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Standards Correlations
R.1, R.2, R.3, R.4, R.5, R.6, R.7, W.3, SL.1, SL.2, L.4, L.5, L.6
Learning Objective
As students read an adaptation of a classic horror story, they will make inferences about the plot and characters.
Key Skills
inference, text features, vocabulary, character, text structure, key details, figurative language, author’s craft, mood, narrative writing
Complexity Factors
Levels of Meaning: This play is a delightful take on a classic and chilling story about rivalry and superstition.
Structure: The play is chronological. As a Storyteller tells the story in the past tense, Narrators describe the action in the present tense.
Language: The text includes some figurative language.
Knowledge Demands: The play is set in the late 18th century, which may be unfamiliar to many students.
Levels
Guided Reading Level: S
DRA Level: 40
Essential Questions
Literature Connection
1. Preparing to Read
Preview Text Features (10 minutes)
Guide students to locate the play. Then help them preview the text features using the following prompts:
Preview Vocabulary (10 minutes)
Make a Plan for Reading
Before students start to read, walk them through a reading plan:
2. Reading and Unpacking the Text
Close-Reading Questions (20 minutes)
Critical-Thinking Questions (10 minutes)
3. Skill Building and Writing
Learn Anywhere Activity
An enrichment activity to extend the learning journey at home or in the classroom
Record an Interview
Ghost stories have been scaring and entertaining people for centuries. Learn about an old favorite that you can share at your next camping trip or sleepover.
ELL Springboard
Practice using stage directions to boost fluency.
Before reading the play, discuss the purpose of stage directions. Explain that they give an actor information about how a line should be spoken.
Explain that people’s feelings or circumstances can affect the way they speak. As an example, have students try saying the phrase “The train will be here in two minutes” in each of the following ways:
Now have students try saying the following lines from the play, paying special attention to the stage directions:
Looking for more ELL support? Download our full lesson plan and scroll to p. 5 to find questions that will help your ELLs respond to the text at the level that’s right for them.
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