WHAT'S ON: In this lesson, the students will be practicing writing for a rhetorical situation. They will be writing a business letter to the Nigerian government requesting that they do not bulldoze the homes in Lagos. Here the students will be asked to internalize the emotions of the characters in the novel and then create a document as if written by them. Also, the students will be working with their film groups in order to prepare for shooting their movies.
WHAT TO DO: When the students walk into the room, the overhead projector will be set up. Students will first discuss the last few chapters of the novel--what has occurred, how it makes the reader feel, and what likes and dislikes are. Teacher will then explain to students that they are to compose a business letter to a Nigerian government official requesting that they do not destroy their property. Students will be asked what is necessary to writing a business letter--what format and what language should be used. The teacher will then model the business letter format on the overhead projector and ask the students to begin creating their own letters. It is emphasized that the students must put themselves into the shoes of any character of the book a write a letter from his or her perspective. Students will be given 10 minutes to begin working on this task, which will then be typed and submitted to the class website for homework.
At the close of class, film groups will be asked to report on their progress. Are they able to find editing software on any group member's computer? Do they have a camera? Has shooting begun? Film treatments will be handed in and reviewed by the teacher.
ASSIGNMENT: Finish the business letter and submit it to the class website and read chapter 24, 25, and 26