Lesson Plan Title : Irony

Age Range: Grade 6 through grade 8 (Middle School)

Objective: The learner will:

- " Answer questions to help guide comprehension.

- Define and identify irony in a short story.

Resources:

Key Vocabulary: Irony: situational, dramatic, and verbal.

Literature Book: "The Gift of the Magi" by O Henry on p.152.

Introduction:

Using the glossary, define the following types of irony: situational, dramatic, and verbal. All terms are defined under irony.

Activities:

Have students read their AR book silently for 20 minutes and then give them five minutes to respond in their journals. You may have one of the students set the timer for both activities. (25 min.)

Have students respond to the following question in a Quick Write. (A quick write is a five minute response to a prompt/question without stopping). Allow Once they are done, have some students share what they wrote.

Think of the most prized possession you own-the one thing you'd rescue if your house were burning down. Then try to imagine under what circumstances you would give it up. For what, or for whom, would you sacrifice it?

After the quick write, have students preview the short story, "Gift of the Magi" by O Henry on pages152-159. While previewing, they should pay attention to vocabulary words, headings, questions, and come up with a prediction.

Have students read the short story as a class. While they are reading, have them stop and answer the Active Reading Questions throughout the story. Guide students at the beginning to make sure they comprehend the story.