Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Angela's Ashes A Memoir

Grade Level: 12th Grade (can be adapted for advanced 11th grade)

Subject: English Literature / Memoir

Time Allotment: 2-3 Weeks (depending on depth of analysis)

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the impact of poverty and hardship on the human spirit.
Students will be able to identify and analyze the major themes of resilience, humor in the face of adversity, and the power of storytelling.
Students will be understand the concept of memoir and how McCourt utilizes literary devices to convey his experiences.
Students will be able to discuss the historical and social context of Angela's Ashes (Great Depression, Irish poverty).

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Day 1: Introduction and Context

Do Now: Have students brainstorm words associated with poverty and hardship.
Introduction: Briefly introduce Frank McCourt and Angela's Ashes. Discuss the genre of memoir and its characteristics.
Historical Context: Set the stage by discussing the Great Depression and its impact on Ireland, particularly poverty and emigration.
Discussion: How might poverty and hardship affect a child's development? How can humor play a role in difficult situations?

Days 2-4: Characters and Themes

Close Reading: Students read assigned chapters (e.g., Chapters 1-3) focusing on character development and thematic elements.
Character Analysis: Discuss the McCourt family members, particularly Frank and Angela. How do they cope with their circumstances?
Activity: Character chart - Students create a chart to analyze key characters, noting their personalities, coping mechanisms, and relationships.
Theme Exploration: Focus on the theme of resilience. How does the McCourt family demonstrate strength and perseverance?
Close Reading: Identify passages that highlight resilience (e.g., Frank's pursuit of education, Angela's hopefulness).

Days 5-7: Memoir Techniques and Humor

Memoir Analysis: Discuss how McCourt utilizes literary devices such as vivid imagery, sensory details, and dialogue to create a sense of immediacy and emotional impact.
Close Reading: Analyze specific passages where McCourt uses these techniques effectively.
The Power of Humor: Discuss the role of humor in the memoir. How does McCourt use humor to deal with his situation? What effect does it have on the reader?
Activity: Students identify humorous passages and analyze how the humor is created (e.g., irony, exaggeration, situational humor).

Days 8-10: Discussion and Analysis

Fishbowl Discussion: Divide the class into an inner and outer circle. The inner circle discusses a pre-selected topic related to the memoir, while the outer circle observes and takes notes.
Debate: Hold a debate on a controversial issue raised in the novel (e.g., the role of the Catholic Church, Frank's relationship with his father).
Individual Analysis: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme, character, or literary device in the memoir.

Days 11-12 (Optional):

Research Project: Students research the Great Depression in Ireland or the Irish emigration experience.
Creative Writing: Students write a short journal entry from the perspective of a young Frank McCourt.

Assessment:

Differentiation:

Provide scaffolding and support for struggling readers through graphic organizers, summaries, or audiobooks.
Offer choice in assignments (e.g., essay, visual presentation, poem).
Encourage advanced students to delve deeper into historical or social aspects of the memoir.

Extension Activities:

Watch a film set in Ireland during the Great Depression (e.g., The Quiet Man).
Compare and contrast Angela's Ashes with another memoir that explores themes of poverty or resilience.
Research and present on Irish culture or history.