Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8

In this lesson plan which is adaptable for grades 3-6, students use BrainPOP resources to explore genre, allegory, and point of view in Madeleine L’Engle’s book “A Wrinkle in Time.”

Students will:

  1. Identify aspects of "A Wrinkle In Time" that define it as a work of science fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age.
  2. Explain how the author, Madeleine L'Engle, used allegory to advance her point of view about communism.
  3. Plan a science fiction allegory to dramatize the student's point of view on a topic of his or her choice.

Materials:

Preparation:

Use this lesson plan in conjunction with a unit on Madeleine L'Engle's book "A Wrinkle in Time." We recommend using this lesson at the beginning of the unit to introduce the book.

Lesson Procedure:

  1. Pass out the Graphic Organizer to students.
  2. Explain that Madeleine L'Engle's book "A Wrinkle in Time" is often categorized in three different genres. Tell students they will watch a BrainPOP movie about the book to help them learn why.
  3. Play the A Wrinkle In Time Movie for the class. You may want to play the movie through a second time and pause to allow students to take notes on their graphic organizer.
  4. Discuss the allegories Madeleine L'Engle used in the book, as explained in the BrainPOP movie. How did L'Engle use the science fiction in "A Wrinkle in Time" to advance her point of view about communism?
  5. Continue your unit of study on "A Wrinkle in Time" and have students read the book. Encourage them to revisit the graphic organizers and activities they've take notes on about the genre and allegories used in the book, and write down any new understandings as they read.
  6. After your unit of study has concluded, pass out the Worksheet. Have students choose one of the topics they feel most strongly about. Then, have students use the outline to plan a science fiction allegory to dramatize their point of view.