Sarah's+6-C-1+Lesson+Plan


 * Note:** This lesson will be conducted before reading “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” (a Twilight Zone episode). After reading the story, I would also like to follow-up with a video, but rather than an interview (such as presented in this lesson), I would show students the actual Twilight Zone episode of this story. Then, I would have them compare/contrast the story and television episode.


 * Subject:** Language Arts


 * Grade:** 7


 * Unit:** Drama


 * EQ:** How can I build background knowledge before reading a drama?

TSW:**
 * Objectives:
 * Preview the literary devices in “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street.”
 * Watch a video interview with the creator and primary writer for The Twilight Zone to understand the context of the story.


 * Materials:**
 * Literature books (pp. 504-526)
 * Understanding Drama WS
 * Video link: []
 * Structured note guide (includes some questions from the NARA WS)
 * Transcript link: []


 * Procedure:**
 * Have students get out their Understanding Drama WS. Review definitions for main literary devices and remind students that when reading, they will complete the “Example” column as they are displayed in this story. Discuss what the author’s purpose might be. Have students read Rod Serling’s mini-bio in the literature book (p. 504).
 * Partner Q & A: What do you like/dislike about television? If you could change something about TV, what would it be? What is the purpose of television?
 * Provide students with background information about the interview they’re about to watch. Distribute structured note-taking guide. Have copies of the transcript available for students who would like to read as well as watch the interview. Show Mike Wallace’s 21+ minute interview of Rod Serling. Students should jot down notes while viewing.
 * When video is done, put students in small groups and share their notes. Circulate and provide feedback. As a whole class, compose a list of ~10 important pieces of information from the interview and write them on the board. These will be referenced when reading the story.


 * Homework:** none

Sarah: What a compelling video. Thanks for sharing. What a great springboard to talking about the many different forms of censorship and artistic integrity! I'm not familiar with Monsters Due on Maple Street ... does it deal with censorship issues? - Diane

Diane, No, this episode doesn't focus on censorship issues. This episode focuses more on how people react in stressful situations. The interview with Rod Serling was more about his personal beliefs about television programming, not this specific episode. We read "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" because that's what's in the literature book. Hope this clears things up. ~Sarah

Sarah, This is a very insightful lesson. It made me think about things that I wouldn not normally think about concerning television. Thanks for the enlightenment! Jeanine