Unit+Outline



Title of Unit: Short Story Author: Brad Byler Primary Course: Language Arts Grade Level: 11th Introduction: 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. Unit Objectives: Time Required: 3 weeks Lesson 1 Title of lesson: Elements of a short story This lesson is the first of several which will introduce and explore the short story. The purpose of this lesson will be to introduce the short story to students, by exploring what a short story is, and what the elements are that makes it a distinct genre. Assignment (in-class): Resources/materials needed: handout Elements of Short Stories Notes, which can be found at: http://www.angelfire.com/emo/6th_sense/jasmine.htm Lesson 2 Title of lesson: A Ghost Story Students will become familiar with the elements of the short story through application. Students will read “A Ghost Story” by Mark Twain, discuss the story and demonstrate an understanding of the central elements of the short story. Assignment (in-class): Assignment (homework): Students will write one paragraph that might be added to “A Ghost Story”, either in the beginning, middle or end. The paragraph must alter one of the elements of the story in some way.
 * Students will get exposure to the elements of the short story.
 * Students will develop functional writing skills in accordance with their ability.
 * Students will get experience in creatively writing a short story.
 * 1) Classroom discussion on short story, including examples of what students believe to be short stories.
 * 2) As a class brainstorm characteristics that define a short story, i.e. length, number of characters, time span, etc. From this ask the class to come up with a working definition of the short story. (Example: The short story is a piece of prose fiction, usually under 10,000 words, which can be read in one sitting.)
 * 3) Have the students further examine the uniqueness of the short story by listening to the children’s story ‘The Three Little Pigs”. Read aloud to the class, then ask them to point out the techniques or approaches that they see in this story. (Example: introduction, characters, setting, plot, rising action, crisis, climax, conclusion).
 * 4) Pass out the handout Elements of Short Stories Notes. Now have class apply the elements to “The Three Little Pigs” story.
 * 5) Quiz on elements of short story. Quiz will be very straight forward, matching definitions of elements of short stories with those found in “The Three Little Pigs.”
 * 1) As a class read “A Ghost Story” out loud, with students volunteering to read parts.
 * 2) Following the reading there will be a class discussion. Was the story scary, suspenseful, exciting? Who was the narrator? Where did the events take place, etc.
 * 3) Using the handout Elements of a Short Story, class will break into groups and use the handout to find the elements of ‘A Ghost Story”.
 * 4) Each group will discuss their results, supporting them with parts of the story.