W. W. Jacobs' horror story, "The Monkey's Paw," is used to introduce foreshadowing. As they advance through the story, young readers make predictions about what might happen next and how the story might end. Pairs work through the story again, recording words and phrases that foreshadow the ending. Writers then craft an alternative ending to the story.

Concepts

elements of a short story, short stories, foreshadowing, textual evidence, literary analysis, making predictions, irony, the frayer model

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the story before Halloween
• Have class members offer examples of foreshadowing in their favorite horror film or story

Classroom Considerations

• Presumes pupils are familiar with the Frayer Model
• Requires projection equipment with internet access for the video and the slide show, copies of the story, a handout, and the rubric

Pros

• Teacher notes offer suggestions for how to conduct the lesson
• Includes a list of writing prompts and a rubric for the final project

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.8.1 RL.8.2 RL.8.3 RL.8.6