Janeth Cuevas

25 October 2016
Professor Anzalone
EDU 202

The Gift of the Magi

Essential Question: What are the elements of a short story and how do the literary
devices used by the author help shape the theme the author is trying to convey?

Materials
Blank white poster board (1 per group)
Markers
Copy of short story: The Gift of the Magi
Literary devices list and definitions

Grouping Strategy

Students will be assigned by teacher to five groups of six and be designated roles: a
reader, a recorder, a leader, two reporters, and a timekeeper. Each group will be
assigned a different literary device to become experts on.

Nevada Area Content Standards:

RL.11-12.3 - Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and
relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered,
how the characters are introduced and developed).

RL.11-12.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word
choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that
is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful (Include Shakespeare as well as other
authors).

RL. 11-12.5- Analyze how an authors choices concerning how to structure specific
parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a
comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as
its aesthetic impact.
Objective
Students will develop an understanding of the elements of a short story. After a
discussion of The Gift of the Magi, students will review literary devices. Students
will apply their understanding of the elements and literary devices to break each
down and apply it to the short story being analyzed. Students will create a visual
display to present and educate their peers on their subject matter area.
Introduction
Read The Gift of the Magi with students, having the reader of each group read a portion
of the story aloud to the class.
Explain the elements of the short story: character, setting, plot, conflict, and theme by
showing students video. Watch Flocabulary Five Things (Elements of a Short Story).
Modeling
Assign an element of short story to each group, as well as a literary device. Provide
each group with their own instruction worksheet according to what they are assigned.
Group 1: Character and summary of story explain the characters and what type of
characters they are (dynamic, static, round, flat) and give a brief synopsis.
Group 2: Setting and language analyze and explain where the story is set and what
type of language the author uses to bring us into the story. (i.e. tone, simile, metaphor
and provide examples.)
Group 3: Plot and symbolism explain the plot of the story and the symbols used by
author and what those symbols mean.
Group 4: Conflict and voice explain the conflict of the story and the point of view this is
told in. How does the point of view add to the story?
Group 5: Theme(s) explain themes in the story and the situational irony.

Guided Practice
Students will create a board using pictures and words to explain and apply their element
and literary devices to the story read. They will highlight the most important aspects in
their board and present their segment to the class, while the rest of the students take
notes on what is being presented.
Independent Practice
Students will write a summary of the notes they took in class based on the
presentations. They must explain how each element applies to the story they read
during class. They will submit this to the teacher the following day.
Closure Activity
Students will answer the question: How does the authors language and use of literary
devices help a story develop? They will write a short explanation and submit to teacher
before leaving class.