Substitute Lesson Plan: The Secret Garden (Chapters I–II)

Objective

Students will read/listen to the opening of The Secret Garden and be able to describe Mary Lennox's character traits using evidence from the text, and retell the sequence of events that led to her being alone.

Materials

• Copy (or copies) of The Secret Garden, Chapters I ("There Is No One Left") and II ("Mistress Mary Quite Contrary")
• Paper and pencils for each student
• Chalkboard/whiteboard or chart paper (optional, for listing character traits)

Warm-up (~5 min)

Write the phrase "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary" on the board (or say it aloud). Ask students:

• "Has anyone heard this phrase before? What do you think 'contrary' might mean?"
• Tell students they are about to meet a girl named Mary who many people describe as "disagreeable-looking" and difficult. Ask them to listen for why people might think that as you read.

Main Activity (~25 min)

1. Read Aloud (15 min): Read Chapter I, "There Is No One Left," aloud to the class (or have strong readers take turns reading paragraphs). Pause at key moments to check understanding:
2. After the description of Mary's early life: "Why do you think Mary grew up to be 'tyrannical and selfish'? Whose fault might that be?"
3. After the cholera outbreak begins: "What is happening in the house? How does Mary find out?"
4. After Mary wakes up alone: "Why does no one come for her right away?"
5. At the end of the chapter: "What has Mary just learned about her parents?"

1. Discuss & Chart (5 min): As a class, list words that describe Mary based on the text (e.g., "cross," "spoiled," "self-absorbed," "not affectionate," "used to getting her own way"). For each word, ask a student to point to a sentence or moment in the story that supports it.

1. Begin Chapter II (5 min): Read the opening of Chapter II aloud, where it explains that Mary did not miss her mother much and only wondered if she would go to "nice people" who would "give her her own way." Ask: "Does this fit with the words we listed on the board? Why or why not?"

Wrap-up / Exit Ticket (~10 min)

Have students write a short response (4–6 sentences) answering:

"Using evidence from the story, describe Mary Lennox in your own words. Then explain in your own words why 'there was no one left' to take care of her."

Students should include at least one detail from the text (e.g., the cholera, the Ayah dying, her parents' deaths, or her behavior toward the servants).

If Time Remains

Have students predict in writing or aloud: "Mary is now alone in the world. Based on what you know about her personality so far, what do you think will happen to her next? Where do you think she might go?" Allow a few volunteers to share their predictions with the class.