“The Necklace” is a short story where the problem could have been prevented with honest communication. It’s a good story for teenagers to illustrate the importance of honest communication, in addition to the value as short story study. The twist ending makes it a fun read as well.
Activities to Use with “The Necklace”
Personal Writing Project
Students can reflect on honest communication– their own ‘lost necklace’ type problem and how it was addressed. Students may write about something they witnessed or were directly part of. Tired of essays? Have students create a multimedia project instead. (Buy The Necklace Personal Writing Activities)
Alternate Ending Project
Students find a place to make a change and re-write the ending from that point. Explore how that change impacts the story and reflect on the differences. Students may write a narrative, or engage reluctant writers with a graphic novel option. (Buy The Necklace Alternate Ending Project)
Literary Essay
Always a solid option for a text related activity. This short story is easy to work with and can even be written as a 5 Paragraph Essay for practice with format and structure. The theme in this story can be easier to find and write about in a literary essay because of the clear moral of the story. (Buy The Necklace Literary Essay resource.)
Modernize It Project
Lost necklaces aren’t usually part of daily life. But there are plenty of other expensive items that could be lost or broken in a modern re-telling of the story. Students can examine the impact of modern technology and how it would change the story if set today. Also can relate to a discussion about the setting then, as it would compare to a modern setting. (Buy The Necklace Modernize it Project)
Even after all this time, “The Necklace” remains a relevant and thought-provoking story for readers. It’s a good length for analyzing literary devices. Work it into a thematic unit or a short story unit and engage students with one or more writing activities.
It’s all good.