Week 3: Analytical Skills and Narrative Writing with "The Monkey's Paw"

Day 1: Introduction to "The Monkey's Paw"

Commonlit Unit on Suspense: Ruthless Storyboard Tell-Tale Heart WS (Key)
Focus on Poe Stories: Annabel Lee (Key) Suspense in Film - Slideshow
Compare & Contrast the short story and film version of Button, Button
Begin reading "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs (Adapted Story)
Discuss initial impressions and key ideas
Focus on analyzing how particular lines of dialogue or events propel the action (RL.8.3)

Day 2: Analyzing "The Monkey's Paw"

Day 3: Narrative Writing Introduction

Day 4: Developing Narratives

Continue narrative writing
Focus on using descriptive details and dialogue, drawing inspiration from Jacobs' writing style
Peer review session: Exchange narratives and provide feedback

Day 5: Language and Reading Skills and Review

Reading Skills WS (Key) Summarizing with The Monkey's Paw
Language skills focus (L.8.3)
Exercises on using verbs and verb tenses correctly, using examples from "The Monkey's Paw"
Introduction to Comma Rules (Key) (Commas Reference Sheet) Commas Continued (Key)
Discuss how verb choices contribute to mood and tension in the story
Review the week's key concepts and activities, relating them back to "The Monkey's Paw"
- Types of Narrators

Key Learning Objectives

Analyze how dialogue and events propel the action in a story
Create original narratives using elements from studied literature
Types of Sentences (Key)
What Would be Your Wish
Video Link
Monkey's Paw Audiobook

Story Focus: "The Monkey's Paw"

This week, we'll explore W.W. Jacobs' classic horror story "The Monkey's Paw." Students will analyze its themes, character development, and use of foreshadowing while developing their own narrative writing skills. The story's rich content provides an excellent foundation for discussing plot structure, mood creation, and effective use of language in storytelling.