Holiday Short Story Unit for The Elves and the Shoemaker

Item description

It’s that time of year again! Time to bring some holiday cheer into your Secondary ELA classroom with this short story unit for The Elves and the Shoemaker. This fun and festive unit will help you focus on academic reading standards throughout the month of December, all while enjoying a classic holiday tale. The Elves and the Shoemaker is a beloved story about the power of kindness and helping others.

In this unit, your students will focus on plot, character and critical reading as they dive into the text. A copy of the story is included, so you’re all set to get started! Bring some holiday joy to your classroom today with this Elf-approved unit! Be sure to check out the preview!

This HOLIDAY short story unit includes: 

Author Study
At the beginning of the activity is a short paragraph that is intended to introduce the student to the author.  

Word Web
Students will recall prior knowledge of one of the themes of the story (suggestions are included) 

Plot Diagram
To continue building on literature skills, a plot diagram is included. This could be used as an extension activity, whole class activity or independent work depending on the level of understanding your students have.  

Vocabulary Words
Five words from the story have been selected for further study. The words were based on necessity of understanding the story and the likelihood of students seeing the word again in other readings. Students will find the words in the reading, research the definition, and use the word correctly within a sentence. 

Reader Response Questions
Three questions are provided that require higher level thinking to answer. Questions are intended to be discussed and are based on student opinions and experiences. 

Written Response
A writing prompt has been included for students to think about how the shoemaker and his wife felt about what the elves did for them.  

***The Elves and the Shoemaker is part of the public domain. A PDF version of the story which is included in this product.