A White Heron and Other Stories Lesson Plan

Different Heights

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

To better understand why climbing the tall tree was such a pivotal moment for Sylvia

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.D, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2.B

Structure:

In A White Heron, Sylvia climbs the big pine tree in order to get a more complete view of the forest. Take students to a viewpoint that’s easily accessible to you. It could be a second-story classroom window, or a hillside—as long as it’s taller than street level, it should work. Instruct students to look at the scenery when they are below the viewpoint, then from the viewpoint. They should each write a 1-2-page journal entry...