The rich language of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" is only appreciable if you understand the words. A short lesson reviews 13 words from the story and prompts class members to apply each word and its definition to other situations.

O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" is the classic example of irony in literature. Teach young writers about the ways irony can engage their readers with an activity in which they write scripts using dramatic irony, situational irony, and...

What are the three types of irony? High schoolers engage in a lesson about the use of irony while reading O.Henry's short story "Gift of the Magi." They'll discuss rising action, climax, and resolution in the text before highlighting the...

Young learners discover kamishibai, a popular Japanese storytelling art, and explore how these Japanese folktales illustrate the country's cultural themes and values through discussion and storyboarding. 

Students engage in study of literature in order to identify the use of irony in the context of reading two stories. They are compared and contrasted and the irony is exposed. The activities include the answering of several key questions.

Students apply vocabulary activities to two short stories in order to increase their comprehension skills. They complete three lessons in which they examine irony, examine how it is used in text, and design an ironic skit. Also, the look...

Students engage in a reading of literature with the intention of working on the reading comprehension skill of identifying the plot of a story. They conduct independent reading looking for the plot and fill in the graphic organizer for...

Have you ever heard of O.Henry and his Texas tales? Use this informative resource featuring links to lesson plans, teaching ideas, biographical information and more.

An image of "The Adoration of the Magi", created by Quentin Massys in 1526 (Oil on wood, 103 x 80 cm).

An image of "Adoration of the Magi", created by Peter Paul Rubens from 1626-29 (Oil on canvas, 283 x 219 cm).

An image of "The Adoration of the Magi", created by Leonaert Bramer from 1628-30 (Oil on panel, 43 x 53 cm).

An image of "The Return of the Magi", created by Giovanni Da Modena, c. 1412 (Fresco).

An image of "Adoration of the Magi", created by Gerard David, c. 1500 (Oil on oak, 84 x 67 cm).

An image of "The Adoration of the Magi", created by Prospero Fontanaz (Oil on copper, 53 x 24 cm).