Language and Literature

Here's the link for all MYP students for Read Aloud lessons.  Happy learning,  Ms Risha 

Dear students  As MYP 3 students you will begin your U2 journey with George Orwell’s  Animal Farm , exploring how a story about animals can reveal powerful truths about human behaviour, leadership and society. Through discussions and activities, you will be introduced to key literary concepts such as  satire, irony, parody, symbolism and exaggeration . You will also explore the historical context behind the novel and began examining how characters such as  Napoleon, Snowball, Boxer and Squealer  represent different aspects of power, leadership and society. Students reflected on important questions:  What happens when power falls into the wrong hands? Can equality survive when leaders become corrupt? How can language be used to influence people? As you begin reading, you will look closely at the changing Commandments, Squealer’s persuasive language and Boxer’s unwavering loyalty — developing your skills as thoughtful and critical literary readers. A thought-...

Dear students  The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter , also known as The Tale of Princess Kaguya , is one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated literary tales. It tells the story of  Kaguya , a mysterious girl discovered inside a glowing bamboo stalk who grows into an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. As she grows older, Kaguya attracts many suitors, but she sets them impossible tasks, refusing to accept ordinary expectations placed upon her. Eventually, her true identity is revealed: she is a celestial being who must return to the Moon, leaving behind the earthly life and people she has come to know. The tale explores  identity, beauty, love, impermanence, belonging, and the tension between human desire and destiny . Key Themes Identity • Impermanence • Love • Beauty • Belonging • Destiny Think & Reflect Why does Kaguya resist the expectations placed upon her? How does the story present the idea of  belonging ? Why might Kaguya’s return to the Moon be bittersweet? ...

Homer’s  The Odyssey The Odyssey , attributed to the ancient Greek poet  Homer , is one of the foundational works of Western literature. It follows  Odysseus , King of Ithaca, on his long and difficult journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters  Cyclopes, magical beings, dangerous seas, and powerful gods , while facing challenges that test his courage, intelligence, loyalty, and determination. At its heart,  The Odyssey  is a story about  homecoming, identity, resilience, temptation, and the meaning of belonging . Key Themes Heroism • Homecoming • Loyalty • Identity • Cunning • Perseverance Think & Reflect What makes Odysseus a hero? How does intelligence help him overcome challenges? Why is returning home so important to him? How does  The Odyssey  reflect ideas about heroism in ancient Greek culture? Here's the  link  for your reference.  Happy Learning  Ms Risha

Dear students  Arjuna, one of the central heroes of the  Mahabharata , is celebrated for his exceptional skill as an archer, but his story is also one of duty, courage, self-doubt, and moral choice. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna faces a deep conflict when he sees relatives, teachers, and friends among those he must fight. His hesitation reveals that even a great warrior can struggle when personal emotions and duty come into conflict. Through Krishna’s guidance, Arjuna learns to focus on his dharma—his responsibility and duty—while acting with courage and wisdom. Key Themes Duty • Courage • Moral Conflict • Dharma • Wisdom • Responsibility Think & Reflect Why does Arjuna hesitate before the battle? What does his conflict reveal about his character? How does Krishna’s guidance change Arjuna’s perspective? Can doing the right thing sometimes be difficult? Why? Arjuna’s story reminds us that true courage is not the absence of doubt—it is the ability ...

 Dear students  Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom  is a popular West African folktale that explores  wisdom, greed, humility, and the importance of sharing knowledge . Anansi, the clever spider, collects all the wisdom in the world and places it in a pot, hoping to keep it for himself. However, when he tries to hide the pot high up a tree, he struggles to climb while carrying it. His child suggests that he tie the pot to his back instead. Anansi realises that even after collecting all the wisdom,  he does not possess all the knowledge in the world . The story reminds us that  wisdom grows when it is shared  and that no individual can know everything. Key Themes Wisdom • Greed • Humility • Sharing • Knowledge Think & Reflect Why does Anansi want to keep all the wisdom for himself? What does the pot symbolise? What does Anansi learn from his child? Why is sharing knowledge important? Here's the link for your reference.  Happy Learning  Ms Risha...

