Short stories are not a genre per se. However, they do have specific
teaching points that distinguish them from a longer work of fiction. While
I am not certain what the BEST way is to teach the short story, I do think
using selections from the collections you mention (and I would add some of
Don Gallo's collections to the list) is one way to teach the material so
that kids will respond positively.
The elements of plot are basically what can be taught most effectively
through the short story: conflict, rising action, etc. Reading a story
together and doing an activity such as a flow chart of the plot followed by
each student selecting her or his own story and doing a similar activity
might be of value.
Teri
--------------------------------------------
Teri S. Lesesne, Professor
Sam Houston State University
Department of Library Science
Author, MAKING THE MATCH:
THE RIGHT BOOK FOR THE RIGHT READER
AT THE RIGHT TIME (Stenhouse, 2003)
See me blog:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/professornana/
"Books fall open, you fall in..."
David McCord
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Laurie Woodfin
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 9:28 PM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Short Stories as a "genre"
Our state English Language Arts curriculum frameworks has mandated that 5th
grade students are "introduced" to short stories. Several 5th grade
teachers have asked me if short stories are a "genre" (ie--are there
specific 'teaching points' for a short story?) What do you think?
Even if short stories aren't a "genre," does anyone have some ideas about
how to approach/teach this kind of fiction?!?
P.S. We have several wonderful books of short stories including Johanna
Hurwitz' Birthday Surprises, Jerry Spinelli's The Library Card, many by Tim
Wynne-Jones, and E. L. Konigsburg and I'm excited about the opportunity to
explore this literature.
Laurie Woodfin
Neary School
Southborough, MA 01772
lwoodfin@nsboro.k12.ma.us
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