Introduction
The My Sister’s Keeper ESL Lesson Plan is designed to engage students in discussions about family dynamics, ethics, and moral dilemmas. This lesson plan is based on the novel “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult, which provides a thought-provoking context for language learning. The story revolves around a young girl who sues her parents for medical emancipation when she is expected to donate a kidney to her sister who is suffering from leukemia. By exploring this emotionally charged narrative, students can enhance their language skills while delving into complex themes and ethical considerations. This lesson plan aims to encourage critical thinking, improve vocabulary, and foster meaningful discussions among ESL learners.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Ethics |
Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. |
Leukemia |
A malignant progressive disease in which the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce increased numbers of immature or abnormal leukocytes. |
Medical emancipation |
The legal process by which a minor can petition a court to be deemed legally independent of their parents for medical decision-making purposes. |
Siblings |
Brothers and sisters considered as a group, whether they are related by blood or not. |
Moral dilemma |
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle. |
Contextual Usage
1. The novel delves into complex ethical dilemmas that challenge the characters’ moral principles.
2. The protagonist’s sister is diagnosed with leukemia, leading to emotional turmoil within the family.
3. The concept of medical emancipation becomes a central issue as the characters navigate their legal rights.
4. The dynamics between siblings are explored, shedding light on their relationships and interactions.
5. The story presents a profound moral dilemma that forces the characters to confront their ethical beliefs.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To set the tone for the My Sister’s Keeper ESL Lesson Plan, begin with a thought-provoking discussion about family dynamics and ethical decision-making. Present students with hypothetical scenarios related to medical ethics and familial relationships, encouraging them to express their opinions and engage in critical thinking. For example, you could ask students to consider a situation where a family member needs a life-saving organ donation and explore the moral implications of various decisions. This activity will not only capture students’ attention but also prepare them for the themes addressed in the lesson.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Ethical Dilemmas Discussion
Begin by introducing key vocabulary from the novel, such as “ethics,” “moral dilemma,” and “medical emancipation.” Then, present students with various ethical dilemmas related to healthcare and family dynamics. Encourage group discussions where students can express their opinions and debate the moral implications of each scenario.
Listening Activity: Character Perspectives
Play audio clips or read excerpts from the novel that depict different characters’ perspectives on the ethical issues presented. Afterward, facilitate a class discussion or pair work activity where students analyze and compare the viewpoints of the characters, fostering listening comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Roleplay: Legal Debate
Divide the class into groups and assign them roles representing different characters from the novel. Task each group with preparing a legal debate regarding medical emancipation, encouraging them to use language from the story to support their arguments. This activity promotes language fluency, teamwork, and understanding of legal and ethical concepts.
Reading and Writing: Personal Reflections
Ask students to write a reflective piece on a moral dilemma they have encountered or witnessed in their lives. Encourage them to incorporate vocabulary from the lesson while expressing their thoughts. Following this, students can share their reflections in pairs or small groups, fostering both writing skills and oral communication.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students are tasked with writing a short essay discussing the ethical implications of a medical decision. They should incorporate vocabulary and concepts learned in class, drawing from both personal experiences and the themes explored in “My Sister’s Keeper.” Additionally, students are encouraged to conduct independent research on medical emancipation laws in different countries and present their findings in the next class. This assignment reinforces the lesson content while promoting critical thinking and language application outside the classroom.
Conclusion
Summary
The My Sister’s Keeper ESL Lesson Plan delves into complex themes of ethics, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas through the context of the novel. Students explored key vocabulary related to medical ethics and engaged in activities that fostered critical thinking, listening comprehension, and language application.
Reflection
As students reflect on this lesson, they can consider how the ethical dilemmas presented in “My Sister’s Keeper” have expanded their language skills and encouraged them to think critically about real-world issues. By applying the vocabulary and concepts learned in this lesson to their personal reflections and discussions, students can further develop their language proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of ethical considerations.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
Relevance to Real-life Situations
The My Sister’s Keeper ESL Lesson Plan provides a platform for students to engage with real-life ethical and moral dilemmas, allowing them to apply language skills to meaningful and thought-provoking discussions. This topic encourages critical thinking and language development in a context that resonates with personal experiences and societal issues.
Expanding Vocabulary
Exploring the vocabulary related to medical ethics, family dynamics, and moral decision-making in “My Sister’s Keeper” equips ESL learners with a diverse range of terms and expressions. This exposure enhances their language proficiency while addressing complex themes present in the novel.
Cultural Awareness
The lesson plan offers an opportunity for students to explore cultural differences in medical practices and ethical considerations, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. This not only enriches their language learning experience but also promotes cultural awareness and empathy.
