Lesson
1
:
Learning Optimism from Literature
Grade
Grade 8
UNIT
1
•
Optimism
In Unit 1, Lesson 1, “Learning Optimism from Literature,” students will learn examples of optimism from a classic work of literature, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Students will develop their critical thinking and writing skills by answering questions about the text. Additionally, students will advance their academic dialogue skills by discussing the book with classmates.
SUGGESTED TIME:
- 1 class period to introduce the text; 1 class period to discuss the text
- If desired, additional class periods can be devoted to in-class silent reading of the text
- Page numbers of different editions of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho will vary. Suggested reading assignments are approximately 25 pages per session, for a total of 7 reading sessions, for either in-class silent reading or homework:
- Assignment 1: Beginning to the middle of Part One to “And he vanished around the corner of the plaza.”
- Assignment 2: Begin with “The boy began again to read his book…” to the end of Part One
- Assignment 3: Beginning of Part Two to “‘And I’d better read your books,’ said the boy.”
- Assignment 4: Begin with “They were strange books” and end with “And he decided he would go to see the chiefs of the tribes.”
- Assignment 5: Begin with “The boy approached the guard at the front of the huge white tent at the center of the oasis” to “‘Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.’”
- Assignment 6: Begin with “They crossed the desert for another two days in silence” to “And that he, a boy, could perform miracles.”
- Assignment 7: Begin with “The simum blew that day as it had never blown before” to end
- Students should complete the short-answer questions on the worksheet as they read the book.
- Allow at least 50 minutes for in-class discussion of the short-answer questions on the worksheet.
RELATED SUBJECT:
English Language Arts
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Read a classic work of literature
- Identify and analyze the book’s genre, point of view, characters, setting, and plot
- Identify and analyze the book’s central ideas
- Write answers to questions about the book, demonstrating an understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar
- Engage effectively in collaborative discussions about the book
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
- Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Video: What Is a Personal Legend—and Are You Living It? (Interview with Paulo Coelho) by Oprah Winfrey Network (~2 min)
- Prohuman Grade 8 Unit 1 Worksheet 1: Learning Optimism from Literature
ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET
CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET
LESSON PROCEDURE
Step 1:
- Introduce the novel The Alchemist by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, first published in 1988. Originally written in Portuguese, it became a widely translated international bestseller.
Step 2:
- Explain that this brief excerpt from an interview with the author explains the central concept of the novel. Play video: What Is a Personal Legend—and Are You Living It? (Interview with Paulo Coelho) by Oprah Winfrey Network (~2 min)
- Ask students to freewrite for 5 minutes in response to the following questions:
- What makes you feel enthusiastic?
- How might this be your personal legend?
- What is the next step you can take to honor your personal legend?
Step 3:
- Explain that there is a website that traces the protagonist’s journey. Show the website: The Alchemist Journey Map
Step 4:
- Have students complete the book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, either through multiple in-class silent reading sessions or as homework. Students should complete the short-answer questions on the worksheet as they read the book.
Step 5:
- After students have completed the book and short-answer questions, set aside 50 minutes for in-class discussion of the short-answer questions on the worksheet.
GRADE 8 UNIT 1 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING OPTIMISM FROM LITERATURE
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER WHILE READING The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:
AS YOU READ, A HELPFUL RESOURCE IS: The Alchemist Journey Map
- The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure identified by mythologist Joseph Campbell. It is a story arc with a protagonist or main character who faces challenges, overcomes adversity, and returns transformed (Rogers et al. 2023). There are 7 core elements of a Hero’s Journey. Identify each of them for The Alchemist:
- Protagonist: The central character of the story
- Shift: A change in setting or life circumstances that initiates the journey
- Quest: A clear goal or mission
- Challenge: Obstacles or difficulties that must be overcome
- Allies: Friends, mentors, or supporters who aid in the journey
- Transformation: Personal growth or change resulting from the journey
- Legacy: How the hero's journey positively impacts himself and others
- What is a principle about optimism you learned from this book that you would like to live by?
Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
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