Allegories are similar to metaphors: in both the author uses one subject to represent another, seemingly unrelated, subject. However, unlike metaphors, which are generally short and contained within a few lines, an allegory extends its representation over the course of an entire story, novel, or poem. This lesson plan will introduce students to the concept of allegory by using George Orwell’s widely read novella, Animal Farm, which is available on Project Gutenberg.

This lesson plan meets the secondary requirements for The Engish Language Arts Standard Reading: Literature Grades 7-12 with the option of meeting the additional standard of Speaking and Listening. This lesson offers specific details with flexibility for implementation in the classroom. Students can work independently or in groups and be able to create their final book project using technology. 

This lesson plan is designed to go along with a classroom reading of Hamlet for high school students (grades 9-12). This lesson is designed to help students with their close reading skills and help them to create a deeper understanding of what is going on in one of Hamlet's soliloquies in the play. The lesson can be adapted for any of the soliloquies found in Hamlet (along with other Shakespearean plays). This lesson plan allows students to come outside of the difficulty of Shakespearean language and create meaning through connecting the words to artwork. It would be appropriate as an individual assignment, as well as an assignment for partners or small groups. 

In this lesson, students find a fairy tale from their culture. They do their own retelling of the story through video, using acting, images, music, voiceovers, and any other effects they would like to use. Photo by Дмитрий Хрусталев-Григорьев on Unsplash