The lesson is designed around an Oscar-winning short film called The Man Who Planted Trees and the subjects of short stories and the meaning of life. Students read a short story, watch short video about writing a short story, write a short story, watch a short film, and speak about the meaning of life. The lesson should be done over 2 90 minute classes.-Film English
Language level: Upper Intermediate– Advanced (C1)
Learner type: Teens and adults
Time: 2 90 minute classes/May Vary depending on adaptation
Activity: Reading a short story, watching short video about writing a short story, writing a short story, watching a short film, and speaking
Topic: Short stories and the meaning of life
Language: Language related to elements of a short story
Materials: Short story, video and short film
Downloadable materials: the man who planted trees lesson instructions the 5 elements of a short story how to write a great short story the man who planted trees short story the man who planted trees discussion questions-Film English
Lesson 1
Step 1
Ask students the following question:
Have you ever read any short stories?
Can you remember the plot of any short stories?
What makes a good short story?
Step 2
Write the following words on the board:
Character
Setting
Plot
Conflict
Theme
Tell your students that these are generally considered the 5 essential elements of a short story. Put your students in pairs and ask them to discuss what each of the 5 elements means. Give them 5 minutes to discuss the 5 elements and then get feedback.
Step 3
Give students the 5 Elements of a Short Story handout and ask them to read it and then compare their answers with the information in the article.
Give students the 5 Elements of a Short Story handout and ask them to read it and then compare their answers with the information in the article.
Step 4
Ask your students the following question:
How can you write a great short story?
Put them into small groups and give them 5 minutes to come up with advice for writing a great short story.
Step 5
Tell your students they are going to watch a short video in which the writer Kurt Vonnegut gives 8 tips on how to write a short story. Ask students to watch the film and then try to discuss the advice he gives.
For advanced students you can read the short story The Man Who Planted Trees. Tell them they will need to use a dictionary as there is a lot of difficult vocabulary.
AUDIO LINK for The Man Who Planted Trees
If you use The Man Who Planted Trees Lesson Two use Film English
Or
You can use Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
AUDIO LINK for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
Now, students will plan their own short story using the plot diagram and following the advice they learned in the lesson. They should choose their own title.
LESSON 2
If you use The Man Who Planted Trees instructions for Lesson Two are found on Film English
If you use Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes use the links below and the additional resources on The Things You Can Read.
Plot Diagram for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
Free Lesson Plan for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
Questions for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
Audio for Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
Slide Show to Introduce and Teach Thank You Ma'am by Langston Hughes
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