The Treasure Within - Bela Raja/Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: "The Treasure Within" by Bela Raja

1. General Information

Class: 8
Subject: English – Supplementary Reader (It So Happened)
Lesson Title: The Treasure Within
Author: Bela Raja
Duration: 1 Period (40–45 minutes)
Text Type: Interview/Narrative

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Understand the key message of the story: every child has unique potential
Develop appreciation for alternative intelligence and learning styles
Enhance vocabulary and comprehension
Express opinions about education and creativity
Practice summarizing and mind mapping

3. Teaching Aids

NCERT textbook
Whiteboard and markers
Chart paper for mind mapping
Projector (if needed for video/visuals)

4. Introduction (5 minutes)

Ask students: "Have you ever felt that school doesn't suit your way of learning?"
Briefly introduce Bela Raja and Hafeez Contractor (renowned architect)
Mention that this is an interview format discussing his school struggles and later success

5. Short Summary (10 minutes)

"The Treasure Within" is an interview between Bela Raja and Hafeez Contractor, where Hafeez shares his experience as a poor academic student who eventually found success as a top architect in India. He talks about how he was once mischievous, uninterested in conventional schooling, and labeled a failure. However, thanks to a supportive principal and his natural talent for drawing and visualization, he discovered his passion. The lesson emphasizes that real treasure lies within a person’s unique talents—not necessarily in academic scores.

6. Mind Map Activity (10 minutes)

Students create the following mind map in groups or individually:

Mind Map: The Treasure Within

[The Treasure Within]

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| | | |

[Hafeez’s School Life] [Turning Point] [Architecture Career] [Theme]

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- Weak in studies - Talk with principal - Top architect - Everyone has

- Good at pranks - Encouraged to draw - Natural visual hidden talent

- Disinterested - Realized his talent ability - School isn't the

only path

7. Explanation and Discussion (10 minutes)

Key Points to Discuss:

Why traditional education doesn't fit all learners
Importance of identifying individual strengths
Hafeez's transformation from a prankster to a professional
Role of a supportive mentor (principal)

8. Vocabulary and Language Focus (5 minutes)

Introduce new words from the lesson:

Complex, visualize, aptitude, potential, disciplines, exceptional

Ask students to form simple sentences using each.

9. Assessment/Comprehension Check (5 minutes)

Sample Questions:

What kind of student was Hafeez in school?
What was the turning point in his life?
How did Hafeez discover his true interest?
What message does the lesson give?

10. Homework

Write a paragraph: “My Special Talent and How I Want to Use It”
Prepare to talk about someone (famous or known) who succeeded without being good at school.