To Kill a Mockingbird: Understanding Themes Through Project-Based Learning
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as historians and literary critics, analyze Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to understand the complexities of prejudice, justice, and societal norms in the 1930s South, and how do these themes resonate in contemporary society?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird influence the events and the characters' actions?
- In what ways do the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird challenge or reinforce societal norms and values?
- How does Harper Lee use narrative perspective and point of view to shape the reader's understanding of the story and its themes?
- What are the prevailing themes in To Kill a Mockingbird, and how are they developed through the plot, characters, and setting?
- How can the social and historical context of the 1930s Southern United States help us understand the issues of prejudice and justice in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Analyze the historical and social context of the 1930s Southern United States and its influence on the themes in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- Evaluate the development of themes, character relationships, and plot events in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- Examine how the author's narrative perspective shapes the reader's understanding of the story and its themes.
- Interpret literary elements, such as dialogue, setting, and point of view, to understand character development and plot progression.
- Connect themes and patterns in "To Kill a Mockingbird" to contemporary societal issues and personal experiences.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret literature, drawing evidence from the text to support arguments.
- Collaborate with peers to discuss and present findings on the novel's themes and characters.
- Develop research skills to gather information about the historical and social context of the novel.
- Enhance writing skills through analytical essays, presentations, and creative projects related to the novel.
- Demonstrate an understanding of literary terms and techniques, such as theme, symbolism, and foreshadowing, through the analysis of "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Teacher-Provided Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMuseum of Mockingbird
Create a 'Museum of Mockingbird' where each student or group designs a museum exhibit focusing on a specific theme, character, or symbol from the book. The exhibit should include textual evidence and analysis.Debate Different Interpretations
Organize a debate where students argue different interpretations of the book's themes or character motivations. This allows students to consider multiple perspectives and use textual evidence to support their claims.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Maycomb's World: Setting Scrapbook
Students will create a 'Setting Scrapbook' that showcases the key locations in Maycomb, Alabama, and explain how these settings influence the events and characters in the novel.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA scrapbook with visual representations of settings, textual evidence, and written analysis of their significance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 3 (drawing evidence) and learning goal of analyzing historical context. Focuses on gathering textual evidence related to the setting and its impact.Character Close-Up: Dialogue and Development
Students will select a character from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and analyze their development throughout the novel. They will focus on how the character's dialogue and interactions with others reveal their personality and motivations.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA character analysis presentation, including key quotes, observations, and insights into the character's role in the story.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5b (character analysis through dialogue) and learning goal of interpreting literary elements. Focuses on analyzing character interactions and development.Unraveling the Plot: Timeline Analysis
Students will create a plot timeline that maps out the major events in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. They will analyze how each event leads to the next and identify instances of foreshadowing.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed plot timeline with annotations explaining the cause-and-effect relationships between events and instances of foreshadowing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5c (plot structure) and learning goal of evaluating plot events. Focuses on understanding how plot events connect and foreshadow future outcomes.Through Scout's Eyes: Perspective and Irony
Students will explore how the story is shaped by Scout's point of view as the narrator. They will analyze instances of dramatic irony and explain how the differences in perspective between Scout, the reader, and other characters create suspense or humor.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analytical essay that discusses the impact of Scout's narrative perspective and the use of dramatic irony in the novel.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5d (point of view) and learning goal of examining narrative perspective. Focuses on understanding the impact of Scout's point of view and dramatic irony.Echoes of Mockingbird: Then and Now
Students will write a reflection paper that connects the themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (e.g., prejudice, justice, empathy) to contemporary societal issues and their personal experiences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflection paper that demonstrates an understanding of the novel's themes and their relevance to contemporary society and personal experiences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5e (themes in contemporary contexts) and learning goal of connecting themes to contemporary issues. Focuses on relating the novel's themes to current events and personal experiences.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTo Kill a Mockingbird Portfolio Rubric
Setting Scrapbook Assessment
Focuses on the student's ability to represent key settings from the novel in a visually appealing scrapbook format and analyze how these settings influence the events and characters in the story.Setting Representation and Analysis
Demonstrates the ability to identify and accurately represent key settings from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' through visual and written mediums.
Exemplary
4 PointsVisual representations are exceptionally detailed and thoughtfully chosen. Quotes are perfectly integrated and support a sophisticated understanding of the setting's influence, demonstrating innovative insights.
Proficient
3 PointsVisual representations are well-crafted and accurately depict the settings. Quotes are relevant and support a clear explanation of the setting's influence.
Developing
2 PointsVisual representations are present but may lack detail or accuracy. Quotes are included but may not fully support the explanation of the setting's influence.
Beginning
1 PointsVisual representations are minimal or missing. Quotes are insufficient or irrelevant, and the explanation of the setting's influence is unclear or absent.
