2. Definition of short stories
Modern short stories came into existence between 1830 and 1850 from tales and sketches. In the 19th century short stories flourished in the America, whereas in short stories Britain played a second role to the dominant novel . In the 20th century short stories were very modern, they were a reaction against the Victorian Age, where the world was a place of certainties. Short stories tried to negate these principles by reflecting changes, that were happening in the world. A new interest in psychology rose, rather than paying attention to form or style. The metaphor and symbols had a greater prominence and ambiguity became the norm especially with the loss of the all- seing, all knowing narrative voice. It is typical for the 20th century that the things left out are just as important as information put in.
A short story is a work of fiction which varies in length and has not yet a clear distinction amongst professional writers, it is usually written in prose and narrative format.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of short stories
3. Characteristics of short stories
4. Meaning of short stories for language teaching
5. Different phases of working with short stories
6. Creative handling of short stories
7. Concrete example of a short story in language teaching- Désirée´s Baby
7.1. Pre- reading activities
7.2. While- reading activities
7.3. Post- reading activities
8. Summary
Objectives and Topics
This work explores the pedagogical integration of short stories into English language teaching, focusing on how literary texts can be effectively utilized to motivate students and enhance their linguistic and cultural understanding. The analysis provides both a theoretical foundation for working with short stories and a practical, lesson-oriented application using Kate Chopin’s "Désirée’s Baby."
- The theoretical definition and core characteristics of modern short stories.
- The psychological and linguistic benefits of integrating literature in language classrooms.
- Methodological frameworks for structuring reading phases: Pre-, While-, and Post-reading activities.
- Creative techniques for text engagement, such as Freeze Frames and role-playing.
- Practical implementation strategies using Kate Chopin’s "Désirée’s Baby" to address themes of race and history.
Excerpt from the Book
7. Concrete example of a short story in language teaching
It is a short story by Kate Chopin, telling the story of Désirée Valmondé, a woman brought up in the genteel white world of Louisana during slavery. It has a suprising end and forces students to have a close look at race in the 1800s.The story is to be placed within a unit about the American South, slavery before the civil war and miscegenation. It also deals with love and racism.
The protagonist Désirée is a foundling and grows up in a foster family in Louisana. She falls in love with the neighbor´s son whose family is wealthy and has a big plantation and marries him soon after. As their first son is born, there is evidence that she might come from a different background even though she is white, because her son is colored. Her husband can´t take that shame that she brought over him and his family and turns his back on her, shortly after she leaves without fighting to a place no one knows. When the husband burns all her things, he finds a letter from his mother to his father where she states, that she was a mulatto. That means that he has suspected his wife wrongly.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central role of short stories in English education and identifies the key research areas, including theoretical definitions, pedagogical phases, and a case study.
2. Definition of short stories: This chapter provides a historical context for the evolution of the short story genre and defines its essential generic features and narrative structure.
3. Characteristics of short stories: This section details specific technical elements such as point of view, plotting styles, framing devices, and narrative techniques like ellipsis.
4. Meaning of short stories for language teaching: The chapter examines the psycholinguistic and motivational advantages of using short stories to improve language acquisition and personal development.
5. Different phases of working with short stories: This chapter introduces the three-part pedagogical model consisting of pre-, while-, and post-reading phases to structure student interaction with the text.
6. Creative handling of short stories: This section presents twelve specific procedures, including expansion, reduction, media transfer, and reformulation, to foster active engagement with literature.
7. Concrete example of a short story in language teaching- Désirée´s Baby: The chapter applies the previously discussed theoretical frameworks to a concrete lesson plan involving Kate Chopin's work.
7.1. Pre- reading activities: This chapter covers motivation strategies, including the use of headlines, visual aids, and thematic proverbs to prepare students for the narrative.
7.2. While- reading activities: This part focuses on tasks for deep understanding during the reading process, such as vocabulary work and structural analysis of the text.
7.3. Post- reading activities: This chapter explores advanced interpretation tasks, specifically suggesting creative methods like radio plays and "Freeze Frame" presentations.
8. Summary: The final chapter synthesizes the main findings, emphasizing that student-centered lesson design is key to successful literature instruction.
Keywords
Short stories, English language teaching, Kate Chopin, Désirée’s Baby, Pre-reading activities, While-reading activities, Post-reading activities, Literature in class, Creative writing, Freeze Frame, Pedagogy, Language acquisition, Plot analysis, Slavery, Miscegenation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this assignment?
The assignment investigates the pedagogical significance of using short stories in English language classes, specifically looking at how to effectively integrate literature to boost student motivation and language acquisition.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The themes include the generic definition of short stories, pedagogical strategies for teaching literature, and the practical application of these methods regarding sensitive historical topics like slavery and race.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The primary goal is to provide teachers with a versatile toolbox of creative methods to transform potentially "boring" literature lessons into engaging, student-centered experiences.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a qualitative analysis of didactic literature, referencing established experts in the field of English didactics to develop a structured, phase-oriented teaching model.
What does the main part of the document treat?
The main section moves from the historical and technical foundations of the short story to a specific practical analysis and lesson design for Kate Chopin's "Désirée's Baby."
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Short Stories, Language Teaching, Pedagogy, Creative Handling, and Literature in the Classroom.
How is the "Freeze Frame" method used in the classroom?
It is used as a creative post-reading activity where students physically act out a frozen moment from the story, forcing them to empathize with characters and express emotions non-verbally.
Why is "Désirée's Baby" considered an appropriate text for this teaching model?
The story is ideal because it contains complex themes like racism, marriage, and identity that resonate with teenagers, while its structure allows for diverse classroom activities ranging from deep textual analysis to creative performance.
- Quote paper
- Maxi Kramer (Author), 2008, Short Story im Englischunterricht , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/152707