Dear MYP 1 learners, Every great journey comes to an end, and today we conclude our exploration of  Hindu, Greek, and Norse mythology . Over the past few weeks, we have travelled across kingdoms, climbed Mount Olympus, walked through Asgard, and witnessed heroes, gods, monsters, and unforgettable adventures. We explored the values of  dharma and duty  through the  Ramayana  and  Mahabharata , discovered the strengths and flaws of the Greek gods, and entered the world of Norse mythology, where bravery and honour mattered even in the face of destiny. Our final lesson takes us to one of the most fascinating myths of all— Ragnarök , the Norse prophecy of the end of the world. Unlike many stories where good triumphs forever, Ragnarök reminds us that endings can also become new beginnings. It explores themes of courage, sacrifice, fate, renewal, and hope. As we reflect on everything we have learned, ask yourself: 🌟 What makes a hero truly heroic? 🌟 Why have myt...

Dear MYP learners, Have you ever wondered why certain lines stay with you long after you've finished reading a story? Why do some descriptions paint vivid pictures in your mind, or why does a simple sentence make you laugh, think, or even cry? The answer often lies in  literary devices —the techniques authors use to make their writing more engaging, meaningful, and memorable. Throughout the year, you'll encounter many literary devices across myths, folktales, novels, poems, speeches, and memoirs. Learning to identify them will help you become a stronger reader, thinker, and writer. 📚  Some common literary devices you'll explore include: 🌟  Simile  – comparing using  like  or  as 🌟  Metaphor  – saying one thing  is  another 🌟  Personification  – giving human qualities to non-human things 🌟  Imagery  – creating vivid pictures through descriptive language 🌟  Symbolism  – using objects or actions to r...

Dear MYP 2 learners This week, we journey into the magical world of  The Ivory City and Its Fairy Princess , a fascinating folktale retold by  Joseph Jacobs . Filled with fairy princesses, clever heroes, magical cities, and unexpected twists, this story reminds us that wisdom, loyalty, and good judgment are often greater strengths than power alone. As you read, think beyond the adventure. How does the author create an imaginary world that feels believable? What makes the characters memorable? Which literary devices help build suspense and mystery? Most importantly, what lessons can we learn from the choices each character makes? During our lesson, we will: Explore the plot using the  Plot Pyramid . Identify literary devices such as  foreshadowing, symbolism, irony, imagery, and hyperbole . Analyse characters, conflicts, themes, and cultural elements. Step into the shoes of a character through creative writing and storytelling. By the end of the lesson, you'll discove...

In today's lesson, we explored the opening essay of The Fire Next Time , "My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew." Baldwin writes a powerful letter to his fourteen-year-old nephew, encouraging him to face the realities of racism without allowing it to define his identity or future. We discussed the main figures in the essay— James Baldwin , his nephew James , Baldwin's father , and the broader representation of Black America and White America . We also explored key themes such as identity, racism, family, hope, resilience, and love . Important: Elijah Muhammad does not appear in this first essay. He is introduced in the second essay, "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind," where Baldwin reflects on religion, the Nation of Islam, and different visions of justice and freedom. Key Takeaway: Baldwin reminds us that while we cannot change history, we can choose how we respond to it—with courage, dignity, and hope. Here's the link . 

Dear students  In The Fire Next Time , James Baldwin recounts his meeting with Elijah Muhammad , the leader of the Nation of Islam . Although the two men shared a deep concern for the oppression of Black Americans, they proposed very different paths toward justice and freedom. Who was Elijah Muhammad? Elijah Muhammad believed that Black people should build independent communities and achieve freedom through self-reliance, discipline, and separation from a society that had historically oppressed them. His leadership restored pride and hope to many African Americans during the Civil Rights era. What did Baldwin admire? Baldwin respected Elijah Muhammad's commitment to uplifting Black communities. He acknowledged that the Nation of Islam gave many people dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging when mainstream America had failed them. Where did Baldwin disagree? Baldwin could not accept the idea that lasting justice could be achieved through hatred or racial separation . He believe...

