A Directed Listening-Thinking Activity for
In this lesson, students participate in a Directed Listening–Thinking Activity (DLTA), in which they listen to "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe and answer prediction questions at designated stopping points during the reading. Students then discuss and write a written response to the story at the conclusion of the lesson, in the form of either an acrostic poem or comic strip. This lesson works well at Halloween or at the beginning of a mystery unit.
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Standards & Objectives
Academic standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.6
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1
- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3
- Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.6
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1
- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2
- Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3
- Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5
- Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.6
- Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.8
- Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.9
- Compare and contrast one author's presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.1
- Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.9
- Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.1
- Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.6
- Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.8
- Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.9
- Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.4
- Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1
- Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.7
- Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.9
- Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.1
- Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.1
- Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.10
- By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of grades 6-8 text complexity band...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.9
- Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3
- Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.4
- Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 Language...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts,...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.3
- Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4
- Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8 Language...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8
- Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1
- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.10
- Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6
- Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7
- Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8
- Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1
- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.4
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7
- Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8
- Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.9
- Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- GLE 0301.2.2
- Continue to develop basic speaking skills necessary for communication.
- GLE 0601.1.2
- Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, and usage of words and phrases.
- GLE 0601.2.3
- Begin to distinguish between a summary and a critique.
- GLE 0601.5.2
- Analyze text for fact-opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
- GLE 0601.6.1
- Comprehend and summarize the main ideas and supporting details of informational texts.
- GLE 0601.8.1
- Read and comprehend a variety of works from various forms of literature.
- GLE 0601.8.3
- Recognize the conventions of various literary genres.
- GLE 0601.8.5
- Identify and analyze common literary terms (e.g., personification, conflict, theme).
- GLE 0701.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
- GLE 0701.4.4
- Write a research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
- GLE 0701.8.1
- Read and comprehend a variety of works from various forms of literature.
- GLE 0801.2.1
- Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
- GLE 0801.2.7
- Participate in work teams and group discussions.
- GLE 0801.3.3
- Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
- GLE 0801.4.2
- Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
- GLE 0801.4.3
- Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
- GLE 0801.8.1
- Read and comprehend a variety of works from various forms of literature.
- GLE 0801.8.5
- Identify and analyze common literary terms (e.g., personification, conflict, theme).
- SPI 0601.1.15
- Use context clues and prior knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words.
- SPI 0601.1.16
- Use context clues and prior knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 0601.1.17
- Use dictionaries, thesauruses, electronic sources, and glossaries as aids in determining the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 0601.1.19
- Recognize and use grade-appropriate and content specific vocabulary within context.
- SPI 0601.1.20
- Use knowledge of root words, affixes, syllabication, and/or spelling patterns as aids in determining meaning within context.
- SPI 0601.5.5
- Specify a logical word choice to complete an analogy using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, and functions.
- SPI 0601.5.7
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 0601.8.6
- Identify the stated or implied theme of a literary text.
- SPI 0601.8.7
- Analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification,) within context.
- SPI 0701.1.17
- Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words.
- SPI 0701.1.18
- Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 0701.1.20
- Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary within context.
- SPI 0701.1.21
- Decode unknown grade level words in context, using previously learned strategies as aids in determining meaning.
- SPI 0701.3.8
- Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
- SPI 0701.5.5
- Select the correct word or phrase to complete an analogy, using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, functions, and verb forms.
- SPI 0701.5.8
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 0701.8.10
- Identify and analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification, pun) within context.
- SPI 0801.1.16
- Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- SPI 0801.1.19
- Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary.
- SPI 0801.1.2
- Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., action/linking, regular/irregular, agreement, perfect tenses, verb phrases) within context.
- SPI 0801.2.7
- Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gain the floor in orderly ways, meet or set deadlines for completing each...
- SPI 0801.2.8
- Identify the functions and responsibilities of individuals within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
- SPI 0801.3.11
- Identify individual written selections as technical, narrative, persuasive, and/or descriptive in mode.
- SPI 0801.3.5
- Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
- SPI 0801.3.8
- Select vivid words to strengthen a description (adjective or adverb) within a writing sample or passage.
- SPI 0801.3.9
- Select illustrations, explanations, anecdotes, descriptions and/or facts to support key ideas.
- SPI 0801.4.2
- Identify levels of reliability among resources (e.g., eyewitness account, newspaper account, supermarket tabloid account, Internet source).
- SPI 0801.5.9
- Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
- SPI 0801.8.13
- Determine the influence of culture and ethnicity on the themes and issues of literary texts.
- SPI 0801.8.5
- Analyze the development of similar themes across two or more literary texts.
- SPI 0801.8.8
- Analyze figurative language (i.e., idiom, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, pun) within context.
- TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 6th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
- TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.5
- When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
- TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.6
- Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
- TSS.ELA.6.RI.IKI.8
- Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- TSS.ELA.6.RI.IKI.9
- Compare and contrast two or more authors' presentation of the same topic or event.
- TSS.ELA.6.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.6.RI.KID.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through details; provide an objective summary.
- TSS.ELA.6.RI.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding...
- TSS.ELA.6.RL.IKI.9
- Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
- TSS.ELA.6.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.6.RL.KID.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
- TSS.ELA.6.RL.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding at the...
- TSS.ELA.6.SL.CC.3
- Explain a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.9
- Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 6 standards for reading.
- TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 7th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
- TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.5
- When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
- TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.6
- Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
- TSS.ELA.7.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.7.RI.KID.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
- TSS.ELA.7.RI.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding...
- TSS.ELA.7.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
- TSS.ELA.7.RL.KID.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
- TSS.ELA.7.RL.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literature throughout the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with a gradual release of scaffolding at the...
- TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
- TSS.ELA.8.L.KL.3
- When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.
- TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.4
- Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 8th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
- TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.5
- When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
- TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.6
- Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
- TSS.ELA.8.RI.IKI.9
- Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact or...
- TSS.ELA.8.RI.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
- TSS.ELA.8.RI.KID.2
- Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an...
- TSS.ELA.8.RI.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- TSS.ELA.8.RL.IKI.9
- Analyze how contemporary texts are shaped by foundational texts or literary archetypes and how authors allude to traditional works, myths, or religious...
- TSS.ELA.8.RL.KID.1
- Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; support an interpretation of a text by citing relevant textual evidence.
- TSS.ELA.8.RL.KID.2
- Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting,...
- TSS.ELA.8.RL.RRTC.10
- Read and comprehend a variety of literature at the high end of the grades 6-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
- TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.1
- Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
- TSS.ELA.8.SL.PKI.6
- Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
- TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.9
- Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 8 standards for...
- TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.1
- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
- TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.2
- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
- TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.3
- Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
Learning objectives:
Students will:
- Improve their listening comprehension and prediction skills by participating in a Directed Listening–Thinking Activity (DLTA)
- Respond to literature read in class by either writing an acrostic poem or creating a comic strip
- Practice strong and effective writing as assessed by the 6 + 1 Trait® Writing model
Lesson Variations
Blooms taxonomy level:
Applying
Helpful Hints
Materials needed:
- Computers with Internet access
- LCD projector (optional)
References
Contributors:
Originator:
eduToolbox® is a resource-sharing portal developed by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation with collaborative support and funding from the Tennessee Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education's Math & Science Partnership program.
