Unit Description
This unit focuses on
- reading and responding to a variety of short stories, both classic and contemporary, and applying a variety of reading and comprehension strategies
- development of compositions that interpret and analyze short story elements and the use of self-assessment and peer review to edit preliminary drafts and produce final products are essential elements of this unit
- written responses to a variety of writing prompts in a journal/learning log
- grammar instruction differentiated for students’ specific needs
- independent reading instruction and monitoring
- defining vocabulary words within the context of the literature and appropriate use of the words in self-generated sentences
Student Understanding
Students can identify characteristics that are unique to the short story genre. They recognize that literary devices enhance the meaning of a literary work, and that
employing literary devices in written work and group projects will likewise enhance student work. It is the reader’s task to draw inferences for himself/herself from the story and to relate those inferences to personal experience(s).
employing literary devices in written work and group projects will likewise enhance student work. It is the reader’s task to draw inferences for himself/herself from the story and to relate those inferences to personal experience(s).
Activities
Digital Stories - After reading a short story, students will work in cooperative groups to analyze and interpret a self-selected literary element (e.g., theme, plot, characterization) or device (e.g., symbolism, oxymoron, and flashback). They will create a visual representation of their analysis
Character Analysis - students will develop a multiparagraph essay that compares fictional characters. The essay should include the following: a clearly stated central idea; logical organization; vocabulary selected to clarify meaning, create images, and set a tone; and a correct citation for the Web sources. Students will follow steps in writing processes to self-edit and peer edit, revise, and produce a final draft. They will then present and discuss the comparisons.
Create poster with literary elements - students will identify the main parts of plot (e.g., exposition, inciting incident, development, climax, resolution, and denouement).
and create a poster of the plot sequence for the assigned short story and present the poster to the class.
Blogging in character's voice -
Short story summaries -
Short Story Analysis
Character Analysis - students will develop a multiparagraph essay that compares fictional characters. The essay should include the following: a clearly stated central idea; logical organization; vocabulary selected to clarify meaning, create images, and set a tone; and a correct citation for the Web sources. Students will follow steps in writing processes to self-edit and peer edit, revise, and produce a final draft. They will then present and discuss the comparisons.
Create poster with literary elements - students will identify the main parts of plot (e.g., exposition, inciting incident, development, climax, resolution, and denouement).
and create a poster of the plot sequence for the assigned short story and present the poster to the class.
Blogging in character's voice -
Short story summaries -
Short Story Analysis