Discovering the Past

Curriculum Area: English Literature

Level: 7th Grade

Duration: 60 minutes

Standard: EN7LT-I-c-1

Objective

Students will explore literature as a means of connecting to a significant past by discussing the novel Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn. They will understand the historical and cultural context of the Philippines and how it influences the characters and themes within the novel.

Materials

• Copies of Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn (excerpts or full text)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for displaying images/videos
• Handouts with guided questions
• Notebook and pen for each student

Lesson Activities

Introduction (10 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Begin by introducing the day's objective: understanding how literature helps connect to a significant past, using Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn as an example.
2. Briefly introduce Jessica Hagedorn and the historical background of the Philippines during the 1950s-1980s.
3. Show a short video clip or a series of images depicting the cultural and political landscape of the Philippines during this period.

Student's Activity:

1. Watch the video or observe the images.
2. Take notes on key points about the historical context and cultural aspects presented.

Reading and Understanding (15 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Distribute excerpts from Dogeaters focusing on pivotal scenes that illustrate cultural and historical themes.
2. Read aloud selected excerpts, pausing to explain archaic terms or unfamiliar cultural references.

Student's Activity:

1. Follow along with the reading.
2. Annotate their copies to highlight significant passages and write down questions or thoughts that come to mind.

Guided Discussion (15 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Facilitate a guided discussion based on the reading, using prompts such as:
   • How does the historical and cultural context influence the characters' actions and decisions?
   • What are some common themes you noticed in the excerpts?
   • How does Hagedorn use language to create a sense of time and place?

Student's Activity:

1. Participate in the discussion by sharing their annotations and thoughts.
2. Respond to the teacher's prompts and engage in peer discussions.

Group Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
2. Assign each group a specific scene or character from the excerpts and provide a handout with guiding questions to analyze it further.

Student's Activity:

1. In their groups, analyze the assigned scene or character using the guiding questions.
2. Prepare a brief presentation summarizing their analysis.

Presentations and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Invite each group to present their findings.
2. Summarize the key points from each group’s presentation and connect them back to the lesson’s objective.

Student's Activity:

1. Present their analysis to the class.
2. Listen to other groups and take notes on different perspectives.

Closing Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher's Activity:

1. Provide a brief conclusion that reinforces how Dogeaters helps us understand the significant past of the Philippines.
2. Assign a reflective journal entry on how literature can serve as a window into history and culture.

Student's Activity:

1. Write a brief journal entry reflecting on today’s lesson and how literature can connect us to the past.

Assessment

• Participation in discussions and group activities.
• Annotations and notes taken during reading.
• Reflective journal entry to evaluate students' understanding and personal connection to the lesson.

Home Assignment

• Read the assigned chapters of Dogeaters.
• Prepare for a quiz on the historical and cultural context discussed in class.

By engaging students with interactive activities and guided discussions, this lesson will enable them to appreciate literature's role in understanding and connecting to significant historical events and cultures.