Week 1

Plot diagram, elements of plot, setting analysis, videos to teach with

Week 2

Elements of characterization, conflict analysis, text evidence

Week 3

Theme vs. topic, short story analysis, making inferences, using text evidence

Week 4

Mood, tone, foreshadow, suspense, flashback, symbolism

Week 1

The mini-lessons this week will focus on setting, plot, irony, etc. as students engage in a short story and all the supporting activities.

Week 2

Elements of fiction and short stories, such as characterization (static / dynamic, direct / indirect) are the focus of lessons and activities this week. Students will look at what drives character motivations, and how different types of conflicts add new dynamics to plot and story outcome.

Week 3

Literary devices– mood, tone, flashback, foreshadow, symbolism (These devices are the basis for this week’s activities). Students will end the week writing a literary analysis paragraph about the story they read, using text evidence and one of the literary devices studied this week. Don't worry! I have a fully supported, scaffolded process to help you help your students.

Week 4

This week’s short story is a sci-fi / futuristic one called “The Chaser.” Students will use this story all throughout the week to draw thematic connections across genres (myth & song relations). In addition, this story will also serve as a means through which to review other elements of fiction & literary devices (characterization, foreshadowing, etc.).

Week 1

Students will read one short story and complete engaging mini-lesson activities centered around the plot, characterization, and conflicts in that short story. Students will also complete small group and independent creative writing assignments related to the short story.

Week 2

This week has students reviewing all kinds of elements of literature and literary devices through Gwendolyn Brook’s short story “Home”. Activities include plot, theme, mood, figurative language, various opportunities for using text evidence effectively, and, of course, writing activities!

Week 3

Lessons and activities this week are centered around W.W. Jacobs' famously creepy short story, "The Monkey's Paw." To interact with the text in different ways, students will work through using text evidence to make logical inferences, annotating for literary devices, making connections to similar topics in other (very brief) companion texts, and writing responses that help them explore their own thoughts about the story's theme.

Week 4

Students will read Walter Dean Myer's short story, "The Treasure of Lemon Brown." Literary devices this week include irony, metaphors, imagery, and symbolism.