In reading the notorious Aesop fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” during the adolescent years, students will be given the opportunity to utilize prior knowledge of the theme towards unknown middle school grade-level content. The short story is purposely re-read to practice the analysis of theme, dialogue, and character. Also, the story can assists in reviewing the elements of both fiction and fables. After reading the work, students are able to answer the questions: “why do we need this short story today?” and “what does it still teach us about life?” Undoubtedly, there is no other time more effective than the adolescent years to reintroduce this short story.
From the mentioning of the shepherd boy, the village, and the sheep, it is apparent
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Perhaps the most important theme topic of the story would regard cross-generations. The theme is also explicitly stated in the dialogue of the cross-generational characters. In the story, a wise old man tells an immature young boy “Nobody believes a liar…even when he is telling the truth!” Adolescents can benefit from a collaborative discussion focusing not only on the ideas of honesty and responsibility, but on their personal experiences where they learned from someone significantly older or younger than themselves.
V. “Flowers of Algernon” by Daniel Keyes
“Flowers of Algernon” by Daniel Keyes is a great source of science fiction, where students can benefit from reading about experiments, medical diagnostics, and disabilities. Not only will students be able to relate what they are reading in English/ Language Arts to what they are learning in Science, but students will also be able to discuss and analyze the theme in the story. Science terminology is abundant in the text which enables the students to benefit from cross-curricular learning.
The story is an American work. Keyes sets it in New York City and later in Ohio. Characters speak in an American dialect and express American