Lesson Plan: Short Story on The Human Skeleton
Subject
English Language Arts
Grade Level
8th Grade
Duration
60 minutes
Objective
Students will explore the concept of the human skeleton through a short story format, enhancing their reading comprehension, narrative writing skills, and understanding of human anatomy.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Copies of the short story "The Mysteries of the Human Skeleton"
- Worksheets for character analysis and plot structure
- Pens/Pencils
- Vocabulary list handout related to the human skeleton
Standards
This lesson aligns with the following Common Core State Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and varied dialogue.
Lesson Outline
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Hook: Begin with a question: "What do you think is the most important part of the human body?"
- Interest Generation: Show a short video clip of the human skeleton and its functions.
- Transition: Introduce the day's topic: "Today, we will dive into a short story that brings to life the fascinating world of the human skeleton."
Reading Activity (20 minutes)
- Distribute Copies: Hand out the short story "The Mysteries of the Human Skeleton."
- Guided Reading: Read the story together as a class (or in small groups if preferred).
- Discussion Prompts: Pause at key points to ask open-ended questions about the characters, their experiences with the skeleton, and the story's setting.
- Example Questions:
- How does the skeleton affect the character's understanding of who they are?
- What role does the skeleton play in the story's theme?
Analysis and Discussion (15 minutes)
- Character Analysis Worksheet: Students will fill out a worksheet focusing on the main character, their motivations, and their relationship with the skeleton.
- Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion about:
- The emotional and symbolic significance of the skeleton in the story.
- How the story reflects real human anatomical facts.
Writing Exercise (10 minutes)
- Narrative Prompt: Instruct students to write a short narrative (1-2 paragraphs) from the perspective of the human skeleton. Encourage creativity and use of descriptive language.
- Sharing: Invite a few students to share their narratives with the class.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Wrap-Up: Review key points discussed regarding the human skeleton’s role both in the story and in real life.
- Exit Ticket: Ask students to write down one new fact they learned about the human skeleton today and one question they still have.
Assessment
- Participation in discussions and activities
- Analysis worksheet completion
- Quality of narrative writing based on creativity, detail, and adherence to the prompt
Differentiation
- For Advanced Students: Encourage them to create a longer story or develop an alternative ending that incorporates new scientific information about the human skeleton.
- For Struggling Students: Provide sentence starters or frameworks to help organize their narratives.
Vocabulary List
- Skeleton
- Osseous
- Ligament
- Cartilage
- Marrow
By the end of this lesson, students will have engaged with the material in multiple ways, fostering both their understanding of English narrative structure and their knowledge of human anatomy.