How to Eat Fried Worms Unit Plan: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators and Students
Fried worms have long been a controversial topic, especially in the United States. The novel “How to Eat Fried Worms” by Thomas Rockwell explores the adventures of a young boy, Billy, who accepts a dare to eat a live worm and then progresses to eating fried worms. This novel can be a fantastic teaching tool for educators to engage students in discussions about courage, responsibility, and the importance of making informed decisions. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive unit plan on “How to Eat Fried Worms” that can be used in various educational settings.
Objective
The primary objective of this unit plan is to help students develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the themes presented in the novel. By exploring the story, students will learn to analyze characters, make connections to real-life situations, and engage in thoughtful discussions.
Unit Duration
This unit plan is designed to be completed within a week, but it can be adjusted according to the time available and the needs of the students.
Materials Needed
– Copies of “How to Eat Fried Worms” by Thomas Rockwell
– Whiteboard or projector
– Markers or pens
– Handouts with discussion questions
– Access to the internet for research purposes
– Fried worm recipe (optional)
Day 1: Introduction to the Novel
– Begin the unit by introducing the novel and its themes.
– Read the first chapter aloud to the class.
– Discuss the main character, Billy, and his motivation for accepting the dare.
– Assign students to read the next chapter and prepare to discuss it in the next class.
Day 2: Character Analysis
– Students will analyze the characters in the novel, including Billy, Joe, and Bill’s parents.
– Discuss how the characters evolve throughout the story and what factors contribute to their changes.
– Assign students to write a short essay on one of the characters, focusing on their growth and development.
Day 3: Themes and Symbolism
– Introduce the themes of courage, responsibility, and making informed decisions.
– Discuss how these themes are presented in the novel through character actions and the story’s plot.
– Encourage students to identify symbolism in the novel, such as the live worm and the fried worm.
Day 4: Real-Life Connections
– Have students research and discuss real-life situations where courage, responsibility, and making informed decisions are essential.
– Encourage students to write a journal entry or essay about a personal experience where they had to demonstrate one of these qualities.
Day 5: Fried Worms (Optional)
– If time allows, provide students with a fried worm recipe and allow them to prepare and eat fried worms as a class activity.
– Discuss the ethical considerations of eating fried worms and the differences between fictional and real-life situations.
Day 6: Group Presentations
– Have students form groups and prepare a presentation on one of the following topics:
– Character analysis
– Themes and symbolism
– Real-life connections
– Each group will present their findings to the class, and the class will participate in a discussion following each presentation.
Day 7: Conclusion and Reflection
– Conclude the unit by having students reflect on what they have learned from the novel and the unit activities.
– Assign a final essay where students will discuss their personal opinions on the themes presented in the novel and how they relate to their own lives.
This “How to Eat Fried Worms” unit plan provides educators with a comprehensive approach to teaching the novel, encouraging students to engage with the story and its themes in meaningful ways. By incorporating various activities and discussions, students will develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the importance of making informed decisions.
