Short Stories for Teaching Symbolism Podcast Episode

In today’s episode of the Teaching ELA Podcast, I discuss several short stories with a focus on symbolism: “Masque of the Red Death,” “Through the Tunnel,” “The Minister’s Black Veil,” “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,” “The Moustache,” “A Worn Path,” “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and whatever else comes to mind. Takeaways Citing textual evidence […]

Point of View Lesson Plans and Five More Short Stories for Teaching Point of View in Literature

My “Secret Life of Walter Mitty” lesson plans were a big hit. The world’s greatest teachers came from throughout the world to congratulate me. Then I dusted off some point of view lesson plans I borrowed from the guy who’d been teaching since 1972 but refused to retire. It was a disaster. Nobody learned a […]

Valentine’s Day Short Stories for High School with Valentine’s Day Lesson Plans

Valentine’s Day evokes various reactions among high school students. Most of these reactions have one thing in common: overreaction. Use the holiday to your advantage by teaching short stories that involve realistic (and not so realistic) relationships. I’m not going to pretend you’re not here for a free lesson plan. Here’s a lesson plan for the […]