O. Henry Short Stories: Plots With a Twist
In this 6-day class, we will read and discuss the plot lines of three short stories written by O. Henry, which all have a fun twist at the end!
Lindsay Jacob, M. Ed.
Average rating:
4.3
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
We will read three short stories by O. Henry (“The Gift of the Magi,” “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and “The Cop and the Anthem”), and we will discuss the plot line and plot twist of each story. O. Henry is a classic writer who ends his stories in unexpected ways! This will be a fun and exciting class as we discover these surprising plots! We will spend 2 weeks on each story for a total of 6 weeks. The 1st class/week for each story will be spent introducing the story and reading the beginning of the story, with homework to finish reading the story independently. The 2nd class/week for each story will be spent discussing the story to make sure all students understood the main events and then discussing the plot diagram for the story, with special focus on the climax. We will also discuss the unexpected plot twist of each story. Students will be encouraged to take notes and contribute to class discussions. By the time we reach the third story, students will be encouraged to show their ability to help each other identify plot points more independently with less needed support from myself as the teacher.
Learning Goals
The students will be able to define each of the six parts of plot and identify them in any story they read.
The students will be able to identify the climax of a story and explain why it is the climax.
The students will be able to summarize these three specific short stories by O. Henry and explain the plot twist included in each one.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
“The Ransom of Red Chief” involves a young boy play acting being a Native American, and he interprets this to mean being violent in ways like threatening to “scalp” men or “burn” them. This is addressed in more of a humorous and exaggerated way in the story. We will address this negative stereotype in the discussion of the story.
“The Cop and the Anthem” involves a man trying to commit a crime big enough to get arrested. Again, this is told in a more lighthearted way.
Supply List
Paper and pencil for taking notes and completing plot diagrams will be needed.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.3
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been a high school English Literature and Writing teacher for 5 years. I have also taught ESL in various capacities and to various ages throughout the past 7 years, most notably in teaching English language learners and international students who are enrolled in ALL of my literature classes every year, since I teach at a high school that welcomes many international students. I hold a PA teaching certification in English for 7-12 grade and in ESL for K-12 grade. I was thoroughly trained to work in my university's writing lab as a writing peer editor, and I also have had 4 years of experience working with kids at a summer camp during my college years, as well as an abundance of tutoring experience from my high school years all the way up to the present day. I tutor students in English, math, SAT prep, and more! I have quite a bit of experience teaching through zoom, as well as other types of online video call platforms as well.
My favorite things about teaching are building meaningful relationships with students in order to help them love learning and to help them succeed, especially in areas that they have become discouraged or have felt like they could not succeed! I want learning to be fun and engaging and relevant for students. When I teach literature, I work to help students make connections between their own lives and the themes in the books. I want students to become critical readers and thinkers as they interact with the media and books and world around them. I also have a passion for helping students become strong writers, using facts and evidence, correct grammar, logical organization, and accurate citations in their writing. Writing can be hard, but it is probably one of the most important skills to master in life.
I am a mother, a bookworm, a lover of the outdoors, a novice in many types of art and crafts and diy projects, a musician for my own enjoyment (flute, piano, guitar), and a person who loves problem solving, whether that is in math (which I think is super fun!), strategy board games, puzzles, or more. Although writing, literature, and English (including SAT reading and writing) are my strengths, I would be open to sharing some of these other passions of mine as well on Outschool. Thank you for considering me as your teacher!Reviews
Live Group Class
$70
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
1-6 learners per class