Use of Textual Evidence
Effectively uses textual evidence to support the analysis of how each setting influences the events and characters in the novel.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides multiple, compelling pieces of textual evidence for each setting, demonstrating an exceptional ability to connect the setting to the plot and character development. Analysis is insightful and nuanced.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides sufficient textual evidence for each setting, clearly explaining the connection between the setting and the plot or character development. Analysis is thorough and well-supported.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some textual evidence for each setting, but the connection to the plot or character development may be superficial or unclear. Analysis is basic and may lack depth.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or irrelevant textual evidence, failing to adequately explain the connection between the setting and the plot or character development. Analysis is weak or missing.
Presentation and Organization
Presents the scrapbook in a clear, organized, and aesthetically pleasing manner, demonstrating attention to detail and effective communication.
Exemplary
4 PointsScrapbook is exceptionally organized, visually appealing, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of design principles. Presentation enhances the content and engages the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsScrapbook is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Presentation effectively communicates the content and maintains the audience's interest.
Developing
2 PointsScrapbook is somewhat organized, but may lack visual appeal or clarity. Presentation is adequate but may not fully engage the audience.
Beginning
1 PointsScrapbook is disorganized, lacks visual appeal, and is difficult to follow. Presentation is ineffective and fails to communicate the content clearly.
Character Analysis Presentation
Assesses the student's ability to analyze a character from the novel, focusing on how their dialogue and interactions with others reveal their personality and motivations.Character Analysis and Insight
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen character's personality and motivations through careful selection and interpretation of key dialogues and events.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalysis of the character's dialogues and events is exceptionally insightful, revealing a nuanced understanding of their personality and motivations. Demonstrates innovative interpretations and connections.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalysis of the character's dialogues and events is thorough and well-supported, providing a clear understanding of their personality and motivations.
Developing
2 PointsAnalysis of the character's dialogues and events is present, but may lack depth or clarity. Some understanding of their personality and motivations is evident.
Beginning
1 PointsAnalysis of the character's dialogues and events is minimal or missing, failing to provide a clear understanding of their personality and motivations.
Use of Textual Evidence
Selects and effectively integrates key dialogues and events from the novel to support the character analysis, demonstrating a strong command of textual evidence.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects compelling and diverse dialogues and events, expertly integrating them into the analysis to create a persuasive and insightful argument about the character's development.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects relevant dialogues and events, effectively integrating them into the analysis to support the claims about the character's development.
Developing
2 PointsSelects some dialogues and events, but their relevance or integration into the analysis may be weak. The connection to the character's development is not always clear.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects minimal or irrelevant dialogues and events, failing to support the analysis or demonstrate an understanding of the character's development.
Presentation and Communication
Creates a clear, engaging, and well-organized presentation that effectively communicates the character analysis to the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and visually appealing, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of presentation techniques. Content is presented in an innovative and memorable way.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear, engaging, and well-organized, effectively communicating the character analysis and maintaining the audience's interest.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is adequate, but may lack clarity, engagement, or organization. The character analysis is presented, but may not fully capture the audience's attention.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, disorganized, and lacks engagement, failing to effectively communicate the character analysis to the audience.
Plot Timeline Analysis
Focuses on the student's ability to create a plot timeline that maps out the major events in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and analyze how each event leads to the next, including instances of foreshadowing.Timeline Accuracy and Organization
Accurately identifies and arranges the major events in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in chronological order, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the plot structure.
Exemplary
4 PointsTimeline is exceptionally detailed and accurate, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the plot structure and the relationships between events. Displays innovative insights into the narrative flow.
Proficient
3 PointsTimeline is accurate and well-organized, presenting the major events in chronological order and demonstrating a clear understanding of the plot structure.
Developing
2 PointsTimeline includes most of the major events, but may contain some inaccuracies or lack clear chronological order. Understanding of the plot structure is developing.
Beginning
1 PointsTimeline is incomplete, inaccurate, or lacks chronological order, demonstrating a limited understanding of the plot structure.
Cause-and-Effect Analysis
Provides clear and insightful explanations of the cause-and-effect relationships between events, demonstrating an ability to analyze the plot's progression.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanations of the cause-and-effect relationships are exceptionally insightful and nuanced, revealing a deep understanding of the plot's complexities and underlying motivations.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanations of the cause-and-effect relationships are clear and well-supported, demonstrating a solid understanding of the plot's progression.
Developing
2 PointsExplanations of the cause-and-effect relationships are present, but may lack depth or clarity. The connection between events is not always well-explained.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanations of the cause-and-effect relationships are minimal or missing, failing to demonstrate an understanding of the plot's progression.
