The Monsters are Due on Maple Street

Lesson #1: 

1.  After reading the title of this page, what do you think the reading activity we are going to do next is all about?  Each of you were given an index card.  Quickly jot down your ideas of what you think this story may be about.  Be ready to share your responses with your classmates and teachers.

2.  Before we begin reading, let's analyze the vocabulary words that are related to this story.  The vocab words are listed below.

     circumstances               antagonism                     incriminate                     optimism                   incisive                   scapegoat              prejudices

3.  The Monsters are Due on Maple Street is a play that was originally shown on the old television series, The Twilight Zone.  Slide #1 of the ppt. helps us practice reading a story that is written in a play format.  We will also try to determine the meaning of some of our story vocab.

4.  For Homework, complete the vocab activity that can be found on the link below.  Monsters are Due on Maple Street vocab practice.doc

Lesson #2

1.  Understanding the elements of Plot is an integral skill necessary for interpreting the meaning of fiction.  There are 6 main elements of plot.  They are:

     *exposition

     *problem

     *rising actions (what events help build up the story?)

     *climax

     *falling action

     *resolution

Using the story on the link following link, we will work together to identify the plot elements in the updated version of Little Red Riding Hood.  Read the tale silently and then get ready to work with a classmate to complete the Plot outline.

Little Red Riding Hood.doc

2.  We are now going to begin reading ACT 1 of our play.  Open this reading response journal to record your thoughts and ideas while we are reading.

Monsters are Due on Maple Street response journal.doc

Lesson #3 

1.  Together read ACT 2 of our play.  We will continue recording our thoughts and ideas in the reading response journal.

2.  What is an idiom?  Use your laptop to find the meaning of these two idioms:

     *kangaroo court

     *tip their hand

3.  Make a list of 5 other idioms that you found that were new or interesting.

Lesson #4

1.  Now that we have finished reading Monsters are Due on Maple Street, we are able to complete a story map of the play.  On the map you will list, the setting, characters, problem, events, and solution.  You can find your story map by clicking on this link.

2.  Think of your favorite scene from our reading.  Fold your paper in half.  On one side illustrate the scene in detail.  On the other half, write a paragraph comparing the scene to a scene from another story or movie you have seen or read.  Compare and constrast the two scenes.

3.  To extend our perspective on FEAR, let's read a poem that gives one author's feelings on the emotion of fear.