"Three Skeleton Key" Common-Core Lesson Plans & Activities (Printable & Digital)

This resource for the short story "Three Skeleton Key" has everything you need to teach standards in a meaningful way! The story is included as a pdf, and we guarantee it will be a hit with your students!

Here's what's included:

Pre-Reading Activities:

• Anticipation Guide: Ignite classroom discussions with thought-provoking statements related to the story's themes.
• Vocabulary Preview: Equip students with essential vocabulary words to enhance their comprehension.
• Informational Article on Lighthouses and Ships: Set the stage by providing background knowledge on lighthouses and the maritime world.

Setting Analysis:

• Help students dissect the story's setting, its impact on characters, and how descriptive details transport them to this thrilling environment. There are two options, including a hands-on setting and analysis sort activity!
  Supports CCSS 7.RL.1, 3.

Imagery Exploration:

• Delve into the author's craft by examining how imagery is created in the text. Encourage students to identify passages and explain the use of imagery. Supports CCSS 7.RL.1.

Theme Exploration:

• Teach the concept of theme and guide students in crafting theme statements. Examples and non-examples are provided to reinforce understanding. Students will develop their own theme statements supported by text evidence. Supports CCSS 7.RL.1, 2.

Defending Answers With Passages:

• Equip students with the skills to return to the text for evidence to support their analysis. Detailed steps, examples, and non-examples are included. Supports CCSS 7.RL.1.

Critical Thinking Questions:

• Challenge students with ten thought-provoking questions that encourage analysis and inferential thinking. These questions address various CCSS and require students to determine central ideas, cite text evidence, and analyze text.

Three Skeleton Key Poetry:

• Inspire creativity with a sample poem based on the story and prompt students to craft their own. Supports CCSS Writing Anchor Standard 4.

Tableau Activity:

• Foster collaborative learning as students work in groups to create and perform creative tableaus based on the story. A rubric is included for assessment. Supports CCSS Writing Anchor Standard 4.

With answer keys provided for all handouts, our "Three Skeleton Key" lesson plan packet is a valuable resource designed to make teaching this classic story a breeze. It covers essential standards, offers a variety of engaging activities, and addresses the needs of busy teachers, providing everything you need to create an enriching learning experience for your students. Say goodbye to lesson planning stress and hello to effective, standards-based instruction!

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