Lesson 1.1

• Engels
• HBO
• Studiejaar 1,4

Welcome!

                     Introduction to the course, why we read & theme

Learning Objectives

• You know the value of reading in general and within a second language learning programme.
  
• You are introduced to theme and how to find theme. 
  
• You can read a short story, are able to identify topics covered and can express these as a theme
  

You can scroll along with the lesson through Canvas, it's structured the same way and you can find the materials and videos on there too.

Share your ideas with your group/class in response to the following questions:

• Why do people read?
  
• What reasons can you think of for reading (short) stories?
  
• What reasons can you think of for reading (short) stories during English (as a second/additional) language lessons?
  
• How short is a short story?
  
• What do you expect when you read a story?
  

Assign a group leader

Have the team leader type up the answers to the previous questions

Take 5 minutes to browse the Canvas site and find the answers to the following questions:

• Where can you find an overview of the stories you will read for each lesson?
  
• How will you be tested and when?
  
• Where can you find quizzes to check your knowledge of the different elements of fiction?
  

What do short stories have to say about why we should read (or in this story, tell) stories?

• Try to identify what you think the function of the storyteller is. In other words, what message does the author want to convey to the reader with this story?
• Discuss your ideas with two or three other people. When discussing your ideas, try to indicate the parts of the text (evidence) which you feel support your interpretation, be open to other's opinions, but feel free to have alternative ideas if the evidence allows it.

Discussion

Each story has a particular (set of) topic(s) which it deals with and can thus teach us about. The lesson about that topic, sometimes called the message or moral of the story, is referred to in literature as the theme of the story.

According to the video, what is vital if you want to be able to identify a theme in a story?

According to the video, what is vital if you want to be able to identify a theme in a story?

10min break

Canvas activity 4

In pairs, watch one video each on youtube about how to find the theme in literature 

(video 1 is more visual, video 2 narrates)

1) Write down a definition of what theme is (and is not) and the steps your video suggests you take.

2) Compare your definitions and list of steps with your partner and make a best version

Review canvas activity and steps

Canvas activity 5