Think about a time you tried really hard to do something, but it didn't work out the way you planned. How did you feel? How might someone with an absurdist view explain that situation?

Answers will vary but should include feelings of frustration or disappointment. An absurdist might say that the effort was inherently meaningless, but the attempt itself was important.

Is it absurd to spend hours playing a video game? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary. A good answer will acknowledge that video games are a way to pass time and have fun, but ultimately don't have a lasting impact on the world. This makes it potentially absurd.

Give an example of something that people do every day that could be considered absurd. Why do you think it is absurd?

Examples include commuting to a job that feels pointless, or endlessly scrolling through social media. The absurdity comes from the lack of inherent meaning or lasting value.

What Is Absurdism? Lesson Plan for 5th Grade

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Objective

I can explain what absurdism is using examples from everyday life.

Part 1 of 3

Warm-up video

Unknown Channel · 7:33

We don't generate video — this one is by Unknown Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

Explain in your own words what absurdism means. Can you give a simple example?

Imagine you are trying to build a sandcastle on a beach, but the tide keeps washing it away. How does this relate to absurdism?

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

“Give an example from everyday life that shows how something can be absurd, like Camus talked about.”

Sample answer included in the free materials

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What is Absurdism?

Objective

Warm-up video

Practice

Exit ticket

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