THE ELEVATOR

Presentation

THE ELEVATOR

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LESSON STANDARDS

• TEKS ELA.9.2A: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text.
• TEKS ELA.9.2B: Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story.
• TEKS ELA.9.3A: Make inferences about text and use textual evidence to support understanding.
• TEKS ELA.9.3B: Summarize and make generalizations from text and support with textual evidence.
• TEKS ELA.9.5A: Analyze the elements of plot development (e.g., subplots) and the story's structure.

Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Determine the theme or central idea of the short story "The Elevator" by William Sleator.
• Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how the elements of the story are developed.
• Make inferences, summarize, and make generalizations about the text.
• Analyze the elements of plot development in the story.

Language Objective & Learning Intention

• I will use academic language to discuss and write about the theme, author's choices, inferences, and plot development in "The Elevator."
• I will use evidence from the text to support my analysis.
• Today, we will explore the short story "The Elevator" by William Sleator to identify its theme, analyze the author's storytelling choices, make inferences, and understand the story's plot development.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Students will be able to identify at least three themes present in "The Elevator."
• Students will actively participate in class discussions by contributing at least two thoughtful responses or questions related to the story.
• Students will complete a written reflection that demonstrates their understanding of the story's themes and their personal connections to the text.

DO NOW:

• Do you like riding in elevators?
• Why or why not?
• How would you react if you got stuck on an elevator?

DO YOU KNOW?

• Why are some people “freaked out” about riding in elevators?
• Do you know that some elevators don’t have a thirteenth floor because of superstitious reasons? Why do you think that is?
• How do people usually stand in elevators when there are only two people inside? What about a crowd of people?

What’s this story about?

“The Elevator” is about a boy named Martin who recently moved with his father to a new apartment. Living on the seventeenth floor, Martin has no choice but to take the elevator. Yet, it terrifies him. What exactly is Martin so afraid of?

Suspense

This story has suspense, a feeling of tension and excitement. Get ready to feel suspense while you read it…

The Characters

Martin's Father

• Lives in an apartment
• Works at home
• Thinks Martin is a bit of a “wimp”

The Protagonist

Martin

• Twelve-year old boy
• Just moved in with his father
• Doesn’t like elevators

Strange, Fat Lady

• Lives in the apartment
• Wears a green coat
• Martin is frightened of her

READ

As we read, pay attention to themes and symbolism.

Discussion Questions

• What kind of elevator is this? How is it described? Cite textual evidence to support your answer
• What kind of boy is Martin? Why might he be easily upset or scared? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.
• What was it about the fat lady that made Martin ill at ease? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.
• What kind of father is Martin’s dad? How could he have been more supportive of Martin’s feelings? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.

Your Turn

The author chooses not to resolve the story. Write your own ending with a clear resolution. What happens to Martin and the lady? Your story can be as creepy as you would like… MUST be at least 150 words!

beware the elevator!