"Gossip Wolf and the Fox" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “Gossip Wolf and the Fox” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative, coupled with the learning objectives of the activity, helps teachers fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
• Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
• Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including consonance, dramatic irony, verbal irony, and more
• Consider themes in context
• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
• Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
• Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction