Unit Overview: Short Fiction We have just started our first unit of the second semester, Short Fiction. During this unit, students will be able to independently and flexibly use their learning to understand the structure of short stories, their beauty, nuances and subtext. As writers, they will be able to construct and craft pieces that dig at deep social issues with a three dimensional protagonist. Shared Class Texts: No Guitar Blues by Gary Soto Thank You, Ma'm by Langston Hughes What Do Fish Have To Do With Anything by Avi ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Reading
How can readers revise their ideas about texts as they read to reveal deeper issues?
What clues does an author place through intentional language and word choice to help paint an image in a reader’s mind.
How do social issues in a story influence character conflicts, choices and change?
How are settings symbolic of larger issues in the characters’ world and the characters’ feelings, perspectives and beliefs?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Writing
How do continuous revisions help strengthen writing over time?
How can writers use clues through setting, dialogue, thinking and small action to reveal issues in the story.
How do social issues impact characters’ desires and motivations?
How do writers intentionally plan a story where all parts of the story arc are clear and connected?
We are hoping that our deep analysis of short fiction will push students to write stories that aren't epic in length, but epic in terms of the social message they leave their readers with. Erica, Sherry & Dakota ELA: East Side Community School February 2018