“The Open Window”

1. “The Open Window” By Saki

2. Bellwork • Freewrite: Has your first impression of someone ever turned out to be wrong? Freewrite for a few minutes about a time when you were mistaken about a first impression.

3. Meet Saki • In your reading notes, write 4 main ideas from Saki’s biography (Glencoe 10) • You might have included: • Saki (1870-1916) began life in Burma, but lost his mother when he was young; his father sent him to his aunts’ house in England • Saki’s aunts were not good with kids and he later wrote stories with similar situations • He took the pen name Saki in 1900 – an allusion to an epic poem • He died on a French battlefield in WWI

4. Preview Vocabulary • Look at the vocabulary on page 11 • If you know the words, just review them aloud with your partner • If there are any new, unfamiliar words, add them to your reading notes (include the example sentence for context)

5. As we read • We’ll be focusing on plot elements – from exposition to denouement • We’ll pay particular attention to the sequence of events and how Saki uses flashback

6. After we read • Work with your group to respond and think critically to the following. Each of you should write your responses in your own notes • Questions 1-7 (page 15): Work with your group to come up with thoughtful responses • Extension: Create a plot diagram with the elements from Saki’s story