A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Thousand Splendid Suns Theme Analysis Lesson
Subject: English Language Arts Grades: 9‐12 Timeframe: Four 45 minute sessions
Student Outreach for Shelters (SOS) Program
Overview
This lesson is designed to deepen students’ analysis of the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. In addition, this lesson is designed to provide educators with a core novel connection to the shelter outreach themes of the Khaled Hosseini Foundation SOS program.
Preparation
Review Lesson Plan & novel. Adapt lesson plan as necessary. Prepare students as necessary: a) this lesson assumes that all students have read A Thousand Splendid Suns, and that students have clear expectations (e.g. rubrics or exemplars) for both oral and written response, namely group presentations and expository, essay‐ prompt‐based writing; b) this lesson can be taught in isolation of World Studies and Civics. However, student learning may be enhanced by a basic knowledge of Afghanistan and its recent history, as well as the current situation of Afghan refugees. See TKHF Additional Resources for additional lesson suggestions. If time does not allow for additional lessons, there is a helpful PowerPoint™ overview of Afghanistan that can be accessed from this lesson link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplan s/world/afghanistan_overview_10‐06.html
Outcomes
Students will be able to: Complete a focused re‐reading of A Thousand Splendid Suns (ATSS) Participate in active learning, taking responsibility for making meaning of text Identify elements of theme in ATSS Synthesize findings by determining relevance and impact of theme on plot and characterization Make a connection between his/her life and theme Demonstrate learning through oral and written responses Complete peer review and reflection of their learning
Anticipatory Set
Journal Activity (5min) ‐ Have students write a journal
Subject: English Language Arts Grades: 9‐12 Timeframe: Four 45 minute sessions
Student Outreach for Shelters (SOS) Program
Overview
This lesson is designed to deepen students’ analysis of the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns. In addition, this lesson is designed to provide educators with a core novel connection to the shelter outreach themes of the Khaled Hosseini Foundation SOS program.
Preparation
Review Lesson Plan & novel. Adapt lesson plan as necessary. Prepare students as necessary: a) this lesson assumes that all students have read A Thousand Splendid Suns, and that students have clear expectations (e.g. rubrics or exemplars) for both oral and written response, namely group presentations and expository, essay‐ prompt‐based writing; b) this lesson can be taught in isolation of World Studies and Civics. However, student learning may be enhanced by a basic knowledge of Afghanistan and its recent history, as well as the current situation of Afghan refugees. See TKHF Additional Resources for additional lesson suggestions. If time does not allow for additional lessons, there is a helpful PowerPoint™ overview of Afghanistan that can be accessed from this lesson link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplan s/world/afghanistan_overview_10‐06.html
Outcomes
Students will be able to: Complete a focused re‐reading of A Thousand Splendid Suns (ATSS) Participate in active learning, taking responsibility for making meaning of text Identify elements of theme in ATSS Synthesize findings by determining relevance and impact of theme on plot and characterization Make a connection between his/her life and theme Demonstrate learning through oral and written responses Complete peer review and reflection of their learning
Anticipatory Set
Journal Activity (5min) ‐ Have students write a journal