The Curious Incident of the Dog at the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

You can listen and read the novel online, just follow the link:

http://esl-bits.net/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/curious.incident.of.the.dog/002/default.html

Step 1:

  • anticipate the contents of the book by analysing the book covers 
  1. lay-out/composition
  2. characters/ figures
  3. colours
  4. words : title, size
  • You are going to work in groups on the title of the novel. Each group will focus on one word specifically and brainstorm all the words or associations you can think of. Follow the example below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_ Infer the plot [expressing hypotheses, file 1 attached]

  • Read the extracts below, all of which are chapter openings from the novel. Decide which you think is the best for the first chapter and be ready to explain why.
  
   

_ Your turn! Writing contest.

After reading the tips below, write your own opening chapter.

    

CO :  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3099744420063987&extid=GuP9n9nTg8mCHEIV

 

After watching and discussing the video, focus on chapters 3, 5 and 7 and pick out elements which correspond to the Asperger’s syndrome in Christopher’s behavior.

 speaking tools :

He can’t + BV…………………                               He is unable to + BV…………………….

It is hard/difficult for him to + BV                         He has a hard time + BV-in

  • What can you infer about his relationships to other people? Give precise examples.

(réinvestissement expression de l'hypothèse, certitude...)

  • Speaking about autism 

Watch the trailer of the series Atypical, then pick out differences and common points between Sam’s and Christopher’s behaviours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=ieHh4U-QYwU

  • What do they have in common?
  • What are the differences?

 

Exploring Christopher’s personality

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder characterized by some difficulties in social interaction, restricted interests, desire for sameness, distinctive strengths such as attention to detail.

 

Ì You are Christopher’s father and you have to explain to your new friend what makes Christopher so special.

 

Use the poster below to make sentences expressing abilities or inabilities and use very precise examples. Use as many different prompts as you can. (see document attached as well).

 

 

 

  • Impersonating Christopher

 

Step1: brainstorming

  • Make a list of everything you know about Christopher
  • Name, the people he knows, what he likes, dislikes, what makes him feel comfortable or uncomfortable, why he decided to write a book, what the book is about…

Step 2: writing

  • Use the information you got and write a monologue (i.e. use the first person) impersonating Christopher. You should try and use the same style as the narrator in the novel.

 

Step 3: performing

  • Read your monologue aloud several times and make sure you get the pronunciation right.
  • Record yourself reading the monologue [1:30/2 minutes].

Investigating.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Project: shooting a trailer

  • the novel will soon be made into a movie: shoot a 2 minute trailer highlighting all the stakes of the book.