Foreshadowing Identification
Identifies and explains instances of foreshadowing, demonstrating an understanding of how the author uses this technique to create suspense or hint at future events.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and analyzes instances of foreshadowing with exceptional insight, revealing a sophisticated understanding of how the author uses this technique to enhance the narrative and create anticipation.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and explains instances of foreshadowing, demonstrating a clear understanding of how the author uses this technique to create suspense or hint at future events.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some instances of foreshadowing, but the explanations may lack depth or clarity. The connection to future events is not always well-explained.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or explain instances of foreshadowing, demonstrating a limited understanding of this literary technique.
Perspective and Irony Essay
Assesses the student's ability to explore how the story is shaped by Scout's point of view as the narrator and analyze instances of dramatic irony.Perspective Analysis
Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how Scout's narrative perspective shapes the reader's understanding of the story and its themes.
Exemplary
4 PointsAnalysis of Scout's narrative perspective is exceptionally insightful, revealing a nuanced understanding of how her point of view influences the reader's interpretation of events and themes. Demonstrates innovative connections.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalysis of Scout's narrative perspective is thorough and well-supported, providing a clear understanding of how her point of view shapes the reader's understanding of the story and its themes.
Developing
2 PointsAnalysis of Scout's narrative perspective is present, but may lack depth or clarity. Some understanding of her point of view and its influence is evident.
Beginning
1 PointsAnalysis of Scout's narrative perspective is minimal or missing, failing to provide a clear understanding of how her point of view shapes the story.
Dramatic Irony Analysis
Identifies and analyzes instances of dramatic irony, explaining how the differences in perspective between Scout, the reader, and other characters create suspense or humor.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentification and analysis of dramatic irony are exceptionally insightful, revealing a deep understanding of how these differences in perspective enhance the narrative's impact. Provides innovative interpretations.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and analyzes instances of dramatic irony, clearly explaining how the differences in perspective create suspense or humor.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some instances of dramatic irony, but the explanations may lack depth or clarity. The connection to suspense or humor is not always well-explained.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or explain instances of dramatic irony, demonstrating a limited understanding of this literary technique.
Essay Clarity and Organization
Presents a well-organized and clearly written essay that effectively communicates the analysis of Scout's narrative perspective and the use of dramatic irony.
Exemplary
4 PointsEssay is exceptionally well-written, insightful, and engaging, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of essay structure and argumentation. Presents innovative ideas and perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsEssay is well-organized, clearly written, and effectively communicates the analysis of Scout's narrative perspective and the use of dramatic irony.
Developing
2 PointsEssay is adequate, but may lack clarity, organization, or depth. The analysis of Scout's narrative perspective and dramatic irony is presented, but may not fully convince the reader.
Beginning
1 PointsEssay is unclear, disorganized, and lacks effective communication, failing to present a coherent analysis of Scout's narrative perspective and the use of dramatic irony.
Thematic Reflection Paper
Evaluates the student's ability to connect the themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to contemporary societal issues and their personal experiences.Theme Understanding
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the major themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (e.g., prejudice, justice, empathy) and their relevance to contemporary societal issues.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an exceptionally insightful understanding of the novel's themes and their complex connections to contemporary societal issues. Provides innovative perspectives and arguments.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a clear and thorough understanding of the novel's themes and their relevance to contemporary societal issues.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates some understanding of the novel's themes, but the connection to contemporary societal issues may be superficial or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the novel's themes and their relevance to contemporary societal issues.
Personal Reflection
Reflects thoughtfully on personal experiences that connect to the themes in the novel, demonstrating an ability to make meaningful connections between literature and personal life.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides exceptionally thoughtful and insightful reflections on personal experiences, demonstrating a profound ability to connect the novel's themes to their own life and the world around them. Shows innovative self-awareness.
Proficient
3 PointsReflects thoughtfully on personal experiences, demonstrating a clear ability to connect the novel's themes to their own life.
Developing
2 PointsReflects on some personal experiences, but the connection to the novel's themes may be superficial or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or irrelevant reflections on personal experiences, failing to connect them to the novel's themes.
Paper Clarity and Organization
Presents a well-written and organized reflection paper that effectively communicates the connections between the novel's themes, contemporary issues, and personal experiences.
Exemplary
4 PointsReflection paper is exceptionally well-written, insightful, and engaging, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of essay structure and argumentation. Presents innovative and compelling ideas.
Proficient
3 PointsReflection paper is well-written and organized, effectively communicating the connections between the novel's themes, contemporary issues, and personal experiences.
Developing
2 PointsReflection paper is adequate, but may lack clarity, organization, or depth. The connections are presented, but may not fully convince the reader.
Beginning
1 PointsReflection paper is unclear, disorganized, and lacks effective communication, failing to present a coherent analysis of the connections.