To Kill a Mockingbird Lesson Plans

To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Lesson Plan #1
The author, Miss Harper Lee, was born on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama. She attended the local public schools, then Huntington College. Later she studied law at the University of Alabama but never completed work for the law degree. Her study of the law may be reflected in the simplicity of her style. Every event is narrated with a straightforward, simple approach. In her first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, a lawyer is the main character. For this work she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for the best novel of 1960. The book has been made into a successful movie.

Discussion questions:
Who is telling the story and from what point of view? (It should be pointed out to students that there are two sides to every argument. Actually there are many sides to a situation, depending upon who is looking at it and why. The different “sides” taken by different people are their points of view.)
What is the setting?
What kind of person is Atticus Finch?

Writing assignment:
The technique of this first chapter is like that of a mystery story in which the author mentions certain things and gives hints about facts which are not fully revealed until much later. The incident about Jem getting his arm broken is not reported until the last chapters of the novel. Can you think of some incident from your own experiences which seemed mysterious to you at the time? Recall the incident by writing about it.
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Lesson Plan #2
Chapters 2-3
Discussion:
These two chapters present the first aspect of Scout’s education.
What are some of her learning experiences?
The Cunninghams are poor but honest people.
She must treat Walter with courtesy even though he is poor.
A guest must always be treated with respect regardless of his/her station in life.
She must try to see things from others’ points of view.)
Compare the Cunninghams with the Ewells

Writing assignment:
Describe the relationship between Scout and Atticus. Think about whether you would like to have the same type of relationship with your parents.
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Lesson Plan #3
Chapters 4-6
Discussion:
In Chapter 4 the Radley place becomes more mysterious. Discuss the attitude of Scout and Jem toward Boo Radley.
What does Atticus think of Boo?
What kind of person is Miss Maudie? Is she typical of the white people in this community?
Contrast Miss Maudie’s function with that of Miss Stephanie
Writing assignment:
In these chapters the children are frightened by the firing of a gun after their attempt to peek into the Radley house. Can you remember a time when you were very frightened? Write about what happened, how you felt, and the outcome of the situation.
Lesson Plan #4
Chapter 7-8
Discussion:
Scout’s learning experience continues. As the narrator, Scout observes and reports, but the reader often comes to a conclusion that Scout herself is not aware of.
What does Jem finally realize about Boo Radley and why?
When does Scout realize that although Boo may seem peculiar, he is really a kind and friendly person?

Writing assignment:
In Chapter 8 the emphasis of the novel shifts to the Tom Robinson case.
What are the two themes running through the book?


Lesson Plan #5
Chapters 9-11
Discussion:
What are some of the problems that Jem and Scout encounter as a result of their father’s (Atticus) defending a Black man accused of rape?
What would you consider as basic differences between social and race relations at the present time and those described in the novel?
How are the Boo Radley and the Tom Robinson episodes similar?
How does each reflect something about the title of the novel?
Writing assignment
Why is it, do you think, that young people and their parents sometimes have conflicts of one kind or another? Write an article giving your answer to this question. You might expand your answer to include a discussion of the reasons why young people as a group and adults, as a group, do not always understand and like each other. Is there a way in which mutual understanding and respect between these two groups can be achieved?
Lesson Plan #6
Chapters 12-15
Discussion: Chapter 12 presents additional views of the social situation in Maycomb. Discuss this situation as it pertains to Blacks and Whites.
What is Aunt Alexandra’s role and what is her attitude concerning Atticus’ involvement with Tom Robinson’s case?
What effect does the Robinson case have on the Finch household?
Do you think that what happened to Tom Robinson in this novel could happen today? Why or why not?
Writing assignment
In your own words, tell what you think is meant by “prejudice.”


Lesson Plan #7
Chapters 16-18
Discussion:
Describe the courthouse scene. What is the general atmosphere in the courtroom?
During the trial, how does Atticus destroy Ewell’s story?

Writing assignment:
Atticus brings out in the trial that the Ewells live in a broken-down house behind the garbage dump. Mayella is seen to be a terribly lonely, isolated person without any friends or companions. As you read this part of the story, did you sympathize with Mayella? Tell how you felt about her and why.
Lesson Plan #8
Chapters 19-22
Discussion: Chapters 19 and 20 are important in Scout’s learning experiences
What does she understand about Mayella’s character? What does she understand about Tom Robinson?
Chapter 21 presents the suspense as to what the verdict will be. Jem feels confident that Tom Robinson will be set free. Rev. Sykes explains to him that it would be against tradition to decide in favor of a Black person. In light of the attitudes of all concerned, why do you suppose Atticus put so much effort into defending Tom?
Writing assignment:
Bob Ewell was embarrassed by Atticus in court and planned to get revenge. What are your feelings about “getting revenge,” or “getting back at people”? Express your thoughts on this subject by giving an example to illustrate your point.
Lesson Plan #9
Chapters 23-27
Discussion:
Atticus attempts to explain to Jem and Scout about the trial and why Ewell has acted the way he did. Does Atticus really understand the lengths that a man like Ewell will go to get revenge?
Scout confronts a type of prejudice in the schoolroom. What happened in school that she could not understand?
Writing assignment:
Have you ever felt that everybody else had the wrong idea about someone or something? Did you tell them how you felt, or did you wait to see what the outcome would be before stating your opinion? Write a composition about the situation and how it turned out.
Lesson Plan #10
Chapters 28-31
Discussion:
In these final chapters Boo Radley makes his first physical appearance. Would you consider him the hero of the novel? If so, why?
What is Scout’s final learning experience in this novel? In what way has Scout matured?
Writing assignment:
Discuss the limitations of using Scout as the narrator. What are the advantages?