Unit Title: Lesson Title: Collaborative Unit: Life of Pi

Subject Area: Grade Level: 8

th
Grade English
Duration of Lesson: Date(s)
Name: COE Course: ENGL 3403
I. Standard(s) and Objective(s)
CC RL 8.3 Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel
the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

CC RL 8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including
figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning
and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

CC L 8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening.
Objectives
Students will explore the theme of relative truths over the course of the text.
Students will use vocabulary words to better understand the way that people see the truth.
Students will create a Vine video that will display their understanding of the vocabulary.

II. Assessment
Pre-assessment
Students will take a vocabulary test in which they will dissect words and context to
determine the definition of the words. The students will not have access to the definitions
until after the quiz.
Post-assessment
Students will create a Vine with a partner in which they will demonstrate comprehension of
vocabulary words. In the video the pair of students will act out what two particular words
mean.





III. Planning

Collaborate with other teachers to determine themes, goals and objectives
Use the results of the vocabulary test to determine which words the students need help with
During the reading of the text point out vocabulary and the context in which they are used.
No accommodations should be required. The students have been reading the text previously
in class. If a situations arises it will be addressed.
Students will have an understanding of words that help with their understanding of the truth
Students will work in pairs
Each pair of students will be given two words to demonstrate
Identify ELL and special learners. Pair them with non-ELL/special learners.

IV. Engaging the Learner
Bell ringer- Ask the students to write a true sentence and a false sentence. Read sentences
aloud. Have class determine which is true.
Ask students how they determined which was true.
Explain the expectations for the video.
Review previous lesson in dissecting words
Give instructions for video. Verbally explain the instructions. Give each student a handout
with the instructions on it. Display instructions on board.
Review previous lesson in dissecting words

V. Methods, Activities and Resources
Methods
Since the class read Life of Pi as book clubs all the students should be on level.
ELL learners will be paired with another student to complete the assignment.
Show demonstration video
Give instructions verbally and in hand outs
Pair students randomly.
Confirm that each pair has a mobile device with a Vine app, they can use their personal
devices. If they do not have a mobile device arrange for the loan of one.
Both students must appear in front of the camera
Over the course of three days allow students to prepare and record the video
At the end of the unit the class will watch the videos. There will be several opportunities to
earn bonus points.



Activities

Students will write a script and a plan for their video.
The video will allow the students to show knowledge of the vocabulary. The word must be
used in context and demonstrated in the video.
The students will apply the vocabulary to their language during the course of the video.
The students will show comprehension for the vocabulary during the video.
In the last thirty minutes of class on the second day students will record their videos.
With previous permission the students may leave the room.
The class will watch the all videos as a group

Resources
Copy of Life of Pi
Mobile device such as a iPhone or iPod touch
Vine app
Wi-Fi in order to upload and show videos.
Computer to show videos in class
Paper, pencils

VI. Potential Adaptations to the Lesson {PAL}
If technology fails allow students use alternative methods of demonstration. They can create a
cartoon, a short story that demonstrates the meaning of their words.
If there is a last minute schedule change the students are allowed to take materials home and
work on project at home.

VII. Collaboration:
Collaborate with other team teacher and History teacher to create a cross curriculum unit.
Working with other teachers will provide new ideas and topics. Working across curriculum
will ensure that the students will understand there is more than one aspect of the story,
teaching them to read on text many different ways.
Collaborate with parents by sending a schedule of the unit home. Notify them periodically of
progress be e-mail and handouts. Parents will be notified of the project. Students may include
parents in their videos.
Collaborate with students. Communicating with students will allow the teacher to find the
positive and negatives in the unit and what can be improved. Students can tell what they like
and what they do not like. Students must give reason for opinions.
Collaborate with librarian. I would need to obtain copies of audio recordings of the text and a
copy of the movie on DVD.

VIII. Reflection (to be completed after teaching this lesson)