Short Stories - A Mini-Unit

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