Lesson Plan

Teacher:​ Elizabeth Moore

Book:​ Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman,1986
Grade Level:​ Secondary Education resource room 9-10th Grade
Multicultural Theme:​ Respecting cultural differences. Discrimination. ​Oppression,
Race

Materials:
The book​ A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman, ​paper for notes, pencils, reading
schedule date sheet, journal.

Standard​:
CCSS.ELA- Literacy. RL. 9.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in
detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is
shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.

Objective:
Students will be able to explain​ cultural differences in content without any bias regarding
races/nationalities ​with 90% accuracy in class discussion and individual work.

Procedure​:
1. Introduction:​ Introduce the book to students and ask students if they know what
a graphic novel is. Explain what a graphic novel is. Teacher will give background
information on the author and the book, Maus. Explain the books is based on the
Holocaust and provide information on the Holocaust.
2. Read:​ Teacher will give out a copy of the book to students that will be read in
class as a group, out loud, together and at home as homework. Students are to
follow the reading schedule dates given to students as a guide.
 3. Discuss:​ Teacher will initiate a discussion on what the students have previously
read in the book. Students will discuss in classroom discussion together.

● Question 1​: What is your response in reading a graphic novel? Is this your first
time?
● Question 2: ​Which certain animals in the book represent which people in the
holocaust?
● Question 3:​ How would the graphic novel feel different if the book had used
human figures instead of animals?
● Question 4:​ ​Why do you think the author,​ Art Spiegelman, created a graphic
novel based off his dad’s experience?
● Question 5:​ What kind of relationship do you think Art Spiegelman has with his
father?

Activities:
1. Students will work individually to answer the above questions and write the
answer in their journal.
2. Students can work individually, or in a group, to create their own small comic
strip creating their own story. Using paper, pencils and coloring if desired.

Evaluation​: Analyzing the students understanding by reviewing their answers to the

questions in their journals. Analyzing the students graphic novel strip the students have
created to show their understanding of the effectiveness of the medium.