Middle School English: Introduction to Short Horror Stories and Edgar Allen Poe
If you enjoy reading scary stories come and join me for a reading and discussion of Edgar Allen Poe's famous story The Tell-Tale Heart.
David Ginsberg
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(161)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Please read the story prior to attending class. Although we will go over the story again in class it is very important to have the benefit of multiple perspectives. We should also have the story as fresh in our minds as possible in order to discuss it in thorough detail.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story written by 19th century author Edgar Allan Poe. The story depicts an unnamed protagonist who murders an old man. The rationale the unnamed killer gives for the crime is an evil eye. In this class we will read Poe's famous story aloud, discuss it, complete a worksheet, and we will draw our own conclusions as to the aftermath of this chilling story. I will encourage participation among all learners who attend. This is one of my favorite horror stories and it is my pleasure to offer this lesson. As a summary for this lesson I will perform a picture walk prior to reading the story, I will read the story aloud, we will complete the worksheet, and we will discuss the story afterwards. It is my hope that our class discussion of this classic horror story can expand our knowledge and can engage our critical thinking skills deeper than just reading the story alone. Upon completion of this class each learner should form their own conclusion to the protagonist's fate. Is this person guilty of a horrific crime and deserving of legal consequences? Or are they struggling with undiagnosed mental health issues and deserving of proper treatment? This is for the readers of the story to decide. Below I have included links for learners to read the story and listen to it in audio form, both resources are free. I have also included the link to a documentary on YouTube about the life of Edgar Allen Poe and the inspirations for his literary masterpieces. Read: https://www.poemuseum.org/the-tell-tale-heart Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnHFMAxACnM A documentary on Poe's life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uknWHw32ZMI
Learning Goals
It is my hope that students will walk away from this class with a greater understanding and appreciation for Edgar Allen Poe's work. I would also like to engage critical thinking skills among learners.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
A violent murder is described in detail in this story and the unnamed protagonist very likely suffers from an undiagnosed psychological disorder. Despite its mature themes this horror story is considered a literary classic and this story has been read in public school classrooms across the United States. If you are not comfortable with mature topics this class might not be the right fit for your child. If this is something you are comfortable with then I welcome you to enroll your child today.
Supply List
A worksheet has been attached within this class and will be sent out via message to all participants in the class. Please bring a paper and pen or pencil to class as well.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Read:
https://www.poemuseum.org/the-tell-tale-heart
Listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnHFMAxACnM
A documentary on Poe's life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uknWHw32ZMI
Joined May, 2020
4.9
161reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have 5 + years teaching experience. I have a lifelong membership with the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. At the associate’s level at Southern Maine Community College, I studied Criminal Justice and Psychology, this included learning to professionally diagnose a patient with a mental disorder. I have a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University, and a masters degree in history also from Grand Canyon University. I also have more than 20 credits in English.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 14 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
3-8 learners per class
