“The Elevator" is a fun a creepy short story that is a particularly wonderful tool to teach and discuss characterization, mood/tone, theme and motif.
In this product you will find the pre-reading vocabulary and activating activity, the during reading guiding questions and a post reading activity. You will also find a quiz that incorporates the vocabulary and the short story.
There is an answer key for each activity!! The post-reading SOS for Martin activity is also largely opinion based, however, there is a brief key for it and a point value for each question!
This lesson plan addresses the following Common Core State Standards:
Key Ideas and Details:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
Craft and Structure:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
Comprehension and Collaboration:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Conventions of Standard English:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.1Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking
Keywords: The Elevator, William Sleator, short story, short story analysis, close read, reading, literature, mood, tone, theme, motif, characterization, conflict, resolution, vocabulary, quiz, comprehension questions, answer key.