Persepolis+First+Ten+Lessons

**First Ten Lesson Plans**


Good attention to cultural and historical background, making sure students respond to what they are learning. I also like the small group discussion of questions. Sometimes I feel your questions are too closed-- they have only one answer. Sometimes this is necessary to identify a cultural attitude or custom, but in general you should frame questions more openly: E.g. How do you explain Marji's actions in this chapter? What changes do you see in her relationship to. . .? What are the generational conflicts between Marji and her parents? In each case there are multiple answers, so multiple students can participate and there is less risk of being wrong.

The introductory lessons are useful for addressing misconceptions, but lesson two puts students on the defensive. Keep it positive: e.g. what did you learn from the documentary? what would you like to know about Iran?

I suggest students read the first 25 pages (Lesson Three) and then do the analysis. It is always better to reflect on what you understand and then adjust your thinking based on textual analysis. This is how we normally learn from reading: identifying challenges and then resolving them.

I'm wondering if the Webquest in Lesson 5 should be done before reading the novel. I'm not sure; why is it advantageous to do it now?

Generally I would front load most of the cultural information, but you can add details along the way, if the reading calls for it. The problem comes when the cultural information overwhelms the story and the reading becomes laborious.


 * 10/10 **