have permission to use any video clips and that all materials respect the cultural and intellectual property rights of the creators, particularly when using Māori and other indigenous content.