Gift of the Magi

Curriculum Area and Level

Subject: English Language Arts
Grade: 8th Grade
Standard: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
Focus: Reading Literature

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.6: Analyze how differences in the points of view of the characters and the audience create effects such as suspense or humor.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.

Time Frame

Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 20 students

Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the point of view in "The Gift of the Magi."
2. Recognize and analyze the use of figurative language in the story.
3. Discuss how the point of view and figurative language contribute to the story's themes and emotional impact.

Materials Needed

1. Copies of "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (one per student)
2. Whiteboard and markers
3. Chart paper and markers
4. Sticky notes
5. Student notebooks
6. Figurative Language Handout

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Greeting and Attendance (2 minutes)

   • Welcome students as they enter the classroom.
   • Take attendance.

2. Hook: Short Video Clip (3 minutes)

   • Show a brief video clip that illustrates different points of view.
   • Ask students to think about how the perspective changes the story.

3. Objective Overview (5 minutes)

   • Explain the objectives of the lesson.
   • Briefly introduce "The Gift of the Magi" and its general plot.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

1. Reading the Text (8 minutes)

   • Read aloud the opening paragraphs of "The Gift of the Magi."
   • Have students follow along in their copies.

2. Point of View Discussion (7 minutes)

   • Ask students: "From whose point of view is the story told?"
   • Explain the concept of third-person limited point of view using examples from the text.
   • Discuss how the point of view affects their understanding of the characters and the plot.

Guided Practice (10 minutes)

1. Figurative Language Identification (5 minutes)

   • Hand out the Figurative Language worksheet.
   • Highlight examples of similes, metaphors, and hyperboles in the passage.
   • Discuss how O. Henry uses these elements to enhance the story.

2. Group Activity: Analyzing Impact (5 minutes)

   • Divide the class into small groups.
   • Assign each group a different figurative language example.
   • Each group discusses how their assigned example contributes to the story's mood or theme.
   • Regroup and share out insights.

Independent Practice (5 minutes)

1. Sticky Note Reflection
   • Ask students to identify one instance of figurative language used in the story.
   • On a sticky note, they should write their example and explain its impact on their understanding of the story.
   • Post sticky notes on a designated "Language Impact Wall."

Closing (5 minutes)

1. Summarize and Recap (3 minutes)

   • Summarize the key points covered: point of view, figurative language, and their contributions to the storytelling.
   • Encourage students to think about why O. Henry might have chosen to write the story from the third-person limited perspective.

2. Exit Ticket (2 minutes)

   • Distribute exit tickets with the question: "How does the point of view in 'The Gift of the Magi' enhance the theme of sacrifice?"
   • Collect exit tickets as students leave the classroom.

Homework

1. Extended Reading

   • Assign students to read the entire story of "The Gift of the Magi."
   • Ask them to highlight additional examples of figurative language and note their effects on the story.

2. Literature Journal Entry

   • Have students write a journal entry discussing how changing the point of view might alter the story's impact. What if it were told from Della's point of view? Or Jim's?

By following this detailed lesson plan, educators will effectively engage 8th-grade students in learning about point of view and figurative language in literature, aligned with US education standards. The activities are designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, ensuring a deep understanding of the material.