Learning task 1

Pre-reading activity
Before reading the book students are given the opportunity to do
some research (RTF 2KB) on Maurice Gee and the setting of The Fat
Man.Students share the information they have discovered.
Following a report-back or brainstorming session the teacher, with
student help, should paragraph (RTF 3KB) on each of the topics
researched by the students, either on overhead or on the board.
Students should write down the paragraphs to be used later as
models for their own writing.

Beginning to read the book

Teacher introduces the book The Fat Man by Maurice Gee and reads
the first chapter with students. This to be followed by class
discussion on the information provided in the first chapter about the
setting, characters, development of plot, etc. This should be brief,
the aim being to interest students in reading on. Students asked to
write down how they think the story will develop and three or more
questions about characters, plot or setting which they would like
answered. The questions to be written with spaces between them
for students to write in answers.

Reading the book

Students then given class and homework time in which to complete
their reading of the book. They should be expected to do this within
a week and to answer their questions as they read.

Close reading
close_reading (RTF 4KB) can be carried out in conjunction with
"Beginning to read the book" or during the time that students are
completing their reading.