 Dear students  Here's the lesson link for review.  Happy learning  Risha Kalra

Dear students  Here's the link to the lesson if you wish to revisit.  Happy Learning  Ms Risha Kalra

 Dear students Media is everywhere — on our phones, televisions, posters, and websites. Media helps us learn, connect, and stay informed. But with this power comes responsibility . Ethics means knowing the difference between right and wrong . When media is ethical, it is truthful, fair, respectful, and responsible . Ethical media does not spread false information, hurt people’s feelings, or invade someone’s privacy. Even students are media creators. Every time we post, share, or comment, we make a choice. Asking simple questions like “Is this true?” or “Is this respectful?” helps us become responsible media users. Ethical media builds trust and helps create a safer and kinder world for everyone. Revisit the lesson here .  Happy Learning,  Ms. Risha Kalra  

 Dear students,  In this lesson, let's study No oyes ladrar los perros.  This lesson supports higher-order thinking by moving you from comprehension to analysis, emphasizing symbolism and social context within literary study. Reflection / Exit Ticket (5 minutes) Students respond to one prompt: What does the absence of the dogs’ barking ultimately symbolize? What does the story suggest about parental duty? How does silence function as a form of communication? Here's the link to the lesson.  Happy Learning,  Risha Kalra

Dear students,  In this lesson, we will build foundational critical thinking skills and introduce you to responsible media consumption. Visual analysis and guided discussion will be helpful as there is no prior exposure to the concept of 'stereotypes'. So, the learning progression in the lesson looks like this: Entry: You recognize media but do not identify stereotypes Developing: You can define stereotypes and identify simple examples Secure: You can explain impacts and suggest inclusive alternatives For Reflection/Exit ticket:  Please complete one of the following: Write one stereotype you learned about Explain one way media influences culture Describe one idea you will question the next time you see an advertisement.  Let's study Stereotypes and Cultural Influence in Media and advertising.  Please find the link to the lesson here .  Happy Learning,  Risha Kalra

Dear students,  In today’s media-rich world, students are constantly surrounded by messages—on screens, in print, and through social platforms. Helping young learners understand how these messages work is an essential life skill, and this formed the focus of a recent MYP 1 lesson on Understanding Media . The lesson introduced students to the idea that media is not just entertainment, but a powerful tool used to communicate information, ideas, and opinions. Students explored different forms of media , including print, digital, and social media, and reflected on where they encounter these messages in their daily lives. A key part of the lesson focused on distinguishing between objective media and persuasive media . Students learned that objective media aims to inform by presenting facts in a neutral manner, allowing the audience to form their own opinions. In contrast, persuasive media is designed to influence the audience—using strong language, images, or emotional appeals to shap...

Dear students,  In this lesson, you will learn that media messages are designed to persuade us using specific techniques.  Emotional language uses strong words to create feelings like happiness or fear.  Statistics use numbers and percentages to make messages seem trustworthy.  Expert opinions rely on professionals or famous people to support an idea.  Repetition repeats words or images so the message is easy to remember.  Slogans are short, catchy phrases that represent a brand or idea.  Learning to recognize these techniques will help you become good at media analysing and making informed decisions about media. You will also learn not to be easily influenced by media messages. Here's the link for your reference.  Happy Learning,  Ms. Risha Kalra

  Dear students, In today’s lesson, you learn that media is not always fair and that it can sometimes show only one side of a story . We explore two important ideas— bias and propaganda —using easy, real-life examples that you see around you every day. You learn that bias means favouring one idea, person, or side while leaving out other views. You also learn that propaganda is created to strongly influence what people think by using repetition, strong words, and slogans . Through local and global examples such as posters, advertisements, and campaigns, you practise asking smart questions like: Who made this? What do they want me to think? What information might be missing? This lesson helps you become a media detective —someone who thinks carefully before believing everything they see or hear. Here’s the link to today’s lesson (please click to revisit and practise). Happy learning! Ms. Risha Kalra

Dear students, In today’s lesson, you begin learning how media and advertisements try to persuade us . You explore how ads, posters, and videos use different tricks to make us feel , trust , or believe something. You learn about three simple persuasive techniques: Pathos – using feelings such as happiness, fear, or excitement Ethos – using people we trust, like experts or famous personalities Logos – using facts, numbers, and information Through local and global examples, you observe how these techniques appear in everyday life—on TV, on posters, online, and even around your neighbourhood. You also practise identifying which technique is being used and think about why it works on us . This lesson helps you become a smart and thoughtful viewer , so you don’t believe everything you see without thinking. Here’s the link to today’s lesson (please click to revisit and practise). Happy learning! Ms. Risha Kalra