English Language Arts9-12+
Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-7 Review
By ASHLEIGH S.
A slideshow review deck for chapters 1-7 of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, aimed at high school African American Literature students. It reviews key themes, characters, and symbols, opening with a think-pair-share hook on how men and women dream differently and moving through a gradual-release sequence that builds toward the novel's second half.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a whole-class review session of roughly 45 minutes, pausing at the think-pair-share hook on "Ships at a Distance" so students can discuss before you move into the chapter summaries.
- Discussion question: Janie's grandmother wants a secure life for her, while Janie dreams of love and independence. Which dream do you think the novel values more, and why?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: give a one-page chart listing each character and symbol from chapters 1-7 with a chapter reference, so they can fill in details as you present.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to trace how the pear tree or the horizon functions as a symbol across the first seven chapters and to compare its meaning to the "ships at a distance" image.
- Estimated time: about 45 minutes for the full deck, including discussion; allow extra time if you run the hook as a longer pair discussion.
English Language Arts9-12+
Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-7 Review
By ASHLEIGH S.
A slideshow review deck for chapters 1-7 of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, aimed at high school African American Literature students. It reviews key themes, characters, and symbols, opening with a think-pair-share hook on how men and women dream differently and moving through a gradual-release sequence that builds toward the novel's second half.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a whole-class review session of roughly 45 minutes, pausing at the think-pair-share hook on "Ships at a Distance" so students can discuss before you move into the chapter summaries.
- Discussion question: Janie's grandmother wants a secure life for her, while Janie dreams of love and independence. Which dream do you think the novel values more, and why?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: give a one-page chart listing each character and symbol from chapters 1-7 with a chapter reference, so they can fill in details as you present.
- Extension for advanced students: ask them to trace how the pear tree or the horizon functions as a symbol across the first seven chapters and to compare its meaning to the "ships at a distance" image.
- Estimated time: about 45 minutes for the full deck, including discussion; allow extra time if you run the hook as a longer pair discussion.