~*METHODS*~

01. “Do Now” – In your journals, write a paragraph as though you were one of the following characters:

a.    Aragorn

b.    Eowyn

c.    Gandalf

d.    Theoden

Describe your feelings while preparing for the battle at Helm’s Deep.

02.  Class Discussion / Explanation – Briefly discuss the “do now” assignment. Try to get one student’s perspective on each character. Make sure that students express why they think a character may feel that way. Encourage students to use examples from the text.

03.  Application / In-Class Assignment – Students will receive the handout. They will be instructed to first pair the characters with their respective weapons. (They will do this on their own) We will go over the answers as a class so that we can all be on the same page.

Then I will instruct the students to get into their history class teams. Each team will be assigned a character and their weapon. They will have to each create a 3-minute infomercial about the weapon. One student will act as the character who owns that weapon and will appear as a “guest” on the infomercial. Things to consider while trying to “sell” your weapon:

o   What makes this weapon special?

o   Why is it important to that character?

o   What role does it play in the story?

o   How might this weapon have been used in history? (cite specific examples)

Students will present the infomercials at the end of class. (Side Note: If they enjoy this assignment, I will give them the option of expanding it. They can bring in costumes/props and re-perform their infomercials to be filmed.)

04.  Wrap Up / Synthesis – We will reconvene as a class to discuss the previous assignment. Things to address in conversation:

• What are some of the similarities you noticed between the weapons? Differences?
• If you were fighting in the battle of Helm’s Deep, which weapon would you want and why?

05.  Homework Assignment – (This will be written on the board when the students first come in. They will know to write it down before they start the Do-Now; I will have taught this routine earlier in the year.) Read the next chapter in TTT. Also, write a brief paragraph comparing the symbolic nature of the Shards of Narsil to the newly formed Anduril.