Analyzing Values

Overview

The lesson focuses on "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry, specifically targeting 9th-grade English Language Arts in the context of understanding unchanging values in a changing world. This lesson plan aligns with the U.S. Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, focusing on the following:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea and analyze its development.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3: Analyze how complex characters develop.

Objectives

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

• Comprehend and apply new vocabulary found in "A Raisin in the Sun".
• Analyze the text through character mapping and guided questions.
• Evaluate how literature reflects unchanging values in a changing world.

Materials

• Copies of A Raisin in the Sun (selected excerpts)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Vocabulary list handout
• Character map worksheet
• Projector for displaying text excerpts

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a brief discussion on the idea of "unchanging values in a changing world". Ask students for examples of such values.

2. Objective Overview: Outline the objectives of the lesson and how analyzing this play can enhance understanding of these values.

Vocabulary and Context (10 minutes)

1. Vocabulary Unpacking:

   • Distribute the vocabulary handout.
   • Provide a brief overview of key vocabulary from the selected excerpts.
   • Engage students in matching words with definitions.

2. Contextual Background:

   • Explain the historical and cultural context of the play.

   Ask, “How do you think the time period and setting might influence the characters' perspectives?”

Reading and Analysis (20 minutes)

1. Reading Excerpts:

   • Read aloud selected excerpts from A Raisin in the Sun (ensure students have copies to follow).
   • Play an audio version, if available, to enhance engagement.

2. Guided Questions:

   • Display questions on the projector.
   • Sample questions include:
     • "What challenges do the characters face?"
     • "How do these challenges reflect unchanging human values?"
     • "In what ways do the characters’ responses to their circumstances illustrate universal themes?"

3. Character Mapping:

   • Distribute the character map worksheet.
   • Have students fill in the map detailing important traits and values for each main character.

4. Class Discussion:

   • Have students share insights from their character maps.
   • Encourage students to provide textual evidence for the traits identified.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Reflective Writing:

   • Ask students to write a short paragraph on how the characters in the play demonstrate unchanging values despite societal changes.
   • Prompt: "Choose a character and discuss how their journey in the play reflects unchanging values."

2. Class Sharing:

   • Allow a few students to volunteer their reflective pieces.

Wrap-Up

• Summarize the main points discussed.
• Highlight the importance of literature in reflecting and teaching unchanging values over time.

Assessment

• Participation in discussions
• Completeness and insightfulness of character maps
• Reflective writing paragraph

This lesson not only meets curriculum standards but also offers students the chance to engage in critical thinking and empathy by analyzing characters shaped by values that stand the test of time.