O. Henry
Lesson plans for "The Gift of the Magi" and other stories
|Biography and Background|
|"The Gift of the Magi"|
|"The Ransom of Red Chief"|
|Other Stories|
O. Henry
Biographical information.
O. Henry
Biography and links to stories.
O. Henry and his Texas Tales
Designed for grades 4-8, this document requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.
Analyzing Irony and Symbolism in a Short Story
Students read and discuss the story. Then they are given definitions for both symbolism and situational irony and find examples in the story. Adobe Reader required for access.
A Gift for Mom and Dad
Following a reading of O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," students write an expository essay based on the connotative definition of "gift." The essay is then presented as a holiday gift. The lesson is designed for grades 9 and 10 and can be adapted to a variety of occasions and grade levels.
"The Gift of the Magi"
Follow the links to listen to an audiofile OR to listen and read at the same time.
"The Gift of the Magi"
An audio version of the story in MP3 format. Requires QuickTime for access.
"The Gift of the Magi"
Worksheet, vocabulary practice, and online versions of the story.
"The Gift of the Magi"
This hypertext of the story includes clickable vocabulary words.
"The Gift of the Magi" Vocabulary Activities
Students define vocabulary words, apply the words to real life situations, and work cooperatively to use vocabulary words in meaningful sentences. Click on "Lesson Resources" for handouts.
I've Got the Literacy Blues
Designed to accompany "The Gift of the Magi," this lesson encourages students "to explore the story's themes using blues music, creative writing, and media study".
Charging Redchief (O. Henry)
Students prosecute Johnny's kidnappers.
"The Ransom of Red Chief"
Complete text of the story, vocabulary, literary terms, characters, discussion questions, and extension activities are available on this interactive page.
"The Ransom of Red Chief"
Brief biography and text of the story. Follow links to PDF and Google Docs formats.
O. Henry
Follow links (alphabetical order) to the text of many stories.
"After Twenty Years"
Vocabulary support, practice with clauses, and practice drawing inferences, pages 1-6 of this document. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.
"The Duel"
Brief biography and text of the story. Follow links to PDF and Google Docs formats.
Magnificent Masterpieces
Students will study O. Henry’s short story "The Last Leaf" and delve into the ideas of what constitutes a masterpiece. They will look at the works of the masters of art such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and Van Gogh, reading descriptions of these artists’ masterpieces. Students will reflect on their personal views of what constitutes a "masterpiece" and create their own masterpieces using computer software and/or traditional media. They will write brief descriptions of the masterpieces and the way these masterpieces could be used to help someone real or fictional. Students will be encouraged to post their completed masterpieces to a Web site for others to view. this unit plan includes handouts and is designed for grades 6-8.
The Four Million
Free audio recordings of the 25 short stories from this book, including "After Twenty Years," "Mammon and the Archer," and "The Cop and the Anthem." The stories are in MP3 format and require QuickTime.
"The Princess and the Puma"
Text of the story.
