As students read this story, they will undoubtedly imagine something that they would wish for, if given the chance. As the story warns, however, sometimes we should be happy with what we have, otherwise dire consequences can result from our pursuits for more. Have students come up with one wish that they would make if given the chance, and the expected outcome of their wish. Then, have students think of two potential pitfalls that could happen from their interference with fate. Have them depict their wish in a storyboard like the one above.
Wish:
I wish I could become a multi-millionaire by winning the lottery.
Expected Outcome:
With all my newfound money, I would give my parents plenty of money to get caught up on bills and to retire early. Then, I would put aside enough money for my sister and I to get a good college education. Finally, I’d pay for a huge family vacation cruise to the Caribbean.
Pitfall #1:
Some people might try to take advantage of me, or only become my friend because I have money. Some people may even pretend to be a “long lost family member” in order to get some of the money. I may not be able to trust many people and I’d be lonely and depressed.
Pitfall #2:
With all that money, I may not find a need to go to college. If I don’t have any plans for my life, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I would also lose touch with my friends, who will go off and have careers, while I would be floating around on a yacht all day.
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Due Date:
Objective:
Student Instructions:
Engage students by inviting them to share their wishes and predicted outcomes. Encourage active listening and respectful responses to promote a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
Prompt students to identify at least two ways a wish could backfire. Help them think beyond obvious outcomes by connecting consequences to themes in the story.
Ask students to find examples from the story that support their predictions about pitfalls. This helps deepen comprehension and strengthens critical thinking skills.
Organize students into small groups to share their storyboards and receive constructive comments. Model positive feedback to build confidence and collaboration.
Have students write a short reflection on what they learned about wishes and consequences. This reinforces key concepts and encourages personal connections to the lesson.
The Monkey's Paw teaches that interfering with fate can lead to unexpected and often negative consequences. The story warns readers to be careful what they wish for and to appreciate what they already have.
Encourage students to create a storyboard where they make a wish, predict the outcome, and then identify at least two possible pitfalls or negative consequences. This helps them think critically about cause and effect.
Common pitfalls include unintended consequences such as losing trust in others, damaging relationships, or becoming unhappy despite getting what they want. Highlighting these helps students understand the risks of interfering with fate.
Use a Frayer Model storyboard activity where students illustrate their wish, expected outcome, and two possible pitfalls. This makes abstract themes more concrete and relatable for grades 9-10.
Thinking about both benefits and downsides helps students develop critical thinking skills and understand that choices often have complex consequences, a key theme in 'The Monkey's Paw'.