The Maze Runner Introduction Presentation - Novel Discussion, Author, Context

This presentation includes everything you need to introduce The Maze Runner by James Dashner to students before they begin reading. The presentation is designed to build curiosity, spark meaningful discussion, and prepare students for the mysterious Maze setting, the dystopian and action genres, and the important themes they will encounter in the novel, such as memory, identity, and leadership. Through a mix of discussion questions, opinion-based activities, background information, and quick checks for understanding, students begin building the foundation they need. It’s a complete, ready-to-use lesson that helps students begin The Maze Runner with curiosity and confidence.

This is included in a unit plan:
>>> The Maze Runner Unit Plan

Included in The Maze Runner Introduction Presentation:

➡️ The Maze Runner Introduction Presentation Slides: This 19-slide PowerPoint presentation is designed to help you introduce The Maze Runner by James Dashner while preparing students to begin reading the novel. Use the slides to lead engaging pre-reading discussions, share background information, and build curiosity about the world of the Glade and the Maze. The presentation introduces students to the author, key ideas, and important concepts they will encounter in the novel, while encouraging them to begin thinking about the key literary elements and themes that shape the novel. Included in the presentation:

• Pre-reading discussion questions that invite students to consider ideas related to memory, identity, survival, and leadership
• An Agree or Disagree activity where students take a stance on statements connected to truth, memory, collaboration, and fear, and justify their thinking
• A book cover analysis that encourages students to make predictions about the novel
• An author biography of James Dashner, including his background and writing career, followed by a short discussion check to confirm understanding
• Background information introducing the dystopian and action genres, the symbolism of mazes, and the role of suspense and cliffhangers in the novel
• An overview of key themes that introduces ideas such as memory, identity, and leadership, so students have a framework for noticing these concepts while reading

Using The Maze Runner Introduction Presentation in Your Classroom:

Use this The Maze Runner introduction as a purposeful launch to your novel unit rather than beginning immediately with Chapter 1. The presentation creates space for discussion, curiosity, and critical thinking while helping students understand the big ideas that shape the novel. By the time students begin reading, they will be more invested in uncovering the mystery and better prepared to engage thoughtfully with The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

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