I am over-the-moon excited that one of my short stories I submitted a few months ago has been published today! You can read it here: “Weathered Crossroads” by Michelle Boyd Waters The story is the product of an assignment in my The Teaching of Composition: Theory and Practice graduate class taught by Anthony Kunkel at […]
Teaching Short Story Elements With Music
Need to teach or review short story elements, but you’re running out of time? These songs feature the characters, plot, conflict and themes inherit in short stories, and can be studied in one class session. You can often find figurative language in the songs, as well. Check out the videos and lyrics below: Red Headed […]
7 Christmas Short Stories For Middle School
Middle school students are straddling the world between childhood excitement during the Christmas season and adult disinterest. Regardless of the mood they’re in, students should love the following short stories, which are perfect for December lesson plans. Holiday Short Stories The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry | Assessment Activity & Creative Writing Project | Assessment […]
8 Science Fiction Short Stories For Middle School
Young teenagers will love the dystopian themes, futuristic settings, and fantastical (at least, it was…) technology. All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury — Nine-year-old Margot hasn’t seen the sun since she left Earth. Will she get to see the sun from Venus when it appears for the first time in 7 years, or will her […]
21 Scary Halloween Short Stories For Middle School
The creepier the tale, the more middle school students love it. October is the perfect month to introduce middle school students to scary short stories. Download these 21 short stories that are perfect for Halloween-related lesson plans. I have tried to include related activities, lesson plans, and other resources, including YouTube videos, TV show adaptations, and related […]