This fully animated, interactive unit begins by teaching the elements of a short story and then providing a breakdown of three popular short stories. Students and teachers can decide to use all or part of the activities contained as they see fit.

Understanding and deconstructing short stories is fundamental to understanding literary usage throughout grades 7, 8, 9, and 10.

The Plot Diagram “Roller Coaster” is a convenient way to discuss a short story’s structure.  This activity shows the Roller Coaster in action and helps students break down its individual parts.  It can be found within the main Short Story activity (Activity 1), but is also provided here for easier access.

The first element of a short story is Setting.  This activity can be found within the main Short Story activity (Activity 1), but is also provided here for easier access.

This activity teaches about the importance of Character within a short story.  It can be found within the main Short Story activity (Activity 1), but is also provided here for easier access.  A printable WATO sheet that can help students disseminate a story’s character information can be found in the “Support Materials” section on this webpage.

This activity discuss the third important element of short stories: Conflict.  It can be found within the main Short Story activity (Activity 1), but is also provided here for easier access.  A printable Conflict Types sheet can be found in the “Support Materials” section on this webpage.

The final element of every short story is Theme.  This activity will help students to realize how all the other elements of the Short Story combine to create this final, ultimate message.