Lesson+2

**__Lesson for //Out of My Mind//__****__, by Sharon M. Draper__**

__SOLs covered:__ English 8.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of narrative and poetic forms. c) Describe how authors use characters, conflict, point of view, and tone to create meaning. English 8.7 The student will write in a variety of forms, including **narrative,** expository, persuasive, and informational. a) Use pre-writing strategies to generate and organize ideas. b) Organize details to elaborate the central idea. c) Select specific vocabulary and information. d) Revise writing for word choice, sentence variety, and transitions among paragraphs. e) Use available technology.

NOTE: //Out of My Mind// may not be a challenging read for some 8th graders. It is to be used as a mentor text for narrative writing, as well as an example of a character overcoming challenges.

__Lesson__ After reading //Out of My Mind//, and completing a literature circle covering the book, students will write a narrative essay about a time in their lives when they felt different, inadequate, didn’t fit in, or had to overcome a difficult situation, just as Melody Brooks had to do in the book.
 * Students will begin by brainstorming their ideas and real life experiences to choose a suitable topic.
 * Before students begin their essays, some class time may need to be dedicated to looking at how to write a narrative, sentence structure and word choice, use of “I,” and what worked or what did not with hearing Melody’s story from her perspective in //Out of My Mind.//
 * In the book, Melody used many “slang” words that a person her age might use when speaking. Did the students like that? Dislike that? There should be discussion about appropriate use of slang words in writing.
 * Using an organization strategy that has been previously taught, they will begin to outline their narrative essay.
 * Multiple drafts should be written and revised for vocabulary use, sentence structure, and transitions among paragraphs.
 * The final product will be typed.