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Learning Experience/Unit

Activities for The Miracle Worker

Subject

English Language Arts (NYS P-12 Common Core)

Grade Levels

9th Grade

Assessment

Research Paper- Hero Comparison- see attached

Hero Comparison Assignment.doc

Learning Context/ Introduction

These activities are designed to be used with the play, The Miracle Worker, by William Gibson.

Duration

Twelve classes at 80-minutes each

Essential Question

How can disabilities be overcome?
What makes a person a hero?

Instructional/Environment Modifications

Students who have identified learning disabilities and/or special needs will receive modifications as required.

Procedure

Day 1:

Students complete Anticipation Guide (see Related Resource section below).
Discuss student responses.
Introduce the play and the main characters: Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.
Pass out poetry sheet. (see TMW poem activity in Related Resource section below.)
Have students complete color poem activity. Brainstorm, pair share, then draft the poem. Allow students time to create poems, share again, and then transfer to paper. They may illustrate if time allows.
Closure: Based on what we did today, what do you think the play will be about? What do you think will be some of the main themes? Students write down two ideas on an index card, switch with a partner, and share as a class. Turn in on way out of class as exit slip.

Days 2-7:

Read the play one act at a time. Have students volunteer for roles. View each act of the movie once you have read that act of the play.

Day 8:

Finish viewing movie. Review game to discuss characters, themes, main conflicts, etc.

Day 9:

Test and introduction to project (see attached Hero Comparison project assignment sheet in Assessment section)

Days 10 and 11:

Research in Library

Day 12:

Brainstorm as a class characteristics of heroes.
Review assignment requirements.
Pass out Graphic Organizer. (See Hero Graphic Organizer in Related Resource section.)
Allow students time to begin completing Graphic Organizer and working on rough draft.
Closure: (On an index card) Students identify one characteristic of either Annie or Helen that makes her a hero and explains what that characteristic enabled her to accomplish. Share out as a class. Turn in as exit slip.

Reflections and Feedback

Students enjoyed creating color poem. Most students do not know who Helen Keller is hence we needed to spend some time on this at the beginning.

Students relied on the graphic organizer for the research project. The thesis statement we came up with as a class and is very basic. More advanced writers/students may be able to develop their own thesis and may not need the graphic organizer.