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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Adventure of the Copper Beeches” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E2b Student produces a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work. E1b Student reads and comprehends informational materials to develop understanding and expertise and produces written or oral work that makes connections to related topics or information. E3b: Participates in group meetings in which the student gives reasons in support of opinions expressed. Volunteers contributions and responds when directly solicited by the teacher or discussion leader. E5a The student examines the reasons for a character’s actions , taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

  • Students will be provided time for silent reading.
  • Students will analyze character development/traits.
  • Students will understand and be able to identify the elements and purpose of an epilogue.
  • Students will be able to define vocabulary related to the story.
  • Students will research Doyle’s use and appropriateness of a dog in the story.
  • Students will be demonstrate their knowledge their knowledge of "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches."

RESOURCES

  • Sherlock Holmes text

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"I can’t make bricks without clay."

Holmes.

"If I can claim full justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing — a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon logic rather that upon crime that you should dwell. You have degraded what should have been a series of deductions into a series of tales."

Pg. 272.

NOTE: In 1891, Doyle wrote to his mother saying he was thinking of killing Holmes. His mother responded, "You won’t! You can’t! You mustn’t!"

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

  • Students will have read "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches."

    ACTIVITIES

  • Silent reading 20 minutes
  • Students will, as a whole group, decide on the five of the most important events
  • Minilesson-Is the title a good one for this adventure? The beeches aren’t really a part of the story. What would you have titled it? If you have time you may rewrite the ending of this story. How might it have been different if Holmes and Watson had arrived in time?
  • The last page of the story contains and epilogue. It is obvious that the tone and purpose are different. How does this epilogue benefit readers?
  • Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.
  • Writing: You have read many of Holmes’ adventures. You know his criteria for accepting cases. What is it about this case that makes him interested?
  • Library visit. There have been other dogs used in the adventures. This one serves a dangerous purpose. Using the Internet or other source find details that made the choice of a mastiff (Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Standard) appropriate for this story.
  • http://www.akc.org/ (American Kennel Club.)
  • Quiz: "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches."

    VOCABULARY

  • epilogue- a short addition or concluding section at the end of a literary work, often dealing with the future of its characters. N.

  • causes celebres- cause for celebration.

  • beech- type of tree.

  • repertoire- the songs, plays, operas, reading, and other pieces that a player of a company is prepared to perform. n.

  • mastiff- any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs

  • locus standi-the right to appear before the court. n.

    ASSESSMENT

  • Quiz: "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches"

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