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© 2005 Peter Burkhart

 

“The Sign of Four” Chapter 8 “The Baker Street Irregulars” Lesson:

Unit/Theme: Sherlock Holmes      Level: Honors

Subject: Seventh Grade English

NYS Standards/ Benchmarks: E1b: Students will read and comprehend at least four books by… to compare and contrast themes, characters, and ideas. The students evaluate writing strategies and elements of the author’s craft. Students make and support warranted and responsible assertions about the texts. E3b: Students participate in group meetings in which students give reasons in support of opinions expressed. E5a Examines the reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character. E2b: Produce a response to literature that demonstrates an understanding of the literary work.

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:

  • Students will be provided time for silent reading.
  • Students will update the Sherlock quoteboard.
  • Students will understand the steps in building a profile of a person.
  • Students will participate in a discussion about Chapter 8.
  • Students will be assessed on "Sign of Four" Chapter 7.

RESOURCES

  • Sherlock Holmes text

QUOTABLE QUOTE

"The main thing with people of that sort," said Holmes, as we sat in the sheets of the wherry, "is never to let them think that their information can be of the slightest importance to you. If you do, they will instantly shut up like an oyster. If you listen to them under protest, as it were, you are very likely to get what you want."

-Sherlock Holmes pg. 89.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

  • Students will have read Chapter 6 of "Sign of Four."

    ACTIVITIES

  • Silent reading (20 minutes.)
  • Update Sherlock Holmes quoteboard.
  • Students will understand what "a plant is." Sherlock uses a "plant" in this chapter to achieve a step in solving the case. In a small whole class discussion, describe his reasoning.
  • Holmes uses children to assist him in his search for the Aurora. Describe members of the Baker Street Irregulars. Do you think that you could be a member of their group? What characteristics do they possess? Why do the follow Holmes? What is Holmes’ explanation for using them? Do children today follow adults and assist them like the BSI do? Explain your reasoning. Consider sharing.
  • Holmes builds a profile of the special associate of Jonathan Small. In your notebooks, organize this information into a chart that presents a detail and where each detail is derived from.
  • This chapter ends with Holmes playing the violin, which he does when he has problems on his mind. It helps him relax his mind and refresh himself. Many people have activities they retreat to when they want to think or refresh. What do you do when you have things on your mind and the answers are not clear? Write about this in your journal for ten minutes and consider sharing with the class.

    ASSESSMENT
  • Quiz. Sign of Four Chapter 7

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