Getting to the end of the novel...Revising themes.

Straightforward but challenging as we're revising the novel before the exam.

MY AIMS:
-  Revise and stretch understanding of themes in LOTF
- Grapple with challenging vocabulary and points
- Sum up and teach the rest of the class about your sub-topic/theme
- (and working collaboratively, independently of me)

I used some online notes (was it Sparksnotes?) then pasted them and cut them up in domino-style cards.

One card per student on arrival to classroom (differentiated then as the sub-topics are written on the back of the cards. All cards are difficult but some more so than others).

Used the Effect of Fear set of cards to demonstrate. Two students quickly worked out who had to read first (=who had the opening sentence), shared the reading aloud, then aimed to explain what could be learnt from the cards/the main points.

I did have to ask a few questions to help them clarify for themselves what the cards were saying. Then others joined in to ask questions and clarify.

 Now rest of the activity: I HAD WRITTEN THE TOPIC AT THE BACK OF THE RELEVANT CARDS SO STUDENTS STARTED BY FINDING THE OTHERS IN THEIR 'GROUP'

I then witnessed some very different strategies being used by different groups to find the right sequence but they were absolutely determined to get it right. As predicted, many spent time reading and trying to explain as they went what the main points were.

 Chuffed with the quality of the discussion. Students did ask me for key vocabulary that none of them knew (but they did seek to clarify amongst themselves first)

 The second part was more challenging - students attempting to sum up and clarify the main messages in their group to share with the class. Had to speed up the last 2 groups to get them to stick to most important points.

They did struggle with some of the language - no doubt about it - but that was part of the challenge in the first place.
VERDICT: They liked the challenge
They liked the sophisticated language
They liked having to clarify amongst themselves what the main points were
They did not like having to explain it to the rest of the class - partly because it was hard to be clear and we were rushed for time. After their focused group discussion, they felt disappointed at their own lack of clarity at that point. I do believe they were a bit hard on themselves... They did a good job and i'm particularly pleased at the language they have picked up.

Cards Match Up I have also put together a quick wordcloud to have on desks as a mat (and one to take home for exam practice responses and revision)