Tag Archives: Teaching

Activities for Teaching the Novella: “The Metamorphosis”

The novella The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a fun story to read and teach. The entire concept of waking up suddenly as a bug (or vermin) is an attention-getter. It’s also useful to read the source between the cultural … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Short Story: “To Build a Fire”

The short story “To Build a Fire” by Jack London is a fun story to read with middle and high school students. The setting in the frozen North is interesting as is the tension. The ending is somewhat unexpected as … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the story: The Call of the Wild

The short novel or novella, The Call of the Wild is a good choice to engage readers, being an adventure novel based off real experiences. The use of the dog as narrator is different– though some students may be sensitive … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Short Story: “The Necklace”

The short story “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is an engaging short story. The story raises questions about impressions, the value of things, materialism, and honest communication. Modernize It Project “The Necklace” was set some time ago, so students … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Poem: “Casey at the Bat”

“Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer is a fun narrative poem. Good for students reluctant about poetry, but also has an interesting ending. Students might expect a happy ending. Compare With the Short Film The poem was adapted … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Short Story: “The Birthmark”

The story “The Birthmark” by Nathanial Hawthorne is fun to teach with high school students. The horror in watching Aylmer destroy his “perfect” wife makes for a compelling story. Students can discuss why the wife accepted her fate or if … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Short Story: “After Twenty Years”

Teaching the story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry is fun in middle school and high school classes. There is the question of loyalty versus professional duty. Another component is how people grow and change. Teenagers may not see it … Continue reading

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Activities for Teaching the Short Story: “The Story of an Hour”

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin is a great short story. It’s particularly short length still includes questions of marriage, self-determination, and women’s issues. There are a number of options for exploring beyond the text of the short … Continue reading

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I’m Thankful for the Thanksgiving Rap or Rhyme

We always have a short week before Thanksgiving break.  At least two school days, sometimes three.  The students are incredibly difficult to focus.  I’ve found that even if I can engage them in our  current task (unit, story, etc.), they … Continue reading

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Why I Don’t Use Multiple Choice Questions

Creating and administering tests is used as an important gauge of student learning by teachers, parents, and administrators.  It’s not the only way, but it’s probably the most common.  In my classroom, when I have to give a test or … Continue reading

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