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Rate this Plan:

Unit Overview, Short Story

Subject:

Language Arts

Grades:

11, 12

Title – Unit Overview, Short Story
By – Melanie Marchand
Primary Subject – Language Arts
Secondary Subjects – Language Arts
Grade Level – 11-12
Unit Overview – Short Story

Short Story Unit Contents:

Purpose: It is important that students are exposed to many different aspects of writing. The short story is a very manageable segment of writing; therefore the quick progression that is possible with short story should keep the students interested. As well, this unit gives the students a chance to cultivate writing skills in a creative way. This unit also enhances students’ analytical skills by identifying the various elements contained within the short story.

Objectives: When this unit is finished, the students will have:
1. Been exposed to the elements of the short story.
2. Further developed functional writing skills in accordance with their ability.
3. Read a selection of short stories.
4. Had experience in creatively writing a short story.

Grade: 11-12

Resources: Stories (Mark Twain, Ghost Story; Stephen King, The Reaper’s Image; Shirley Jackson, The Lottery; Richard Connell, The Most Dangerous Game); Movie (either The Blair Witch Project or Hitchcock’s Psycho); Various Web-sites (see lesson plans).

Layout:

Short Story Unit
Class	Duration	Content
Introduction	1-2 classes	Short Story Elements; includes brainstorm, handout, quiz.
Mark Twain’s Ghost Story	1 class	Elements; includes group work, re-working a paragraph of the story
The Reaper’s Image, by Stephen King	1 class	Lesson includes biographical information, writing style, application of elements to contemporary story. Assign culminating activity (see below).
Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery	1 class	Plot & theme; includes comparison to current events.
Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game	3-4 classes	Setting and Character; includes watching movie
Conclusion	1 class	Compares styles of stories that were emphasised. Work on culminating activity.

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