Story of The Month – A Literary Journey for Your ELA Class

Stories have a remarkable ability to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and deepen our understanding of the human experience. They are windows into diverse cultures, complex characters, and the richness of language. Recognizing the impact stories can have on young minds, I began the practice of introducing a “Story of the Month” to my class.

My goal was to provide my students with the opportunity to explore these narratives and the lessons they carry throughout the year. Each month, I choose a story that embodies these qualities, offering a powerful tool to engage and inspire my students. This is how the “Story of the Month” tradition was born, and I’m thrilled to share with you some of the stories that have captivated my students over the past school year.

Selecting the story of the month is a thoughtful and meticulous process aimed at finding pieces that resonate deeply with the holidays, celebrations or season in which we are. For each month, I strive to choose stories that not only align with educational goals but also inspire curiosity and reflection. By focusing on short stories that provoke thought and evoke emotion, I aim to provide a meaningful and enriching literary experience for your students.

To help you make the most out of each month, I’ll share with you my own list of stories and activities tailored to enhance your teaching experience. You can also create a dynamic and immersive learning environment that brings stories to life and fosters a deeper connection to the world of story writers. So without further ado, here is the full Story of the Month list that you can use in your own class and in brackets you can see the themes or celebrations these stories connect to the best.

JANUARY – The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen (Winter)

FEBRUARY – The Love-Philtre Of Ikey Schoenstein by O. Henry (Valentine’s Day)

MARCH – A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin (Women’s History Month)

APRIL – The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry (April Fool’s Day funny story)

MAY – The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde (Spring)

JUNE – On Being Crazy by W. E. B. Du Bois (Juneteenth)

JULY – The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield (Summer)

AUGUST – A School Story by M. R. JAMES (Back to School)

SEPTEMBER – The Outsider by H.P. Lovecraft (Autumn/Fall mystery story)

OCTOBER – The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe (Halloween)

NOVEMBER – Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen by O. Henry (Thanksgiving)

DECEMBER – A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum (Christmas)

I like not only to simply read the short story with my students, but also to include it in a larger lesson plan. I try to rotate the activities that go with each story every month or even let the students choose what they want to work on. Sometimes I use stations to keep things moving, other times my students love the bingo board with its 25 story analysis activities. Each story lesson may include all or just some of these activities:

  1. Picture Prompt Bell Ringer
  2. A Bird’s Eye View – One Pager
  3. New Words Gallery
  4. A New Narrator
  5. A Brand New Story
  6. End It Your Way
  7. Swap The Quiz
  8. A Short Story Acrostic Poem
  9. News Article
  10. Resume of a Character
  11. Interview with a Character
  12. Relationship Illustration
  13. The Time Machine
  14. The Trash Can
  15. Coffee Shop Conversations
  16. Bookstagram
  17. Quote Machine
  18. Figures of Speech Gallery
  19. Story Cover Design
  20. Emailing Back and Forth
  21. Comic Strip
  22. Short Story Bingo Game Choice Board
  23. Short Story One Pagers

I hope these resources and activities inspire you to bring the story of the month to life in your classroom. Story telling has a unique way of connecting us to universal themes and individual experiences. In my opinion, it is an invaluable tool in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and creativity among my students. As you explore the stories with your class, you should encourage open discussion and personal interpretations to create a rich, inclusive learning environment. Remember, the goal is not only to analyze the text but also to appreciate the beauty and power of narrative expression.

I look forward to hearing about your experiences and the insights your students gain from this month’s narrative journey. If you have other suggestions for the story of the month list, do not hesitate to write them in the comment box below.

Happy story teaching!

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