Working With Short Stories

Working with Short Stories

A collection of literature anthologies and reference books for Key Stage 3 onwards. Working with Short Stories arises from a collaborative venture of three practising teachers who were keen to provide English materials which developed: pupil-based discovery; interactive learning through group work; and the oral involvement of pupils. Each practical unit is based around a short story, introducing students to the art of a form which is mirrored in the larger work of the novel. The activities create a balance between competence in language and development of the imagination, written and spoken modes, individual and collaborative tasks, acquistion and application of concepts and skills.

Knockemstiff

Blunt, brutal, but infused with a deep sympathy, Knockemstiff is a pitch-dark and hilarious collection of stories set in a tiny town in Southern Ohio. The youth of Knockemstiff grow up in the malignant shadow of their parents; raised on abuse, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes, they are stunted in every possible way: emotionally, mentally, sometimes physically. They talk a lot about escape but they never so much as cross the county line.

The Art of the Short Story