Seventh Grade Lesson on Reading: Understanding Literary Devices

Title: Understanding Literary Devices

Compliance Standard: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4)

Subject: Reading

Summary: This lesson will introduce seventh-grade students to various literary devices and help them understand how these devices enhance the meaning and impact of a text.

Topic: Exploring Literary Devices in Reading

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and define common literary devices
• Analyze how literary devices contribute to the overall meaning of a text
• Apply knowledge of literary devices to interpret and discuss texts

Methodology:

This lesson will be delivered through a combination of teacher-led instruction, group discussions, and individual activities. The teacher will use a variety of examples from different texts to illustrate the use of literary devices.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Textbooks or reading materials with examples of literary devices
• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk
• Handouts with examples of literary devices

Instructions:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever noticed any special techniques or patterns in the books they have read.

2. Explain that authors often use literary devices to make their writing more interesting and impactful.

Identifying Literary Devices (15 minutes)

1. Introduce the concept of literary devices and provide a definition. Examples of common literary devices include:

• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Alliteration
• Hyperbole
• Onomatopoeia
• Irony
• Symbolism

2. Display examples of each literary device on the whiteboard or blackboard, and discuss their meanings and effects on the reader.

Analyzing Literary Devices (20 minutes)

1. Provide students with short excerpts from different texts that contain various literary devices.

2. In small groups, ask students to identify the literary devices used in each excerpt and discuss how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the text.

3. Have each group share their findings with the class, encouraging discussion and critical thinking.

Applying Knowledge (15 minutes)

1. Distribute handouts with additional examples of literary devices.

2. Ask students to individually read the examples and identify the literary devices used.

3. Instruct students to write a short paragraph explaining how each literary device enhances the meaning or impact of the text.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Recap the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of literary devices in enhancing the reading experience.

2. Encourage students to be more aware of literary devices in the texts they read and to discuss them with their peers.

Assessment:

To assess students' understanding of literary devices, the following activities can be used:

• Group discussions: Observe students' participation and contributions during group discussions on analyzing literary devices.
• Handout responses: Evaluate students' ability to identify and explain literary devices through their written responses on the handouts.
• Classroom discussions: Engage students in whole-class discussions to assess their comprehension and ability to apply knowledge of literary devices.