Reading and Discussing Short Stories (Prose)

Grade 7 · English

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 22

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Subject: English

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 22

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 7
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 22, Period 4
Topic: Reading and Discussing Short Stories (Prose)
Sub-topic: Elements and Themes of Short Stories

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Identify the characteristics of prose.
  2. Recognize elements of short stories: characters, setting, plot, and theme.
  3. Discuss the moral lessons and themes in short African/Liberian stories.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• Basic reading and comprehension skills.
• Elements of literature: character, setting, plot, and theme.

Instructional Materials
• Textbook: English Language textbooks for Grade 7
• Teaching aids: Selected short stories, charts highlighting elements of prose, chalkboard/marker board
• Students’ notebooks and writing materials

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• Can you recall a story you read that had a clear beginning, middle, and end?
• What lesson or moral did you learn from that story?
The teacher will record responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Lead a discussion to activate prior knowledge and introduce short story analysis.
Learner’s Role:
• Share experiences from previous readings.
• Respond verbally and participate actively in the discussion.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role (Expanded with Examples)

  1. Explain Prose
  • Prose is ordinary written or spoken language, arranged in sentences and paragraphs, not in verses like poetry or in dialogue form like drama.
  • Examples of prose: Novels, short stories, essays, speeches, letters, biographies.
  • Contrast:
    • Poetry: “The sun shines bright / over the hill so high.”
    • Prose: “The sun was shining brightly over the high hill.”

 

  1. Introduce Short Stories
  • A short story is a piece of prose fiction that is brief, concise, and focuses on one main idea.
  • Key characteristics:
    • Short length (can be read in one sitting).
    • Focus on one main theme or conflict.
    • Few characters.
    • Clear structure: beginning, middle, and end.
    • Usually contains a lesson or moral.

 

  1. Explain Elements of a Short Story with Examples
  2. Characters – the people, animals, or beings in the story.
  • Protagonist: main character (hero).
  • Antagonist: character or force opposing the protagonist.
  • Supporting characters: help move the story forward.

Example from “The Tortoise and the Hare”

  • Protagonist: The Hare (confident and boastful) OR Tortoise (determined).
  • Antagonist: The Tortoise challenges the Hare (or the Hare acts as antagonist to Tortoise).
  • Supporting: The animals who witness the race.
  1. Setting – where and when the story happens.
  • Place (village, forest, school, city, farm).
  • Time (morning, evening, past, modern day).

Example: In “Why the Spider Has a Big Head” – Setting is an African village long ago.

  1. Plot – the sequence of events. Usually follows this order:
  • Beginning/Introduction: Characters and setting are introduced.
  • Rising Action: Problem or conflict begins.
  • Climax: The turning point or most exciting part.
  • Falling Action: Events move toward solving the problem.
  • Resolution/Ending: Problem is solved or lesson is learned.

Example from “The Tortoise and the Hare”

  • Beginning: The Hare mocks Tortoise for being slow.
  • Rising Action: They agree to a race.
  • Climax: Hare becomes overconfident, takes a nap.
  • Falling Action: Tortoise keeps walking steadily.
  • Resolution: Tortoise wins; lesson learned – “slow and steady wins the race.”
  1. Theme – the central message or lesson.
  • The Tortoise and the Hare: Overconfidence leads to failure; determination leads to success.
  • Why the Spider Has a Big Head: Greed leads to shame.

 

  1. Model Reading
  • Read aloud a selected short story (e.g., “Why the Spider Has a Big Head”).
  • As you read, pause to ask:
    • Who are the characters?
    • Where is the story happening?
    • What is the main conflict?
    • What lesson does it teach?

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  • Read the assigned short story in pairs or small groups.
  • Identify and list:
    • Characters (who are they? protagonist/antagonist?).
    • Setting (where and when does it happen?).
    • Plot (beginning, climax, ending).
    • Theme (lesson learned).
  • Discuss in groups: “What would you have done differently if you were the main character?”
  • Share findings with the class.
  • Write a short paragraph summarizing the story in their own words.

 

Assessment Checks

  1. Oral Questions
  • Who is the main character in “Why the Spider Has a Big Head”?
  • What problem did the Spider face?
  • What lesson does this story teach us?
  1. Written/Note Exercise
  • Teacher gives sentences to complete:
    • The protagonist in the story is…
    • The climax of the story happens when…
    • The lesson of the story is…
  1. Story Element Quiz
  • Teacher reads a short passage and asks students to identify the setting, characters, and theme.

 

Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

  • Prose is everyday language in sentences and paragraphs.
  • Short stories are a brief form of prose focusing on one theme.
  • Story elements (characters, setting, plot, theme) help us understand and analyze literature.
  • Discussing themes connects literature to real-life situations (e.g., greed, honesty, hard work, wisdom).
  • Group work encourages sharing of different perspectives, making stories more meaningful.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• Teacher reviews the elements of prose and emphasizes identifying themes and morals in short stories.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz:

  1. Name the main characters, setting, and plot of the story read.
  2. State the theme or moral lesson of the story.
    Teacher collects responses and provides oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
• Read another short story from the textbook and write a paragraph identifying its characters, setting, plot, and theme.
Follow-up Activity:
• Students present the moral lessons of their chosen stories to the class.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provide guided questions and a story summary to aid understanding.
• Advanced Learners: Analyze literary devices used in the story, such as simile, metaphor, and personification.
• Students with Disabilities: Use oral reading, visual aids, and peer-assisted discussions.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low