Subject: The Last Leaf

Grade Level: Grade 10

Objective: Identify the Elements of the short story The Last Leaf by O. Henry,
Appreciate the moral of the story by listening and viewing the story, and
Perform tasks through small group differentiated activities.

Learning within and across curriculum:

- Within:

1) English - Analyze the characters in The Last Leaf and compare them to
characters in other literary works.

2) Art - Create visual representations of scenes from The Last Leaf using different art
mediums.

3) Science - Investigate the medical aspects mentioned in The Last Leaf and relate
them to modern medical practices.

ENGAGE:

[Teaching Strategy: Role-Playing]

[Instructional Materials: Character cards, costumes]

1) Idea - Have students act out key scenes from The Last Leaf in small groups,
assigning roles and encouraging them to interpret the characters' emotions and
motivations.

2) Idea - Conduct a debate on the moral message of The Last Leaf, dividing students
into groups to argue different perspectives.

EXPLORE:

Activity 1: Character Analysis

[Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning]

Materials - Text of The Last Leaf, character analysis worksheet

Significance - Enhances understanding of character development

Instructions -

1) Students identify key traits of characters in The Last Leaf.

2) Students discuss and compare their findings in small groups.

3) Rubric

- Accuracy of character traits - 15 pts.

- Depth of analysis - 10 pts.

- Collaboration in group discussion - 10 pts.

Assessment Questions:

1) What motivates Sue to believe in Johnsy's recovery?

2) How does Behrman's character impact the story's outcome?

3) In what ways does Johnsy's perspective change throughout the story?

Activity 2: Visual Representation

[Teaching Strategy: Project-Based Learning]

Materials - Art supplies, reference images

Significance - Encourages creativity and visual interpretation

Instructions -

1) Students create visual representations of scenes from The Last Leaf using their
chosen art medium.

2) Students present their artwork to the class, explaining their artistic choices.

3) Rubric

- Artistic interpretation - 15 pts.

- Creativity - 10 pts.

- Presentation and explanation - 10 pts.

Assessment Questions:

1) How did your artistic choices reflect the mood of the scene?

2) What symbolism did you incorporate into your artwork from The Last Leaf?

3) How did creating the visual representation enhance your understanding of the
story?

Inclusive Activity 3: Moral Dilemma Discussion

[Teaching Strategy: Discussion]

Materials - None

Significance - Encourages critical thinking and empathy

Instructions -

1) Facilitate a discussion on moral dilemmas inspired by The Last Leaf, encouraging

students to share their perspectives.

2) Guide students in exploring different viewpoints and ethical considerations.

3) Rubric

- Participation and engagement - 15 pts.

- Depth of analysis - 10 pts.

Assessment Questions:

1) How did the characters' decisions in The Last Leaf reflect moral values?

2) What moral lessons can be learned from the story?

3) How would you have acted in a similar situation to the characters in The Last
Leaf?

EXPLAIN:

Activity 1 - Students will analyze the characters in The Last Leaf to understand their
motivations and development throughout the story.

Activity 2 - Students will express their interpretation of key scenes from The Last
Leaf through visual art, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the story.

Activity 3 - Students will engage in discussions on moral dilemmas inspired by The

Last Leaf to develop critical thinking skills and ethical reasoning.

ELABORATE:
[Teaching Strategy: Experiential Learning]

Task 1 - Write a modern adaptation of The Last Leaf set in a different time period or
cultural context.

Task 2 - Create a multimedia presentation exploring the themes and symbolism in

The Last Leaf.

Supporting Material 1 - "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry - This short story by the
same author explores themes of sacrifice and love, providing a comparison to The
Last Leaf.

Supporting Material 2 - "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson - This story delves into
themes of tradition and societal norms, offering a contrasting perspective to The Last
Leaf.

EVALUATE:

[Teaching Strategy: Discussion]

[Instructional Materials: Assessment rubric]

Question 1 - How do the elements of setting contribute to the overall mood of The
Last Leaf?

Question 2 - Discuss the significance of the title "The Last Leaf" in relation to the
story's themes.

Question 3 - How does O. Henry use irony to enhance the storytelling in The Last
Leaf?

H.O.T.S.:

Question 1 - Analyze the symbolic significance of the last leaf in the context of hope
and resilience in the face of adversity.

Answer 1 - The last leaf symbolizes the enduring power of belief and the impact of
selfless acts of kindness in preserving hope and life.

Question 2 - Evaluate the effectiveness of O. Henry's narrative structure in

conveying the moral message of The Last Leaf.

Answer 2 - O. Henry's use of suspense and plot twists engages readers and
reinforces the story's themes of sacrifice and friendship.

Question 3 - Compare and contrast the characters of Johnsy and Sue in terms of
their attitudes towards life and death in The Last Leaf.
Answer 3 - While Johnsy initially succumbs to despair, Sue's unwavering optimism
and faith in the last leaf symbolize resilience and the transformative power of hope.

Assignment:

1) Write a reflective essay discussing the impact of The Last Leaf on your
understanding of themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.

2) Create a multimedia presentation analyzing the moral lessons conveyed in The

Last Leaf and how they can be applied to real-life situations.