The Monkey's Paw

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

In this activity, students will develop skits about other wishes that the Whites could have made and explore potential outcomes.

In this activity, you will write and perform a skit showing alternate wishes that the Whites could have made, and how the story could have been different. 

• Brainstorm a list of other wishes that the Whites could have made. These could be as specific (e.g., 200 pounds) or as general (e.g., wealth) as you like.
• Pick one wish to focus on and discuss the possible consequences of that wish—both positive and negative!
• Write a skit or short scene that depicts the wish and its consequences. Consider how the characters would act and react in the scenario.
• Perform your skit using dialogue, action, and props.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity connects to the theme of The Dangers of Wishful Thinking. It will also allow students to apply their understanding of the characters by putting them in alternate situations. Students can work in groups of 2-4 for this activity, or they can work individually to write their own script without performing it.