"Charles" by Shirley Jackson Quiz, Close Reading Worksheet, and Vocabulary Games

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Shirley Jackson's short story titled "Charles." A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.) By engaging with these activities, students will:

• Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly

• Define words and phrases as they are used in the text

• Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings

• Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

• Determine the function of a given paragraph

• Discern the narrative's dominant conflict

• Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop

• Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, slang, situational irony, neologism, invective, and sibilance

• Reflect on how point of view shapes the reader's understanding of events

• Consider theme in context

• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence

• Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Resources are available for teaching short stories of various genres:

• Christmas Fiction - Google and printable

• Coming-of-Age Fiction - Google and printable

• Fantasy - Google and printable

• Horror - Google and printable

• Psychological Fiction - Google and printable

• Science Fiction - Google and printable

• Thematic Short Story Unit on Fear and Curiosity - Google and printable