"The Juniper Tree" Quiz, Worksheets, and Vocabulary Games (Grimm's Fairy Tale)

Embrace the Halloween season (no matter what time of year), evaluate general reading comprehension, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the dark Grimm's fairy tale "The Juniper Tree." A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, literary elements activity, vocabulary application exercise, crossword puzzle, word search, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.) By engaging with these materials, students will:

• Read for literal comprehension

• Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings

• Isolate examples of compelling sensory description

• Infer the intended effects of the authors' word choices and narrative techniques

• Determine the function of a given passage

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

• Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, black humor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, personification, and more

• Make connections between elements of the story and aspects of the modern-day Halloween season

• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence

• Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

• Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.

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