the rat catchers daughter themes & symbolism / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the Year 7 homeschool student will be able to understand the themes and symbolism in the book "The Rat Catcher's Daughter" and make connections to the concepts of government and citizenship in Australia.

Materials and Prep

  • Copy of the book "The Rat Catcher's Daughter"
  • Pen and paper
  • Computer with internet access (optional)

Read the book "The Rat Catcher's Daughter" prior to the lesson to familiarize yourself with the themes and symbolism.

Activities

  1. Discussion: Start by having a conversation with the student about their thoughts and impressions of the book "The Rat Catcher's Daughter". Encourage them to share their understanding of the themes and any symbolism they noticed.
  2. Symbolism Exploration: Ask the student to identify specific symbols in the book and explain their significance. Discuss how symbols can represent abstract ideas and how they can be used to convey messages in literature.
  3. Government and Citizenship Connection: Guide the student to make connections between the themes and symbolism in the book and the concepts of government and citizenship in Australia. Discuss how the actions and decisions of government officials and citizens can have symbolic meaning and impact society.
  4. Writing Activity: Instruct the student to write a short essay or reflection piece on how the themes and symbolism in "The Rat Catcher's Daughter" relate to their understanding of government and citizenship in Australia. Encourage them to provide specific examples from the book and explain their interpretations.

Australia: Year 7 Talking Points

  • "In Australia, we have a democratic system of government. This means that our citizens have the right to vote and participate in decision-making."
  • "Citizenship in Australia comes with certain rights and responsibilities. It is important to understand the values and principles that guide our society."
  • "The book 'The Rat Catcher's Daughter' explores themes such as social inequality, justice, and the power of individuals to bring about change."
  • "Symbols, such as the rat catcher in the book, can represent larger concepts or ideas. They can be used to communicate messages and provoke thought."
  • "By analyzing the themes and symbolism in 'The Rat Catcher's Daughter', we can deepen our understanding of government and citizenship in Australia and reflect on our own roles as citizens."