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The learning strategies incorporated in this lesson follow the principles of learning associated with the Constructivist theories on teaching and learning. Several different strategies are incorporated in to the flow of the lesson. The teacher starts out at the center of the lesson and slowing drifts into an observer as the learners begin to develop their own relationships with the lesson. The main role of the teacher is to assist in exploration of the novel and its underlying themes and then to relate examples of how the concept of circular patterns occur in our lives. The students then examine and search for other occurrences that follow the same pattern. This exploration is through the use of the Internet and library resources. The teacher assist student by asking leading question and supplying search techniques.
The learning environment should be enriched through visual components. Many of the mini-lessons should have a visual component. These artifacts should be displayed throughout the room during the course of this lesson. Encourage students to add to these artifacts to enhance learning.
Begin with an art lesson focused on circles. allow students to create various artistic works through the use of circles. The teacher should use a multi-media presentation on the use of circle in art and architecture. The novel is then introduced to the students with a short discussion on the author and the genre of the work. The teacher should use a guided reading strategies on the first two chapters of the book. Teacher uses guided questions to explore the themes of the book.
From this point on the teacher will switch between guided reading lessons and mini-lesson that deal with circular patterns. The selection of mini-lessons can be tired into different areas of history, science, art or learning. The instructor needs to continually reinforce the relationships and connections between the circular themes of the book and the topic of the mini-lessons. Incorporate of a written journal in which the students write a quote from the readings or key element of the mini-lesson, and then a personal response to that quote or entry. Students can then exchange journals and comment on each others thoughts. This component would lend itself to online discussion groups with other schools.
As the lesson progresses, and the students begin to develop and understanding of circular patterns, the students begin their own exploration of circular patterns in history, science, art, and mathematics. The teacher will deliver a mini-lesson on research and search techniques to aid students exploration. When the class finishes the book the focus should turn to students creating artifacts that demonstrate circular patterns in the exploration and research. Artifacts should include physical and virtual displays with multi-media components.
Lesson concludes with a presentation day where student present their learning and understanding about the book and circular patterns. Students should provide feedback to their peers by making notes and comments in their journals.