In seventh grade we will be using short stories to develop an understanding of the elements of fiction. A short story is a piece of fictional writing that can be up to 50 pages long. A short story uses the same fictional elements as longer novels. It has fewer characters and moves through the plot more quickly.
For this unit you will read and respond to a variety of short stories. Some will be read as a class, others will be read alone or with partners. There are a number of required short stories. You will also have the opportunity to choose short stories on your own.
Required Stories Response
You will read five other short stories. One will be read and discussed in a literature group and four will be of your own choosing. Each story must be from a different author. You may choose to work alone or with a partner. Ms. Doyle will provide the material for reading. You will complete a project for two of these stories. You will be required to complete your own projects. One possible project will focus on character, another on setting, and the third option will focus on plot. You will have a conference with Ms. D about the other two personal choice stories. You will complete a form to pass in at the end of the unit to help you keep track of which stories you read and how you responded to them. You have the option of reading and conferencing with Ms. D on two additional short stories for extra credit.
Here is a list of projects. The directions and materials are available in Ms. Doyle's room.
Projects on Character: Make a Character Map OR a Paper-Chain Character
Projects on Setting: Make a Setting Pop-Up OR a Setting Postcard
Projects on Plot: Make a Plot Cartoon OR a Plot Graphic Organizer