Title of lesson: “The Utterly Perfect Murder”

 
I. CCSS met:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the
text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective
summary of the text.

II.) Learning Goals/Objectives:

Students will… be able to determine the theme and central idea of “The Utterly Perfect Murder”

III. Big Idea(s)/Questions to Consider:

The things you say and do can have a lasting impact on someone.

IV. Context of lesson:

Prior to this lesson, students analyzed two songs, “Little Toy Guns” and “Mean.” Students were
asked to determine the central idea and explain the main theme in both songs. Both songs deal
with bullying and how much words hurt. Now, students will finish reading “The Utterly Perfect
Murder” by Ray Bradbury, where they will be asked to determine the central idea and main
theme as well. The main character in this short story was bullied and has never forgotten it. Next,
students will be reading the article, “Born To Not Get Bullied,” which discusses the reason why
Lady Gaga started her Born This Way Foundation. She was also bullied and has never forgotten
how it made her feel. All four of these works have similar central ideas and the same main
theme: One’s words and actions can last a lifetime. After students finish reading “Born To Not
Get Bullied,” they will have to synthesize how the theme (one’s words and actions can last a
lifetime) is present in all four works. They also will have to cite examples from the text to
support their claims.

V. Overview of the lesson: 

Act 1: First, students will finish reading “The Utterly Perfect Murder.” Then, the teacher
will begin by asking the student, “We just finished reading the “The Utterly Perfect
Murder,” what happened in this short story? The teacher will listen to the students’ reply
and ask any follow-up questions.

Act 2: Next, the teacher will ask, “In your opinion, what is one of the main themes in
“The Utterly Perfect Murder?” The teacher will listen to the students’ reply and ask any
follow-up questions.
Act 3: Lastly, the teacher will ask, “Based off the theme you just described, can you give
my any specific examples?” The teacher will listen to the students’ reply and ask any
follow-up questions.

VI. Assessments:

Students will be asked to complete the Annotation Guide for “The Utterly Perfect
Murder.”

VII. Adaptations/Modifications: 

Students will be able to have their vocabulary worksheet out while we read aloud. The teacher
will play the audio recording of “The Utterly Perfect Murder” on the SMART board for all
students to listen and follow along to.