1. Do Now: Write a one page journal response about a memory you have from elementary school. Homework: Questions for the short story “Charles”

2. Aim: How does the short story “Charles” begin? Who is narrating the short story “Charles”? According to the narrator, how did Laurie change when he started kindergarten? When was Charles first mentioned in Laurie’s home? Explain what he had done? Explain how Charles became a household joke at Laurie’s home. Why were Laurie’s parents looking forward to meeting his kindergarten teacher?

3. Aim: How does the short story “Charles” begin? Why did Laurie’s parents take so long to find out the truth about Charles? Why did Laurie create the imaginary boy Charles? As the story comes to an end, most of us are very surprised to learn the identity of Charles. If you go back and read the story again you may notice that the author plants clues along the way to prepare you. What clue to the identity of Charles can you find in the opening paragraph of the story?

4. Aim: How does the short story “Charles” begin? How would the story be different if it was told by: The dad Laurie The teacher Another kid in the class What are the themes for the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson Homework: Questions for the short story “Charles”