LITERACY LESSON PLAN
Name(s): Christine Danowski
Julie Fields
Steven L. Lurtz
Amy Malter
Content Area: Language Arts
Date: December 11, 2003
Grade Level: 8th
Objectives with Illinois Learning Standards:
1. Students will brainstorm previous knowledge and complete a brief T/F quiz to
determine their level of awareness of the Lewis and Clark expedition. (1.C.3a)
2. Students will learn about the key members of the Corps of Discovery through
handouts, the read aloud text and their own research. (1.A.3a, 1.B.3d, 1.C.3c,
1.C.3d)
3. Students will create, develop and write a monologue authentically portraying one of
the key participants in the Lewis and Clark expedition. (1.B.3a, 3.A.3, 3.C.3a,
5.B.3b)
4. Students will present, in front of the class, a 3-4 minute monologue on
the life of this person, and their opinions about the contributions of this
person to the success of the Corps of Discovery. (5.C.3b, 4.B.3c)
Strategies/Techniques:
By researching, developing, and organizing a historically accurate and original monologue
about a prominent member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, students will gain knowledge
and a renewed respect and interest in one of the greatest achievements in the history of the
United States.
Materials: Lewis and Clark handouts, Lewis and Clark and Me by Lorrie Meyers,
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, Sacagawea by Joseph Bruchac, worksheets on
assessment and monologue requirements, T/F quiz, 3X5 cards, props, pen and pencil.
Numerous other books such as Of Courage Undaunted by James Dougherty, Streams to
the River, River to the Sea by Scott O’Dell, The Journal of Augustus Pelletier by Kathryn
Laskey will be available to students for reference, reading and research.
Procedures—
Anticipatory Set:
The Lewis and Clark expedition was one of the greatest achievements of the 19th century.
Teacher will involve students by introducing the lesson with a sample monologue about a
member of the Corps of Discovery. Teacher will use props and costume to gain students’
attention and interest. Music of Lewis and Clark will accompany the monologue.
Development:
1. After monologue and brief read to, teacher will preview the assignment by asking
students open-ended questions.
2. Teacher will engage students, with a ten T/F question quiz, to determine previous
knowledge.
a. Teacher will brainstorm and review answers with students.
b. Teacher will review assignments for next four days.
Day 1: Introduction, quiz, choose person for monologue.
Day 2: Conduct research in computer lab or library.
Day 3: Create stick doll of Lewis and Clark key member, authentic look,
teacher will provide the face.
Day 4: First half period write 3-4 minute monologue, second half conduct
peer edit.
Day 5: Presentation and written monologue due.
3. Teacher will handout background information on key members of the Lewis and
Clark expedition.
4. Students will randomly select from a hat the name of a major contributor to the
success of the Corps of Discovery. (The names to be drawn will be Meriwether
Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea. George Drouillard and York.)
5. Information sheets on the monologue will be distributed.
a. Teacher will read through these requirements with students and emphasize
key points.
6. Students will form groups and begin to formulate ideas about research and
monologue development and presentation.
Closure:
Teacher will emphasize the importance of research, authenticity, innovation and presentation
skills in this assignment. Several interesting facts about the expedition will be read and
discussed.
Modifications/Adaptations:
Teacher could encourage exceptional students to read more in depth material about the
expedition and provide these students a list of resources for this purpose. Instead of working
on the monologue independently, students could work in groups. Additional handouts could
be provided students to minimize student research requirements. Instead of stick dolls
students could make paper dolls or puppets.
Extensions:
Students could dress up in costumes and use props when presenting their monologues.
Monologues could be memorized. Students could write a biography about their Corps of
Discovery member.
Technology: CD of Lewis and Clark music, video about Lewis and Clark, list of web sites
about the expedition.
Assessment:
Student performance will be assessed based on the criteria provided in the monologue
handout.
Self-Reflection: