The three stories in this unit will strike different emotional
chords in readers. The first “Broken Chain,” is a hopeful tale about a young
boy's first love. The second, “Flowers for Algernon,” is a poignant story
about a young man who faces the challenges of mental retardation. The third,
“The Landlady,” is a bone-chilling thriller that may shock readers.
In addition to reading three short stories, students will also
read Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli.
While reading the novel students will be exploring the craft of personal
narrative as well as assessing themselves and how they fit in.
Finally, the unit closes with opportunities for students to
write their own personal narratives on the subject of fitting in.
Students will also be exploring how other languages “fit in” to
the English language.
3.2 Evaluate the structural elements of the plot, the plot's
development, and the way in which conflicts are (or are not) addressed and
1.2 Understand the most important points in the history of
English language, and use common word origins to determine the historical
influences on English word meanings.
In this unit students will write a personal narrative detailing
an event in their life where they did or did not fit in. They will also learn
how to: organize ideas in chronological order, choose relevant details, chose
precise words, and punctuate dialogue correctly.
The unit will end with students presenting an oral narrative. While
working on oral narratives students will be identifying differences between
oral and written narratives, selecting an appropriate story to tell, creating
notes and delivering an effective oral presentation.
W2.1 Write autobiographies or narratives.
L&S2.1 Deliver narrative presentations.