Title: Analyzing Literary Works: Making Meaningful Connections

Relevant SC Standards: Linked Here.

English 3 Standard 7.1: Analyze the development of theme across diverse media,
modality, and format.

English 3 Standard 8.1: Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain
how specific characters, ideas, or events develop and interact within a particular context.

English 3 Standard 13.2: Read independently for sustained periods of time to build
stamina.

English 3 Standard 13.3: Read and respond to grade level text to become self-directed,
critical readers and thinkers.

Description: This app lesson will develop 10th grade students’ literary comprehension
skills through meaningful interactions with their selected title. Students will be given a
list of classic books to analyze and explore on a deeper level than they have previously.
They will interact with the piece through audio as well as game-like activities via the
applications listed below. The project will span over 3 weeks and will lead students to
create a “response” in the form of their own story. The students will write a short story
which links to the title they have chosen, examples being a “sequel” or a “prequel” of
sorts, or perhaps a spin-off, or they could simply emulate the writing styles they see
being used. They will also write and attach at the end of their story a minimum 250
word explanation of how their story connects to the title they chose for the assignment.
Stories should be at least 800 words (around two pages including 250 word
explanation) but no more than 1,500.

Instructional Objective: Students will be able to read classic titles and gain a deeper
understanding of the content they’re analyzing. They will also be able to write their own
stories with flowing prose and very minimal errors. They will gain an understanding of
characters, settings, and dynamics, and be able to incorporate them into their own
writing.

Step 1 Dear Reader/Bookshare Reader: Students will use the app “Dear Reader”
and/or “Bookshare Reader” and chose from these select titles:

 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

 The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
 Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
 A Doll’s House by Henrick Ibsen

“Dear Reader” creates games based on the book being read by the student and provides
goals and meters to fill with “points,” creating a more engaging way to interact with the
student’s choice of novel. This can help students who may have a hard time keeping
their attention on the content at hand. “Bookshare Reader” can create audiobooks for
students who might need/want a different way to consume the text. For example, if a
student has trouble seeing/reading or simply needs an audible aide to supplement their
reading, this app can supply that accommodation.

Step 2 Wordflex Touch Dictionary: Students will use this app to explore vocabulary
while reading and, later, writing their own short story. This app can help students to
understand the terms being used in these classic texts, as often the language being used
is confusing for students who have not been exposed to these terms before. “Wordflex
Touch Dictionary” allows students to “fan out” a web of vocabulary and learn new words
with Oxford dictionary definitions. Inserting a word will open up a web of new
vocabulary for them to traverse and play with, and will lead to an expanded knowledge
and more creative writing styles. Synonyms can often be used to replace “boring”
language, leading to more professional writing.
Step 3 Werdsmith Writing App: Students will write their own short story response and
a corresponding evaluation using this app to facilitate their process. This app provides
many tools to encourage writing, utilizing AI in a constructive way without being a
detriment to their creative integrity. AI prompts can help students along in their writing
and provide insightful ideas to push them further. This app can help students create a
schedule for their writing to manage their time, which can be incredibly helpful for
students who struggle to pace themselves, such as students with learning disabilities like
ADHD. “Werdsmith Writing App” can also help students to track their progress and stay
on top of the assignment.

The final result of this assignment will be the student’s response to their chosen text,
which can take many forms. A sequel, prequel, spin-off, epilogue or prologue, or an
original story utilizing stylistic choices of their author are all acceptable formats. This
app also provides formatting assistance for students who wish to write scripts for a play
or movie, as well. Any feasible formatting is acceptable for this response. If a student has
questions about a potential formatting, they can discuss with the teacher on approval.
The goal of the assignment is to facilitate a deeper connection with classic literature, so
any creative formatting would be acceptable in this case, so long as it reflects their
understanding of the text. The 250 word reflection should be written in MLA format.