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Teaching the Last Lecture: 25 High School Lessons & Activities
Before jumping into the book, a teacher could spend a day or two analyzing closely the title, cover, image on the back, and the book jacket text.
Each teacher will present the material differently, but with each chapter we recommend that a teacher prepare the following:
- Text of the chapter: Having the text of the chapter allows a teacher to create writing prompts, class discussions, and worksheets.
- Student Worksheet: The goal of all teaching is to engage the students. Worksheets that require students to think, reflect, and write will facilitate learning.
- Google Slides: With The Last Lecture, it seems appropriate to use images and visuals, just like Randy did, to help incorporate “humor, inspiration, and intelligence” into the lessons and activities.
A teacher can select revise the questions and activities to fit the curriculum and student population.
Personal Connection Questions
- List your favorite book. Include the author.
- Explain the significance of the book and the impact it had on you. Include the reasons the story had such a strong connection to you.
Book Title and Images
- Write the Book Title
- Analyze the front cover
- Make 3 observations
- How do these images impact you?
- What predictions about the book can you make based on the cover?
- Analyze the picture on the back cover.
- Make 3 observations
- List 2 emotions you feel when looking at the picture
- Predict why this image was selected.
Book Jacket
- The authors introduce the book jacket with the following quote. “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” Randy Pausch Analyze the quote. Identify and explain what the main message the authors hope to share with the reader.
- “Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration, and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it in an indelible form.” List three of your most positive qualities.
Dedication
- “With thanks to my parents who allowed me to dream, and with hopes for the dreams my children will have.” Analyze the quote.
- It is so important to have dreams! List 1 – 2 of your dreams
- Identify the people who have supported you in the pursuit of your dreams. Explain the role of your family in the pursuit of your dreams.
- “With thanks to my parents who allowed me to dream.” Identify and explain what is most important for adults to allow children to dream.
Not all these activities will be a match for the teacher or student, but hopefully, some will be useful.