ReadWriteThink couldn't publish all of this great content without literacy experts to write and review for us. If you've got lessons plans, videos, activities, or other ideas you'd like to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
Find the latest in professional publications, learn new techniques and strategies, and find out how you can connect with other literacy professionals.
Teacher Resources by Grade
|1st - 2nd||3rd - 4th|
|5th - 6th||7th - 8th|
|9th - 10th||11th - 12th|
I’ve Got the Literacy Blues
|Grades||9 – 12|
|Lesson Plan Type||Unit|
|Estimated Time||Six 45- to 60-minute sessions|
MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
- “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry [O. Henry. (1994). The Best Short Stories of O. Henry. New York: Modern Library.]
- Materials for mural (e.g., chart paper, paint, crayons, markers, tape)
- The Blues Graphic Organizer
- Rubric for Graphic Organizer, Literary Theme, & Poetry Presentation
- Group Work Rubric
- Mural Rubric
- I’ve Got the Web Research Blues
- The Blues
- Understanding the 12-Bar Blues
- What Is the Blues?
- "If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day” by Robert Johnson
- "Stones in My Passway” by Robert Johnson
- Online version of “The Gift of the Magi”
|1.||The Blues, which features brief audio excerpts of various blues artists. Scroll down the page to each of the songs listed below and click on "Listen." Make certain all computers have RealOne Player or other software downloaded for listening to the audio files. If not, follow instructions for downloading at the RealOne Player Download Center.
|2.||Preview the essays What is the Blues? and Understanding the 12-Bar Blues. These essays will give you background information on the topic of the blues that will be helpful as you use this lesson.
|3.||Obtain copies of the short story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. If you cannot locate a print version, the story is also available online.
|4.||Preview the handouts and rubrics for this lesson to become familiar with the learning expectations. If you are not as familiar with this topic, you may also preview the websites listed on I've Got the Web Research Blues. Bookmark I've Got the Web Research Blues on student computers.
|5.||Gather supplies for creating a class mural. This may include chart paper, paint, crayons, markers, and tape.
|6.||Make sure that students are already familiar with interpreting literature and themes prior to completing these lesson activities.