Lesson Plan
Meet Tom Sawyer!
Students will be able to describe the main character and setting of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by answering comprehension questions on a worksheet.
This lesson is important because it introduces students to a classic of American literature and helps them develop skills in character and setting analysis. It lays the groundwork for understanding narrative elements in complex texts.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Journal, read-aloud, worksheet, and discussion.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Daily Slides, Tom's World Worksheet, My Own Adventures Journal, and Copies of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (Chapter 1)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review Daily Slides and practice read-aloud sections of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" Chapter 1.
* Print copies of Tom's World Worksheet (one per student).
* Prepare a copy of My Own Adventures Journal for each student.
* Ensure access to copies of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (Chapter 1) for the read-aloud.
* Review the generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Journal Entry: My Own Adventures
5 minutes
- Objective: Students reflect on their own experiences with mischief or adventure.
* Activity: Distribute My Own Adventures Journal and instruct students to complete the warm-up prompt. Prompt: "Think about a time you had a small adventure or got into a bit of harmless mischief. What happened? Who was involved? Where did it take place?"
* Teacher Guidance: Encourage creative thinking and personal connection. Circulate to check for understanding and engagement. (See Daily Slides Slide 1-2)
Step 2
Read Aloud & Comprehension Check
10 minutes
- Objective: Introduce students to Tom Sawyer and the setting of St. Petersburg, Missouri.
* Activity: Read aloud the first few pages (or Chapter 1, depending on text length) of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Pause at key moments to ask guiding questions about Tom's character and the description of the setting.
* Teacher Guidance: Model fluent reading. Use expressive voices for characters. Prompt students to visualize the scene and predict what might happen next. (See Daily Slides Slide 3-4)
Step 3
Worksheet Practice: Tom's World
10 minutes
- Objective: Students will identify and describe key aspects of Tom Sawyer and his environment.
* Activity: Distribute Tom's World Worksheet. Students will work individually or in pairs to answer comprehension questions based on the reading.
* Teacher Guidance: Circulate to provide support and clarification. Encourage students to refer back to the text to find answers. (See Daily Slides Slide 5)
Step 4
Group Discussion: First Impressions
5 minutes
- Objective: Facilitate a brief discussion to synthesize initial understandings of Tom and his world.
* Activity: Lead a short class discussion using prompts like: "What are your first impressions of Tom Sawyer?" "How would you describe the town of St. Petersburg?" "What kind of adventures do you think Tom might have?"
* Teacher Guidance: Ensure all students have an opportunity to share. Guide students to use evidence from the text to support their answers. (See Daily Slides Slide 6-7)
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Slide Deck
Meet Tom Sawyer! ðŸ¤
Get ready to dive into the world of a mischievous boy and his river adventures!
Welcome students to class and introduce the day's lesson. Engage them with the intriguing title.
Your Own Adventures!
Think about a time you had a small adventure or got into a bit of harmless mischief.
What happened? Who was involved? Where did it take place?
(5 minutes)
Explain the journal activity. Give students about 5 minutes to write their responses.
Who is Tom Sawyer?
Mark Twain's classic tale introduces us to a lively, mischievous boy named Tom Sawyer.
As we read, pay attention to:
* What Tom does
* How he acts
What kind of person do you think he is?
Introduce 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and Mark Twain. Begin the read-aloud of Chapter 1, focusing on Tom's introduction and early actions. Emphasize character traits.
St. Petersburg, Missouri
The story takes place in a small town along the Mississippi River.
As we read, listen for:
* Descriptions of the town
* The types of places Tom visits
* What life might have been like in this setting
Continue the read-aloud, shifting focus to the setting descriptions. Highlight details about St. Petersburg, Missouri, and life on the Mississippi River.
Explore Tom's World
Now it's your turn to explore Tom's world!
Complete the Tom's World Worksheet to show what you've learned about Tom and his home.
Explain the purpose of the worksheet and how it connects to the reading. Distribute the Tom's World Worksheet and give instructions.
Let's Talk About Tom!
Time for a quick chat!
* What are your first impressions of Tom Sawyer?
* How would you describe the town of St. Petersburg?
* What kind of adventures do you think Tom might have?
Initiate the group discussion. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts and observations, using evidence from the text.
Great Start!
Today, we met the famous Tom Sawyer and began exploring his exciting world.
Get ready for more adventures in our next lesson!
Conclude the lesson, reminding students of what they learned today and what's next.
Worksheet
Tom's World Worksheet
Directions: Based on the reading from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," answer the following questions in complete sentences.
-
Describe Tom Sawyer's personality based on his actions and Aunt Polly's descriptions in the first chapter. What kind of boy is he?
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Where does the story primarily take place? Describe the setting in your own words, including at least three details from the reading.
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What is one specific example of mischief Tom gets into at the beginning of the story?
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How does Aunt Polly feel about Tom? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.
-
What do you think life was like for children growing up in St. Petersburg, Missouri, during Tom Sawyer's time?
Journal
My Own Adventures Journal
Prompt: Think about a time you had a small adventure or got into a bit of harmless mischief. It doesn't have to be anything big! Maybe you explored a new place, tried something you weren't supposed to, or simply found a clever way to avoid a chore.
What happened? Who was involved? Where did it take place? What did you learn from it (or not learn!)?
Reflection Question:
If you could have an adventure like Tom Sawyer, what kind would it be and why?
Answer Key
Tom's World Worksheet Answer Key
1. Describe Tom Sawyer's personality based on his actions and Aunt Polly's descriptions in the first chapter. What kind of boy is he?
Thought Process: The question asks for a description of Tom's personality based on his actions and Aunt Polly's words. I need to recall specific examples from the beginning of the book.
Answer: Tom Sawyer is a mischievous, clever, and somewhat disobedient boy. He often tries to avoid chores, like whitewashing the fence, and enjoys playing pranks. Aunt Polly describes him as