Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to apply arithmetic concepts and skills to solve problems related to the themes and symbolism found in the novel "The Rat Catcher's Daughter".
Materials and Prep
- Pencil and paper
- Calculator (optional)
- Copy of the novel "The Rat Catcher's Daughter"
- Familiarity with the themes and symbolism in the novel
Activities
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Activity 1: Symbolic Math
Read a passage from the novel that contains symbolism. Discuss the symbolism with the student, highlighting the key elements and their meanings. Then, ask the student to create a word problem that incorporates the symbolic elements. Guide them in using arithmetic concepts to solve the problem.
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Activity 2: Theme Analysis
Select a theme from the novel and discuss its significance with the student. Ask the student to identify numerical patterns or relationships within the theme. For example, if the theme is about perseverance, they could explore how many times a character faced obstacles and overcame them. Encourage the student to express these patterns mathematically and analyze them.
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Activity 3: Rat Catcher's Arithmetic
Create a set of arithmetic problems related to the novel. For instance, calculate the total number of rats caught by the main character in a given time period, or find the average number of rats caught per day. Provide the student with the necessary data and guide them in solving the problems using appropriate arithmetic operations.
Australia: Year 7 Talking Points
- "In Year 7, we explore various themes and symbolism found in literature, such as 'The Rat Catcher's Daughter'."
- "We can apply our arithmetic skills to analyze and solve problems related to the themes and symbolism in the novel."
- "By connecting mathematics with literature, we can deepen our understanding of both subjects and appreciate their interconnectedness."
- "Let's explore the symbolic elements in the novel and create word problems that incorporate them."
- "We will also analyze the numerical patterns and relationships within the themes to gain insights into the characters' experiences."
- "Lastly, we will practice arithmetic by solving problems related to the novel, such as calculating the number of rats caught or finding averages."