Themes and Morals Debate
My Brother Sam is Dead Lessons
In this lesson, students will explore the major themes and morals of 'My Brother Sam is Dead' through a structured debate. This will enhance their critical thinking and public speaking skills while deepening their understanding of the novel's content. Students will work in groups to prepare arguments and participate in a guided debate session.
My Brother Sam is Dead Lessons
Discussion Guide, Group Preparation Worksheet, and Debate Evaluation Sheet
Begin by briefly discussing the major themes and morals in 'My Brother Sam is Dead,' such as loyalty, family conflict, and the impact of war. Explain the format of the debate and the rules for respectful discussion.
Step 2
Group Preparation
15 mins
Divide the class into small groups. Distribute the Group Preparation Worksheet to each group. Have students discuss their assigned theme or moral and prepare arguments both for and against it. Encourage them to use examples from the book to support their points.
Conduct the debate in a structured format. Each group will present their arguments for 2-3 minutes, followed by a rebuttal from another group. Ensure that students follow the debate rules and encourage respectful, thoughtful discussion.
Summarize the main points discussed during the debate. Highlight the importance of understanding different perspectives and how the themes and morals in the book can be applied to real-life situations. Conclude with a brief reflection activity where students can share what they learned from the debate.
