Imagery and Point of View in Short Fiction: Part III

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

9

Overview

In this activity, students will use their knowledge of imagery and point of view to express how the author uses those literary devices to convey meaning in a short fiction text.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 9

ELA21.9.4

Analyze how authors use characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view to create and convey meaning in a variety of texts.

UP:ELA21.9.4

Vocabulary

  • Characterization
  • Connotation
  • Denotation
  • Figurative language
  • Literary elements
  • Point of view

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Authors choose to write from a particular point of view and use specific literary elements and vocabulary words to convey their intended meaning.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Identify characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view in a variety of texts.
  • Analyze how characterization, connotation, denotation, figurative language, literary elements, and point of view creates and conveys meaning in a variety of texts.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Authors select particular literary elements and devices to create and convey meaning within their written work.

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge of imagery and point of view to illustrate how an author uses those literary devices to convey meaning to short fiction.

Activity Details

1. The teacher will make copies and distribute Scarlet Ibis Full Text or assign digitally.

2. The teacher will make copies and distribute the Scarlet Ibis Day 1 Handout or assign it digitally.

3. The teacher will download and display the Scarlet Ibis Day 1 Presentation or assign it digitally.

4. The students will get in small groups and read and annotate text through paragraph 9. Students should be annotating specifically for evidence of imagery in those paragraphs. 

5. The students will collaborate to answer the guided reading questions #2-#4 and make predictions about the rest of the text.

6. The students will complete the Status Check Quickwrite (on the presentation) after the completion of the handout: On the back of your handout, Choose 1 of the images from your chart, and explain in a few sentences (at least 3) how Hurst uses that image to add meaning to the text. What have you learned about the characters, plot, and setting, through Hurst’s use of that image?

7. The teacher should set a timer for five (5) minutes and take up the handout after the time is up.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will observe students in small groups to determine if students are focused on the questions and the text.

The teacher should take up the handout and look for text evidence support for guided reading questions 2-4. For the Status Check Quickwrite, the teacher should make sure the student makes a connection between the image and meaning within the text.

Variation Tips

The teacher and students may create a prediction chart (chart paper or digitally) to track predictions for the rest of the text.

Background / Preparation

  • The teacher will need to print and make copies of Scarlet Ibis Full text or assign it digitally.
  • The teacher will need to print and make copies of the Scarlet Ibis Day 1 Handout or assign it digitally.
  • The teacher will need to download and display the Scarlet Ibis Day 1 Presentation or assign it digitally.
  • The students will need to complete the pre-reading quick write, imagery chart, and point of view question beforehand - these activities can be completed in the before Imagery and Point of View in Short Fiction: Part I and during Imagery and Point of View in Short Fiction: Part II activities
  • The teacher will need to assign small groups.
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