Description
Are you looking for a no-prep Christmas comprehension, listening, and writing activity for The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry’s classic short story of love and sacrifice? This fun, easy-to-use resource includes links to podcast audio versions of the story, as well as a listening comprehension mystery picture, editable writing prompts, and two versions of the printed story.
The Christmas mystery picture and writing activities can be used with the printed story or the podcast audio. Either way, kids will be excited to see the hidden picture slowly being revealed as they answer the self-checking multiple-choice questions correctly.
The writing prompts are EDITABLE, and they provide an excellent way for students to use inference skills combined with creativity. They require kids to integrate information from the podcast into their own writing.
Whether used in the classroom or at home, this is an excellent tool for helping students improve their listening and writing skills!
HOW WILL I USE THIS RESOURCE?
This podcast listening and writing activity is quick to prep and implement because all you have to do is give students the links to the podcast audio and the activity. That’s it! You can choose to do the hidden picture AND the writing tasks, or you can do just one or the other. Then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
You can assign The Gift of the Magi at any time of the school year. However, it would be particularly great to use as a holiday activity or as a way to introduce classic literature or irony.
WHAT’S THE PODCAST ABOUT?
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry tells the story of Jim and Della, a young married couple with very little money. They have two possessions they consider treasures: Jim’s gold pocket watch that belonged to his father and grandfather, and Della’s lustrous, long hair. Unbeknownst to each other, they both decide to sacrifice their most important possessions to buy each other Christmas presents.
WHY WILL THIS RESOURCE BE SUPER USEFUL?
- You can leave it with a substitute. (It’s PERFECT sub work because it’s NOT just busy work!)
- Use it to introduce a speaking and listening unit.
- You can teach it as a Christmas holiday activity, or with a classic literature unit, or to teach situational irony.
- Assign it between lessons or units, when you aren’t ready to start something new.
- Share the materials with early finishers.
- Assign it for homework or as an enrichment activity.
- Fun Fridays
What’s my favorite way to use this fun podcast listening and writing activity? Right before a vacation when the kids are a bit… squirrely!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Suggested classroom Do-Now activity for generating interest.
- Several links to access the podcast. Students can use their own devices or you can play it for the whole class.
- Active listening tips for students
- A Google Sheets listening comprehension activity with 9 multiple choice questions and a hidden mystery picture
- 1 Google Slides with short response writing prompts
- 1 Google slide that provides students with extension questions to encourage curiosity and research
- Two pdf versions of The Gift of the Magi: the original short story and the print version closest to the slightly abridged version used in the podcast
- An optional editable student file
- An optional pdf student file
- Answer key
NOTE: The podcast’s audio is not included; however, I supply you with several links to access it.
WHICH SKILLS ARE COVERED?
Students will practice:
- listening comprehension skills
- inferencing skills
- using digital media
- writing using textual evidence
- creative writing for a specific task, purpose, and audience
HOW LONG WILL THIS LESSON TAKE?
Part 1: Podcast and Self-Checking Mystery Picture: about 20 minutes
Part 2: Writing: This will take another 15-20 minutes or can be a bit longer if you review the answers and have students share the creative writing part.
Bonus Writing Extension: This part enables students to be creative, and can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes.
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❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS PODCAST ACTIVITY❤️
♡ It’s Easy to Use!
All you have to do is assign the tasks you want students to do. Everything is self-directed! Students will learn while working independently. It’s a great activity to leave with a sub!
♡ It Provides Valuable Skill Practice
Students must learn to listen actively, recall information, make inferences, and provide evidence. This resource provides that valuable practice in a unique and imaginative way.
♡ It’s Fun and Engaging!
The podcast is engaging and perfectly appropriate for middle school. Kids love The Gift of the Magi. They’ll also have a blast with the fun creative writing task!
Thanks for checking out Listen, Learn, Write: The Gift of the Magi! Be sure to look at the preview to see everything that’s included!
Wishing you the best!
Darlene Anne
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