Exploros | Reading Stories

Reading Stories

Students discuss how they predict what a fictional narrative will be about. Then, they preview a classic humorous story by O. Henry. Next, they read the entire story and look back at their questions and confirm or correct predictions. Finally, they create or find an illustration for the tale.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students discuss how they predict what a fictional narrative will be about. Then, they preview a classic humorous story by O. Henry. Next, they read the entire story and look back at their questions and confirm or correct predictions. Finally, they create or find an illustration for the tale.

Objectives

Ask questions and make predictions about a story before reading it.
Ask questions and confirm predictions about a story while reading.
Identify genre elements of fictional tales.

Duration

One class period. Students preview the story “The Ransom of Red Chief,” and in Scene 3 they complete their reading of the full story. If you prefer that they complete the reading at home, extend the duration of the experience.

Vocabulary Words Used in the Story

capital: amount of money
prominent: important and well-known
provisions: supplies, such as food
external: on the outside
affection: fondness, liking
solitary: alone
vicinity: closely surrounding area

Before you read a story, you probably have questions about it. You might predict what will happen in the story. As you read, many of your questions are answered. And you might come up with more questions and predictions, too. In this experience, you will learn how to use questions and predictions to help you understand a classic humorous story by the American writer O. Henry.

Objectives

Ask questions and make predictions about a story before reading it.
Ask questions and confirm predictions about a story while reading.
Identify genre elements of fictional tales.

Suppose you’re about to read a fictional story that your teacher assigns.

Before you read a story, what do you do to help you predict what it will be about?

Post your answer

Responses might include, but are not limited to:

Listen to what the teacher says about it.
Read the title.
Look at the pictures.
Read the first sentence or paragraph.
Read subheadings.
Ask questions about the above features.
Make a prediction about the characters.
Make a prediction about the events.
Ask a friend who has read it.
Search for a review on the Internet.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.