Course: English (9th grade)
Unit: Short Stories
Texts: “On the Bridge” Todd Strasser, “The Stolen Party” Liliana Hecker, “Thank you,
Ma’am” Langston Hughes, “The Games at Twilight” Anita Desai, “The Heartbeat of a
Dinosaur” Delia G (student written), “Skating in the Shipping Lanes” Will Lent (student
written), “Junk” Joy Rayner (student written from “Teen Ink” magazine)
Form: Genre Study
Purpose:
By reading and examining mentor texts, students will be able to recognize elements of a short
story and use their own creatively writing skills to write their own. While doing so, students will
also relate to and think critically about the texts. They will discuss important questions or
themes in the text. Students will also gain an understanding of the impact of reading and writing.
Essential Questions:
How do stories affect us?
What makes a “good” story?
Are there universal themes in literature?
How does reading about other cultures affect our understanding of those cultures?
Unit Questions:
What are the elements of a short story?
How do authors reveal theme?
How do authors start and end a story?
How do authors develop character?
How does an author show instead of tell?
How does Seth experience internal and external conflict in “On the Bridge”?
What is the significance of the quote “You really and truly earned this,” in “The Stolen Party”.
Assessments:
Formative: Quizzes, reading journals, charts, in-class discussion.
Summative: Portfolio (drafts and other artifacts, final short story).
Learning Activities:
Read various short stories as mentor texts.
Discuss elements of short stories.
Examine and relate to themes in short stories.
Journal responses.
Worksheets and writer’s workshops for writing process.
Create plot idea bank folder.
Write a short story.
Create an “Animoto” trailer for their story.
Assemble a portfolio containing drafts, artifacts, and final short story.
Participate in a Reader’s Cafe.