Introduction
The A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ESL Lesson Plan is designed to introduce students to the classic novel by Betty Smith while enhancing their English language skills. This lesson plan aims to engage students in discussions about the themes, characters, and plot of the book, while also improving their vocabulary, reading, and writing abilities. By exploring this timeless coming-of-age story set in early 20th century Brooklyn, students will not only develop their language proficiency but also gain insights into American history and culture. This ESL lesson plan provides a rich opportunity for students to immerse themselves in both language learning and literary exploration.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Immigrant |
A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country. |
Tenement |
A run-down and often overcrowded apartment house, especially in a poor section of a large city. |
Aspiration |
A hope or ambition of achieving something. |
Resilience |
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. |
Adversity |
Difficulties; misfortune. |
Contextual Usage
1. The protagonist’s parents were immigrants who came to America in search of a better life.
2. The family lived in a cramped tenement building in Brooklyn.
3. Despite facing many challenges, the main character held onto her aspirations of getting an education.
4. The novel highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
5. The characters in the story demonstrate great resilience in overcoming various adversities.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To kick off the A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ESL lesson, start with a fun activity that sets the tone for the novel’s setting. Begin by showing images of early 20th century Brooklyn, tenement buildings, and immigrant communities. Encourage students to describe what they see using adjectives and simple phrases related to daily life, such as “crowded streets,” “busy markets,” or “colorful storefronts.” This visual warm-up will pique students’ curiosity about the historical context of the story and help them engage with the upcoming lesson.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Word Collage
Begin by selecting key words from the novel, such as “immigrant,” “aspiration,” “resilience,” and “adversity.” Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a set of these words. Instruct them to create a visual word collage using magazines, newspapers, or printed images that represent the meanings of the words. Encourage students to discuss their choices and present their collages to the class, explaining why they selected each image.
Listening Exercise: Character Interviews
Select pivotal characters from the novel and create interview questions related to their experiences, aspirations, and challenges. Pair up students and assign each pair a character. One student takes on the role of the character while the other conducts an interview. Afterward, encourage pairs to share their interviews with the class, promoting discussion about the characters’ perspectives.
Roleplay Activity: Tenement Life
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific scenario related to tenement life in early 20th century Brooklyn. Examples could include cooking meals in a cramped kitchen, dealing with noisy neighbors, or finding ways to entertain oneself without modern technology. Each group will then perform a short roleplay based on their assigned scenario, allowing them to experience and understand the challenges faced by immigrant families.
Reading and Writing Task: Letter Writing
Ask students to imagine themselves as one of the characters from the novel and write a letter expressing their hopes, dreams, and struggles. Encourage them to use vocabulary and expressions relevant to the character’s experiences. After completing their letters, students can exchange them within small groups for peer review and discussion.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students can choose one of the characters from “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and write a diary entry from the character’s perspective, reflecting on a significant event or challenge faced in the story. This task will reinforce their understanding of the characters’ experiences and emotions while practicing writing skills. Additionally, students can be assigned to research and present on the historical context of immigration and tenement life in early 20th century Brooklyn, connecting the novel’s themes to real-life events.
Conclusion
Summary
Throughout this A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ESL lesson, students have delved into the themes of immigration, resilience, and aspiration while expanding their vocabulary and language skills. They have engaged in various activities that brought the novel to life and deepened their understanding of the characters’ experiences.
Reflection
As students reflect on this lesson, they can consider how the themes and vocabulary encountered in “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” relate to their own lives and language development. Encouraging them to think about how they can apply these new words and concepts in their daily communication will reinforce their learning and foster a deeper connection to the material.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn offers a rich tapestry of themes and experiences that resonate with English language learners. The novel’s exploration of immigration, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams provides a relatable context for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This allows ESL learners to connect with the material on a personal level, making language acquisition more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, the historical and social themes in the novel offer valuable insights into American culture and history, enriching students’ understanding of the world around them.
