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Short Stories - A Mini-Unit

In this course, students will read a short story each week and will work through analyzing them for literary elements and vocabulary terms and they will participate in a discussion.
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
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5.0
Number of reviews:
(967)
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Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Students may be asked to complete assignments from class outside of class if we are unable to finish.
Assessment
Students will be given several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!
Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 7
In this course, students will be exposed to four different short stories. Through the course, we will review and look at the basic literary elements from the story such as plot, setting, character, theme, symbolism, and more. Each week we will review the elements before starting a new novel to help students gain a better understanding and knowledge of the concepts and how they function within a story. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the story with one another and to participate in debates. We will work on plot diagrams to showcase our knowledge and understanding of the story and the literary elements while participating in discussions. 

Students will design plot diagrams and work through mini-stations for many stories by collaboration. Below is a list of activities and skills that these activities will focus on:
"The Necklace" by Guy De Maupassant OR "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
     - Plot Diagramming
          - Setting, Character, Theme, Symbolism
 "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell OR "To Build a Fire" by Jack London
     - Tone and Mood
          - Short Story and Video Analysis and Discussion
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson OR "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
     - Irony
          - Comparing and Applying Irony to Real-Life Applications
"The Dinner Party" by Mona Gardner OR "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes
     - Analysis of Evidence
          - Annotating Short Stories for Reading Comprehension
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
     - Plot a Diagram for each Story
     - Define and Identify Setting, Character, Theme, Symbolism
     - Define and Identify Tone and Mood
     - Define and Identify Types of Irony
     - Annotate
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
"The Necklace" by Guy De Maupassant OR "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
 "The Necklace" by Guy De Maupassant OR "A Sound of Thunder" by Ray Bradbury
     - Plot Diagramming
          - Setting, Character, Theme, Symbolism 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell OR "To Build a Fire" by Jack London
 "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell OR "To Build a Fire" by Jack London
     - Tone and Mood
          - Short Story and (Optional) Video Analysis and Discussion 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson OR "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
 "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson OR "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
     - Irony
          - Comparing and Applying Irony to Real-Life Applications 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
"The Dinner Party" by Mona Gardner OR "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes
 "The Dinner Party" by Mona Gardner OR "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes
     - Analysis of Evidence
          - Annotating Short Stories for Reading Comprehension 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Materials will be posted in the classroom at least 24 hours before each class with instructions on printing, writing, or anything else that might need to happen.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
967reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have taught professionally for many years and short stories are perfect for working with plot diagrams and literary elements all while participating in discussions and debates.

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Live Group Course
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$19

weekly or $75 for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min

Completed by 28 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
1-6 learners per class

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