Analyzing an Interpretative Ending: Raymond Carver's "Why Don't You Dance?"
In this class I will analyze a short story that is meant to be interpreted by the reader. Young readers often find Raymond Carver's "Why Don't You Dance" confusing so I assist in close reading and analyzing the text for hidden innuendos.
Striving Students Towards Success, LLC.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(245)
What's included
1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will read and annotate the short story "Why Don't You Dance?" by Raymond Carver. Learners will answer 18 comprehension and analysis questions.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 12
In this class learners will read a story that is considered by many critics to be one without a plot. "Why Don't You Dance?" by Raymond Carver is a story that is meant to be up for interpretation. I will read and annotate a short story by Raymond Carver in the first lesson video. Learners will then complete 8 comprehension analysis questions, then watch the lesson video to view my interpretations. The third lesson video will review the remainder of the questions, so learners can see live writing for short response questions. I will review with learners the hidden innuendos and stereotypes that would have been common in the 1970's, as well as possible themes for the story. This class is meant to get learners comfortable with identifying literary elements while reading, answering written response questions, and talking about literature.
Learning Goals
Learners will read and annotate a short story in order to practice identifying and explaining literary elements in a fiction text.
Learners will use textual evidence to support their claims when answering comprehension and analysis questions.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)1 Lesson
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
"Why Don't You Dance?"
Learners will read and annotate the story in order to answer 18 comprehension questions focused on analysis and interpretation. Other Details
Parental Guidance
This story is known for being interpretative, but the characters in the story kiss and dance. Younger readers may not fully comprehend the innuendos used in the story.
Supply List
A copy of the short story "Why Don't You Dance?"
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
"Why Don't You Dance?" by Raymond Carver
Joined May, 2020
4.9
245reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
New York Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from State University of New York at Oswego
I hold two New York state teaching certifications in English Language Arts and Students with Disabilities. I have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Special Education. I have over ten years experience teaching literature to young people. Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$15
for all content1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
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Ages: 13-18
