Literature Lark in the Library!

Presented by: Christy Cordova

Subject Area(s):

Grade Level(s):

Description:

This lesson plan is aimed at a 10th grade American literature class. Students are preparing to begin a research project on an American author of their choosing. Students will be introduced to relevant library resources that will assist them in their research by a lecture from the librarian and a follow-up activity. Students will write a research paper on the life, major works, and importance of their author. They will present their research findings to the class in a PowerPoint presentation.

Goals & Objectives:

Instructional Goals:

 

 

Learning Objectives: 

 

 

Motivational Goals:

 

 

Materials:

Procedures:

Introduction (Technique: Lecture)

 

  1. 1. Welcome students to the library.
  2. 2. Explain the goals and objectives for the class, and tell students what to expect during class.
  3. 3. Give students a handout that they can use during the class and outside of the class.

 

 

Body (Techniques: Lecture, PowerPoint presentation, demonstration, discussion, group work, questioning, and discussion)

 

  1. 1. Give a PowerPoint presentation of lecture.
  2. 2. Explain what “hard copy” resources are available in the library, and how to find these resources.
  3. 3. Show students the online catalog and other online resources such as databases.
  4. 4. Explain how to use these resources and demonstrate one or two sample searches.
  5. 5. Ask for several student volunteers to come up and do sample searches in front of the class.
  6. 6. During the sample searches, explain the difference between scholarly and popular resources and how to evaluate a resource. Also show citation resources.
  7. 7. Have students participate in a team activity to find library resources.
  8. 8. In groups of two or three, students will search the resources presented and complete the corresponding worksheet.
  9. 9. Once they have finished the worksheet, they will check their answers with their teammates.
  10. 10. Lead the class in a brief discussion of their findings.

 

 

Conclusion (Techniques: free research time, individual assistance)

 

  1. 1. Have students begin their research process.
  2. 2. Let students search for information about their topic individually, begin pre-writing, or begin working on their PowerPoint presentation. 
  3. 3. Teacher librarian will be available to provide assistance. 

 

Assessment:

• Students' overall behavior



• Participation in the group activity



• Completion of the worksheet



• Staying on task during the free research time



• Finding at least 3 relevant resources to use for their paper



• The completeness and accuracy of their citations



• Demonstration of increased interest and confidence when using

library resources and searching for information

Supporting Files:

Standards: