short stories for critical thinking

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Short Stories for Critical Thinking

• Post author: Hayden J Williams
• Post published: March 24, 2024
• Post category: Productivity / Creativity / Learning

We all love a good story. But have you ever stopped to dissect why a character made a certain choice, or questioned the author’s motives?

By delving deeper into the narrative, we can sharpen our ability to analyze evidence, identify bias, and uncover underlying themes. This article equips you with critical thinking tools to unlock the deeper meaning within each sentence.

Table of Contents

Building Your Critical Thinking Toolkit  

Pre-reading activities : Prepare your mind for critical thinking before delving into the story.

• Title and Cover Analysis : Examine the title and cover artwork to make predictions about themes, characters, and plot.
• Author Research : Explore the author’s background, literary influences, and relevant historical or cultural contexts to understand their perspective.
• Identify Biases : Challenge yourself to identify potential biases or assumptions in the story. Consider how they may affect your interpretation.
• Question Generation : Brainstorm questions or discussion prompts to explore while reading, focusing on themes, character motivations, and moral dilemmas.
• Debate or Discussion : Engage in a brief debate or discussion with peers to share different perspectives and interpretations of the story’s themes and messages.

By actively engaging in these pre-reading activities, you’ll stimulate your critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to analyze and interpret the text effectively.

Active Reading: Become a Story Detective  

Prepare to Engage : Immerse yourself in the text as you embark on a journey of discovery. Before you begin, take a moment to skim through the text, getting a sense of its main ideas and key points. Equip yourself with tools like highlighters, notebooks, and sticky notes to interact actively with the material. This will promote active engagement for critical analysis.

Focus on the Details : Start by paying attention to the details. Notice the language used, the interactions between characters, and the descriptions of the setting. Each word holds significance, guiding you deeper into the heart of the story. Enhances comprehension and critical interpretation.

Ask Questions Ask questions along the way. Why did the characters act the way they did? What might happen next? Asking questions before, during, and after reading helps you better understand and think critically about the text. Stimulates critical inquiry and understanding.

Predict Make predictions based on what you already know and what you’ve read so far. Picture scenes unfolding in your mind’s eye. Create mental images to help you better understand the story. Encourages anticipation and analysis of narrative elements.

Annotate for Understanding As you read, jot down your thoughts and reactions in the margins of the text. Underline passages that stand out to you, and write down any questions or ideas that come to mind. These notes will help you stay engaged with the material and remember important points. Helps contextual understanding and critical comparison.

Connect & Compare Look for connections between the text and your own experiences, as well as other texts you’ve read. How does this story relate to what you already know? Are there similarities or differences between this and other stories you’ve encountered?

Remember, reading is not just about reaching the end—it’s about the journey. Enjoy the process of discovery and embrace the challenges that come with understanding a new story. So, grab your book, get comfortable, and dive into the text. Who knows what secrets you’ll uncover along the way?

Post-Reading Debrief: Unmasking the Clues

Character Analysis: Delve into the motivations, actions, and contributions of characters to the story’s message. Engage in debates about character decisions and question their reliability as narrators. This activity promotes critical thinking by examining character development and the impact on the narrative. Example “How does the story portray a character’s growth or internal conflict? Did they overcome a limitation or learn something about themself?

Theme Detectives:   Identify the story’s central themes and analyze how different elements portray them. Discuss symbolism, analyze plot twists for thematic significance, and explore how characters and events contribute to the overall themes. This activity encourages critical analysis of underlying messages and the author’s thematic intentions. Example “Does the story highlight the potential for humans to overcome adversity? How do specific elements, like symbolism or plot twists, reinforce this message?”

Author’s Intent: Explore the author’s potential message and analyze their writing techniques. Examine the use of language, identify literary devices such as foreshadowing or imagery, and consider how these elements contribute to the story’s meaning. This activity encourages critical thinking by unpacking the author’s craft and intentions behind the narrative. Example “Does the author seem to be questioning the limitations of the human experience or celebrating its potential? What writing techniques support this interpretation?”

Alternative Perspectives : Consider different viewpoints within the story or imagine alternative endings. This activity prompts readers to think critically about narrative possibilities, character motivations, and the impact of different choices on the story’s outcome. It encourages creative thinking and cultivates a deeper understanding of the text’s complexities. Example: What would be the story like from the viewpoint of a different character, or how a change in setting or historical context might impact the story’s message

By engaging in these post-reading activities, readers continue to unravel the mysteries of the story, uncover hidden layers of meaning, and develop a more nuanced appreciation for the text. Whether exploring characters’ motivations, analyzing thematic elements, deciphering the author’s intent, or imagining alternative perspectives, these activities promote critical thinking , creativity , and deeper engagement with the text.

Put Your Skills to the Test: Analyze and Discuss  

The Critical Thinking Showcase: Analyzing Short Stories  

We’ve explored the tools for critical thinking analysis. Now, let’s put them into practice! Here are summaries of three captivating short stories representing diverse genres:

Story 1: The Necklace (Genre: Realism by Guy de Maupassant)

Summary: Mathilde Loisel, a young woman consumed by a desire for a more affluent life, feels trapped in her ordinary existence with her kind but working-class husband. An invitation to a prestigious social event fuels her yearning for luxury. Desperate to appear the part of a wealthy socialite, Mathilde convinces her friend, Madame Forestier, to loan her a magnificent diamond necklace. The evening allows Mathilde to temporarily escape her reality, basking in the admiration she receives because of the borrowed jewels.

However, disaster strikes when Mathilde loses the necklace during the event. Terrified of her friend’s reaction and determined to rectify their mistake, Mathilde and her husband plunge themselves into years of grueling labor and strict frugality to replace the expensive necklace. The experience takes a heavy toll on their lives, forcing them to sacrifice their dreams and endure significant hardship. Finally, after years of relentless work, they manage to buy a replacement necklace and return it to Madame Forestier, relieved to be free of the burden of their deception. The devastating truth is then revealed – the borrowed necklace was a cheap imitation, and their immense sacrifice was entirely in vain.

Story 2: The Machine Stops (Genre: Dystopian Fiction) by E. M. Forster

Summary: In the far future, people live in underground sterile chambers, depending completely on a massive machine for everything. This machine, treated like a god, provides food, entertainment, and even air to breathe. Communication happens only through the machine, eliminating face-to-face talks. Vashti, one of the residents, is disturbed when her son Kuno expresses a desire to see the forbidden surface world, challenging the machine’s authority. She questions the sterile existence enforced by the machine and yearns for a deeper connection. Vashti is initially dismissive.

However, Kuno’s persistence leads him to escape the underground confines, experiencing the freedom of nature. Meanwhile, the machine begins to malfunction, causing panic among the underground dwellers. As the machine ultimately fails, Vashti and Kuno find themselves facing the unknown on the surface. The story explores themes of technological dependence, isolation, and the loss of human connection, offering a cautionary tale about the consequences of overreliance on technology and the importance of genuine human interaction.

Story 3: The Gift of the Magi (Genre: Coming-of-Age by O. Henry)

Summary: Deeply in love but struggling with poverty, a young couple, Della and Jim yearn to give each other meaningful Christmas gifts. Determined to express their love despite their limited means, Della sells her most treasured possession – long, flowing hair – to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s cherished pocket watch. Meanwhile, Jim sacrifices his most prized possession, a gold watch passed down through generations, to buy jeweled combs for Della’s hair. The irony of their situation unfolds when they exchange gifts, realizing that their sacrifices made the gifts unusable. Though their possessions are gone, their love shines brighter than ever.

The story celebrates the true meaning of love and the sacrifices people make for their loved ones, showing that the greatest gifts are often not material but expressions of love and selflessness.

Critical Thinking Challenge: Sharpen Your Skills 

For each story summary, we’ll delve deeper with critical thinking questions (5-7 questions) that target different aspects of human development and the story’s message:

Story 1: The Necklace 

Character Analysis: How does Mathilde’s obsession with material wealth affect her life and relationships? Analyze her thoughts, actions, and motivations throughout the story

Theme Detectives: Does the story explore the limitations of social class or the dangers of envy? Analyze the symbolism of the necklace to support your answer. Consider how social pressures and desires for possessions influence the characters. 

Author’s Intent: What message might Guy de Maupassant be conveying about societal pressures and human desires? Explore how the story critiques social expectations and the potential dangers of coveting what others have. Consider the use of irony and the characters’ downfalls.

Alternative Perspectives: How might the story be different if told from the perspective of Mathilde’s friend who loaned the necklace?  Consider the friend’s motivations, potential feelings of betrayal, and the impact of the situation on their relationship. What message might the story convey from this viewpoint?

Story 2: The Machine Stops

Theme Detectives : How does the story portray the dangers of uncontrolled automation? Analyze how the machine’s role in society highlights the potential for technology to become oppressive.

Character Analysis : How does Vashti’s rebellion challenge the status quo? What does her yearning for connection reveal about the limitations of a technology-dependent life?

Author’s Intent: What message might E. M. Forster be conveying about the importance of human interaction and the dangers of sacrificing individuality for convenience?

Alternative Perspectives: Imagine the story from the viewpoint of someone who wholeheartedly believes in the machine’s superiority. How would they justify the system and view Vashti’s actions?

Story 3: The Gift of the Magi

Character Analysis:

• How do Della and Jim’s sacrifices for each other reveal their love and commitment? Analyze their actions, thoughts, and the challenges they face.

Theme Detectives:

• Does the story celebrate the true meaning of love or highlight the challenges of poverty? Analyze the symbolism of the gifts to support your answer. Consider the characters’ motivations and the emotional impact of the story.

Author’s Intent:

• What message might O. Henry be conveying about the importance of love and selflessness? Explore how the story portrays the characters’ love despite their limited means. Consider the use of irony and the story’s ending.

Alternative Perspectives:

• How might the story be different if set in a time of great wealth and abundance? Would the characters’ actions and the story’s message change? Consider the impact of economic circumstances on the themes of love and sacrifice.

Recognizing Bias in Stories

For critical thinking, it is important to recognize the biases in the short stories.

For example: in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, we can recognize the bias inherent in the novel’s portrayal of racial injustice in the American South during the 1930s. The story is told from the perspective of a young white girl, Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus Finch, defends a Black man accused of raping a white woman.

Critical Analysis: By critically analyzing the characters, themes, and narrative structure, we can gain insight into the biases and prejudices present in society at the time. We can also explore how the novel challenges and subverts these biases through characters like Atticus, who stands up for justice and equality despite societal pressures.

How to recognize bias? Look for different types of bias:

• Social Bias: Race, gender, class, sexual orientation – are characters judged based on these?
• Historical Bias: Does the story reflect the era’s views? Consider the author’s background.
• Narrative Bias: Who’s telling the story? Does their perspective influence what’s shown?

Unmask Bias with Detective Work:

• Loaded language: Do words favor one side?
• Missing voices: Whose stories are absent?
• Unequal representation: Who gets the spotlight?

By questioning bias, you gain a deeper understanding of the story’s message and its historical context. This detective work helps you challenge biases in stories and, ultimately, in the real world.

Final Thoughts

Delving into short stories for critical thinking has been a rewarding adventure.

Pre-reading activities, active reading techniques, and post-reading analysis become tools to sharpen our critical thinking skills, unlocking deeper layers of meaning within literary works. By examining diverse perspectives , dissecting themes, and identifying biases , we unravel the intricacies of a story. Additionally, we cultivate a more sharper mindset applicable to various aspects of life. This process encourages a continuous quest for understanding, enriching both our appreciation for literature and our broader understanding of the world.

Embracing the challenge of interpretation and the nuances of narratives leads us on a rewarding exploration. This journey enhances our analytical skills and deepens our engagement not only with literature but also with the world around us.

Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument by Sylvan Barnet and Hugo Bedau

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15 Engaging Short Stories for Teaching Identity

Identity is an essential theme to explore in the secondary classroom. It’s the perfect theme for stimulating critical thinking as students build connections between the text and their lives. Look no further than these 15 engaging short stories perfect for teaching identity in the secondary classroom.

In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of what we ‘should’ be (I’m looking at you , social media), our students face identity struggles of a whole new caliber. With the constant flow of expectations and social pressure coming from the palms of their hands, they experience a new challenge of discovering and embracing their authentic identity.

I’m pretty sure my teenage years were one giant identity crisis. (Anyone else?) I mean, what middle or high school student hasn’t struggled with identity? With trying to figure out who they are and where they belong? We’ve all been there.

From the early days of childhood, our identities are shaped by the places we go, the people we meet, and the experiences we have. Heck, the groundwork for our identity starts getting laid down before we’re even born, influenced by our parents, family, culture, and society in general.

Simply put, there are identity lessons all around us. However, it’s important to note that our students are in the throes of these defining experiences right now. Luckily, short stories make teaching and talking about such identity lessons all the more tangible and effective.

Essential Questions for Teaching Identity

One of the best things about teaching short stories is their ability to engage students in the plot while stimulating critical thinking. Providing strong essential questions at the start of a unit or before reading a particular text will help guide students toward meaningful and insightful critical thought. These essential questions prompt students to think critically about identity by analyzing characters and making connections to themselves or society as a whole.

Here are some essential questions to stimulate students’ critical thinking as they analyze short stories and the theme of identity.

• What is identity?
• What factors define who you are?
• How much of our identity is a choice?
• What role does your identity play in how you act, speak, think, and interact with others?
• What are the implications of one’s identity in their everyday life?
• How do personal experience, stereotypes, and social norms influence our understanding of others’ identities?
• What is the author of [INSERT SHORT STORY TITLE HERE] implying about identity?

1. “Secret Samantha” by Tim Federle follows a timid 6th grader named Sam and her journey toward self-acceptance as she searches for the perfect Secret Santa gift for the new, “cool” girl at school, Blade. Ask students to consider what draws Sam to Blade and what it says about Sam’s internal struggles with identity.

2. “How to Fight Monsters” by Sherman Alexie is *technically* an excerpt from Alexie’s novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian . However, with some background info, it serves as a perfect stand-alone short story about how “unspoken rules” and expectations of a specific culture, group, or setting can impact one’s identity.

3. “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker explores internal and external conflict by analyzing how cultural, societal, and familial norms and expectations impact individual identity. Told through the eyes of Mama, an elderly black woman, the story explores the juxtaposing identities of the woman’s two daughters, Dee and Maggie, and the meaning of one’s heritage.

4. “Identities” by W.D. Valgardson follows a wealthy middle-aged man who finds himself with a desire to explore something different than his suburban life. Eventually, he finds himself lost in a rough neighborhood where he faces the consequences of assuming the identity of others,

5. “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” by Evan Hunter makes a powerful statement on internal versus external identity. As 16-year-old Andy lies on the sidewalk bleeding from a stab wound,  readers learn he had joined a gang to seek approval, find meaning, and feel a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, what he once thought would give him a sense of identity is (ironically) what leads to his death.

6. “Mirror Image” by Lena Coakley takes readers on a fictional journey of the first successful brain transplant. Following a terrible accident that killed her father, protagonist Alice gets her brain transplanted into a new body. In the wake of this (somewhat creepy) scientific miracle, it takes Alice time to adjust to her new body, struggling with self-acceptance as she tries to stake a claim in her true identity.

7. “Names/Nombres” by Julia Alvarez details the challenges of her first-generation Dominican-American immigrant experience. As she describes settling into New York City, Alvarez focuses on the evolution of her name and how it seemed to define her identity and sense of belonging. By the end of the story, Alvarez makes it clear that names do not define who we are, but instead, our actions and accomplishments do.

8. “My Name” by Sandra Cisneros is a chapter excerpted from her well-known novel, The House on Mango Street . Often taught as a short story, the excerpt explores the theme of identity as the protagonist analyzes her name. As she thinks of all the ways her name defines her, both good and bad, she considers changing it altogether, wishing to transcend cultural, societal, and gender limitations.

9. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” by James Thurber follows an ordinary man and his extraordinary imagination as he lives two versions of his life: a mundane reality and an adventure-filled fantasy. While his overbearing wife seems to criticize his every move, Walter Mitty seems happier with the version of himself he has created in his head. Therefore, the story begs an important question—how much of our identity is influenced by the opinions of others versus our perception of self?

10. “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid is a very short yet powerful story that follows a mother offering advice to her teenage daughter about behaving like a “proper woman.” Students will have plenty to say about gender norms, societal expectations, and the influence parents can have over their children’s identities.

11. “Recitatif” by Toni Morrison challenges readers about race and identity in a creative way. The story follows the developing friendship between two orphan girls. However, Morrison intentionally leaves the details of each girl’s race up for debate. All we know is that together, they look like “salt and pepper.” This intentional ambiguity opens the doors for discussion about race, social constructs, and identity.

12. “Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan is a short narrative piece that analyzes Tan’s struggles with her identity as a Chinese-American teen. Tan recalls a humiliating experience when her mother invited her crush, a white boy, and his family for Christmas Eve dinner. Initially mortified by what he will think of her family’s lack of “traditional” American traditions, Tan eventually realizes how to embrace the full scope of her identity, including her Chinese heritage.

13. “The Jacket” by Gary Soto explores an age-old question about one’s identity—Do the clothes really make the man? Students can track how the young narrator’s view of his “embarrassingly ugly” jacket changes over time, reflecting his eventual self-acceptance.

14. “So What Are You Anyway?” by Lawrence Hill skillfully explores the themes of race, discrimination, and identity with one interaction between passengers on a plane. Young Carole doesn’t know anything about her racial identity until the overbearing and rude couple sitting beside her pesters her with constant questions like, “So, what are you anyway?” As the questions continue, the young girl becomes increasingly uncomfortable, highlighting her innocence and unawareness of her racial identity.

15. “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald i s one part love story and one part identity crisis. The story follows Dexter, a young man desperate to validate his worth through social status, financial success, and his pursuit of Judy Jones. Ironically, these very pursuits prevent him from ever finding true happiness.

Why is Teaching the Theme of Identity Important?

In a culture where we are bombarded with ideas and images of what we ‘should’ be, (I’m looking at you , social media), our students are facing identity struggles of a whole new caliber. With the constant flow of expectations and social pressure coming from the palms of their hands, they experience a new challenge of discovering and embracing their authentic identity.

Technology or not, secondary students are at a stage in their life where the theme of identity transcends any piece of literature. It’s a theme of their lives. As our students read about characters who are figuring out who they are and where they belong, they are experiencing these same challenges in their own lives.

Diving into the theme of identity with short stories provides students a safe space to unpack the various impacts on and struggles with defining one’s identity. For many students, it’s easier to talk about the identity struggles of a fictional character than it is to talk about their struggles. Therefore, teaching short stories allows our students to explore their own facets of identity while understanding how others are impacted by their words, actions, and assumptions. Exploring identity through short stories empowers students to better understand themselves, others, and the world around them.

Final Thoughts on Short Stories and Teaching Identity

Short stories have a unique way of engaging secondary students, period. However, it’s like striking gold when students can find personal connections to a short story. That’s where the theme of identity comes into play.

Whether you choose a short story or two (or three) from this post or you find your own, I encourage you to take advantage of this powerful learning opportunity. Lessons in identity teach students the power of one’s identity, where it comes from, and how it can connect us with others in literature and life.

Happy teaching!

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10 Inspirational Stories to Develop Empathy, Critical Thinking, and Heightened Perspective

There’s a reason why we start hearing stories from the time we’re toddlers. The world’s obstacles and inevitable setbacks are portrayed in countless literary works, whether they are children’s books, short stories, memoirs, or biographies. Inspirational stories provide motivation and encouragement while offering a perspective that helps people contextualize their own adversities. 

In fact, research in neuroscience suggests that reading fictional works helps people develop critical thinking, empathy, and theory of mind. 

The best short stories, in fiction and nonfiction genres, inspire people to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. They can remind people that they are not alone in their struggles and that others have persevered through similar challenges. Motivational stories can also help foster a sense of community and connection, creating a ripple effect of positivity that encourages people to support one another in their personal growth and development.

Reading and sharing short inspirational stories can be a powerful motivating tool that helps create a more positive and supportive world. In this article, you’ll learn about some of the most impactful short stories and memoirs that are often used to teach lessons and drive motivation. 

Top 10 Must-Read Inspirational Stories 

1. the parable of “the elephant rope” .

“The elephant was conditioned to believe he could never break away. He believed the rope could still hold him, so he never tried to break free.”

Summary: “The Elephant Rope” is a short motivational story about a young man who observes elephants at a circus and is amazed at how they are held in place by a simple rope tied to a stake in the ground, despite their massive size and strength. It was clear that the elephants could break away from their bonds but chose not to because they were conditioned to believe it wasn’t possible. 

Theme: “The Elephant Rope” is a story about limiting beliefs. The young man learns that the elephants were conditioned from a young age to believe that they could not break free from the rope. As a result, the elephants never tried to gain freedom again, even when they were fully grown and capable of doing so. 

Moral of the story: Limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching our full potential. We may have been conditioned by our past experiences or beliefs to believe that we cannot achieve something, but in reality, we may be more capable than we think. By breaking free from our limiting beliefs and challenging ourselves, we can achieve great things.

2. “ The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

“And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days, let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.” 

Summary: “The Gift of the Magi” is a short story written in 1905 by O. Henry. It’s about a young couple, Jim and Della, who are struggling to make ends meet during the Christmas season. Despite their financial difficulties, they each want to buy a special gift for the other. They end up making sacrifices to do so, each giving up something they treasure to please the other. 

Theme: “The Gift of the Magi” displays the true meaning of gift-giving, which is about the thought and love behind the gift rather than its material value. The couple’s gifts to each other are ultimately meaningless in terms of their practical use, but their representation of love and sacrifice proves to be invaluable for both Jim and Della. 

Moral of the story: The story highlights the benevolent spirit of gift-giving and reminds readers that the value of a gift is not in how much money was spent on it but in the thought and love behind it.

3. “The Man Who Planted Trees” by Jean Giono 

“For a human character to reveal truly exceptional qualities, one must have the good fortune to be able to observe its performance over many years.”

Summary: “The Man Who Planted Trees” is a short story by Jean Giono, first published in 1953. The story is a fictional account of a man named Elzéard Bouffier, who lives in a remote valley in the French Alps and spends his life planting trees. Over the course of several decades, Bouffier single-handedly transforms the barren and desolate landscape into a lush and thriving forest, which has a profound impact on the surrounding environment and community.

Theme: “The Man Who Planted Trees” highlights the power of individual action and the importance of environmental stewardship. The story emphasizes the transformative power of nature and highlights the impact that even one person can have on the world.

Moral of the story: The story shows that small actions can have a big impact on the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world, and of the power of individual action. It also encourages readers to take responsibility for the environment and to work toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world.

4. “The Three Questions” by Leo Tolstoy

“Remember then: there is only one time that is important—Now! It is the most important time because it is the only time when we have any power.”

Summary: “The Three Questions” is a short story by Russian author Leo Tolstoy that was published in 1903. The story follows a king seeking answers to three questions: What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important person? What is the right thing to do? He offers a reward for the answers to these questions and consults with various advisors and wise men, but none can give him satisfactory responses. Eventually, he learns the answers to his questions through his own experiences and actions.

Theme: “The Three Questions” portrays the importance of living in the present moment and taking personal action. The story emphasizes the futility of worrying about the past or the future and highlights the importance of engaging fully in all of life’s moments.

Moral of the story: The story teaches that the answers to life’s big questions can only be found through action and experience rather than through intellectual inquiry alone. Tolstoy shows that the best way to live is with compassion and kindness toward others. It also encourages readers to cultivate a sense of mindfulness, rather than being preoccupied with the past or the future.

5. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

“She was one of those pretty and charming women whose infatuation with luxury is their one form of heroism.” 

Summary: “The Necklace” is a short story by Guy de Maupassant, first published in 1884. It follows the life of a woman named Mathilde Loisel, who is unhappy with her modest lifestyle and longs for wealth and luxury. One day, her husband secures an invitation to a fancy ball, and Mathilde borrows a diamond necklace from a wealthy friend to wear to the event. However, after the ball, she discovers that she has lost the necklace and spends years working to pay off the debt incurred by replacing it, only to learn that the original necklace was fake.

Theme: The theme of “The Necklace” is the danger of materialism and the pursuit of social status. Mathilde’s obsession with wealth and status blinds her to the comforts she has in her current life and leads her to make poor decisions that ultimately ruin her chances of happiness. 

Moral of the story: The story is a cautionary tale that teaches readers that material possessions and social status are not the keys to happiness. Mathilde’s relentless pursuit of luxury leads her to a life of poverty and misery, and her true happiness is found only when she accepts her circumstances and learns to appreciate the blessings in her life. 

6. “To Build a Fire” by Jack London

“The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances. Fifty degrees below zero meant eighty-odd degrees of frost. Such fact impressed him as being cold and uncomfortable, and that was all.”

Summary: “To Build a Fire” is a short story by Jack London, first published in 1908. The story follows an unnamed man traveling through the Yukon wilderness on foot with his dog. Despite warnings from an experienced old-timer, the man sets out alone in frigid temperatures and attempts to build a fire to keep warm. However, when he encounters several setbacks, he ultimately succumbs to the cold while his dog manages to survive.

Theme: “To Build a Fire” portrays the power and indifference of nature. It highlights the brutal conditions of the Yukon wilderness and the harsh reality that even the most prepared and experienced individuals can be no match for the forces of nature. While it’s not inspirational in the traditional sense, it offers an important lesson about human fragility and our role in the world. 

Moral of the story: London’s story highlights the importance of respecting and understanding the power of nature while limiting overconfidence. This is a cautionary tale against arrogance and hubris, and it emphasizes the importance of caution and humility when facing the unpredictable and unforgiving forces of nature.

7. “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” From the Bible 

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.”

Summary: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” is a story told by Jesus in the Bible, found in Luke 10: 25–37. It tells the story of a traveler who is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite, who were both considered to be religious leaders, passed by the man without helping. Then a Samaritan, who was an outsider and often looked down upon, stopped to help the man, tending to his wounds and providing for his needs. The Samaritan put the traveler on his donkey and brought him to an innkeeper, who he paid to look after him. 

Theme: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” is meant to teach people about the call to love and serve others, regardless of differences in background or status. It emphasizes the importance of acting with compassion, kindness, and generosity toward those in need.

Moral of the story: The parable shows readers that everyone is our neighbor, and we are called to love and serve others without discrimination or prejudice, even to those who are considered an enemy. 

8. The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner

“The future was uncertain, absolutely, and there were many hurdles, twists, and turns to come, but as long as I kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other, the voices of fear and shame, the messages from those who wanted me to believe that I wasn’t good enough, would be stilled.”

Summary: The Pursuit of Happyness is a memoir by Chris Gardner that was published in 2006. It’s an inspiring story that details Gardner’s journey from homelessness to success as a stockbroker. The memoir describes the challenges he faced as a single father trying to provide for his son while struggling with poverty, homelessness, and no college degree.

Theme: Gardner’s rags-to-riches story portrays a life of resilience and perseverance. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, he refused to give up on his dreams and continued to work hard toward achieving them. He showed incredible resilience in the face of adversity and remained determined to create a better life for himself and his son.

Moral of the story: This story shows that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter how difficult or impossible they may seem. It encourages readers to pursue their passions, never give up, and believe in themselves, even when others may doubt them.

9 . The Story of Colonel Sanders

“I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And I have done that ever since, and I win by it. I know.”

Summary: The true-life account of Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is an inspiring and motivational story of success despite many rejections. Sanders was born in Indiana in 1890 and worked a variety of odd jobs to support his siblings after his father’s death. At 40 years old, he began cooking and selling fried chicken out of a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, in the 1930s. He developed his own blend of 11 herbs and spices, and after that, his business grew steadily over the next few decades, leading to the creation of the KFC franchise.

Theme: The story of Colonel Sanders portrays perseverance and determination, even in the face of numerous setbacks and obstacles. Sanders refused to give up on his dream of creating a successful fried chicken business, and he continued to work tirelessly to achieve his goals.

Moral of the story: Sanders’ achievements teach us that success often comes from hard work, perseverance, and a refusal to give up in the face of adversity. Even when things seem bleak or impossible, it’s important to keep pushing forward and striving to achieve your goals. With dedication and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, just as Colonel Sanders did with his fried chicken empire.

10. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight 

“The cowards never started and the weak died along the way. That leaves us, ladies and gentlemen. Us.”

Summary: Shoe Dog is a memoir written by Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, Inc. Published in 2016, this story is an inspirational depiction of Nike, from its humble beginnings as a small startup company to a global giant in the athletic shoe industry. Just out of business school, Phil Knight borrowed fifty dollars from his father and launched what would become one of the world’s most iconic and profitable brands. 

Theme: The motivational story of Phil Knight highlights themes of perseverance and determination. Knight and his team faced numerous challenges throughout the company’s journey, including financial difficulties, legal battles, and intense competition. However, they persevered and never gave up, ultimately achieving great success.

Moral of the story: Shoe Dog shows that success comes from a combination of passion, hard work, and perseverance. Knight’s story is an inspiring reminder that no matter how difficult the road may seem, if you believe in your vision and are willing to put in the effort, you can achieve great things.

What Makes for an Inspirational Story?

An inspirational story is one that motivates, encourages, and uplifts the reader. It’s used to teach a lesson and break barriers of false perception. 

Some key elements that can make a story inspirational include:

• Overcoming Adversity: An impactful story often features protagonists who face significant challenges or adversity. They may struggle, fail, and experience setbacks, but ultimately find a way to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
• Positive Messages: A motivational story often conveys a positive message of hope, perseverance, and resilience. The story should leave the reader feeling empowered and motivated to take action in their own lives, which is made possible when a relatable character or figure makes their own personal realization. 
• Realistic: While an inspirational story may be fictional, it should be grounded in reality. The characters, situations, and challenges should be believable and relatable so that readers can see themselves within the story. 
• Emotional Impact: An effective story should elicit an emotional response from readers. Whether it’s laughter, sadness, fear, or joy, the story should have a powerful emotional impact that allows its message to shine through. 
• Empathy: An inspirational story should create empathy between the reader and the characters. The reader should care about the characters and their struggles and feel invested in their journey.
• Universal Themes: When authors use universal themes that resonate with readers, such as love, courage, sacrifice, and self-discovery, they allow for inspirational real-life connections. 
• Transformation: An inspiring story often features a protagonist or central figure who undergoes a transformation. They may start out feeling defeated or hopeless, but through their journey, they discover inner strength and achieve personal growth.
• Memorable: Impactful stories should be memorable and leave a lasting impression on the reader. They should stick with the reader long after they finish reading it and inspire them to take action or make positive changes in their own lives.

Telling or reading empowering stories that are grounded in reality and convey positive messages is an impactful way to boost motivation, whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or for your own self-growth. 

To continue reading timeless literary works with powerful characters and themes, check out these top Ernest Hemingway books . 

Leaders Media has established sourcing guidelines and relies on relevant, and credible sources for the data, facts, and expert insights and analysis we reference. You can learn more about our mission, ethics, and how we cite sources in our editorial policy .

• Seifert, C. (2020, May 28).  The Case for Reading Fiction . Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/03/the-case-for-reading-fiction
• Khan, M. (n.d.).  The Elephant Rope (Belief) Story: don’t limit yourself to a belief that You Can’t! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elephant-rope-belief-story-dont-limit-yourself-you-cant-mobarza-khan/
• A Summary and Analysis of O. Henry’s ‘The Gift of the Magi.’  (2023, March 18). Interesting Literature. https://interestingliterature.com/2021/12/o-henry-gift-of-the-magi-summary-analysis/
• Green, C., Green, C., & Green, C. (2020b, April 21).  The Man Who Planted Trees Before His Time . Chelsea Green Publishing. https://www.chelseagreen.com/2020/the-man-who-planted-trees-before-his-time/
• The Three Questions . (2023, February 11). Plough. https://www.plough.com/en/topics/culture/short-stories/the-three-questions
• The Necklace: Summary, Themes, and a Short Story Analysis | Blog StudyCorgi.com . (2023, March 17). StudyCorgi.com. https://studycorgi.com/blog/the-necklace-summary-themes-and-a-short-story-analysis/
• Summary Of To Build A Fire By Jack London – 1085 Words | Bartleby . (n.d.). https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Summary-Of-To-Build-A-Fire-By-PK6XJ6939A6
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Morality  – GCSE Religious Studies Revision – WJEC – BBC Bitesize . (n.d.). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zwxm97h/revision/6
• Cheng, A. (2020, November 13).  The Pursuit of Happyness Book Summary, by Chris Gardner – Allen Cheng . Allen Cheng. https://www.allencheng.com/the-pursuit-of-happyness-book-summary-chris-gardner/
• Culver, A. (2019, August 1).  The inspiring life story of KFC’s Colonel Sanders . Snagajob. https://www.snagajob.com/blog/post/the-inspiring-life-story-of-kfcs-colonel-sanders
• Shoe Dog Summary: 10 Best Lessons from Phil Knight . (n.d.). Growth.me. https://growth.me/books/shoe-dog/
• Baker, D. (2022, August 9).  How to Make Your Writing Inspirational – Supercharge Your Marketing . Super Copy Editors. https://supercopyeditors.com/blog/writing/make-writing-inspirational/

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Tell Me a Story

Storybooks that teach critical thinking.

Grades: PreK-1

Critical Thinking, Language Arts

•  Award Winner

This fun, easy to use picture book is made up of two stories. Students tell each story by analyzing the pictures and responding to the guided questions on each page. The questions are engaging and produce a deeper analysis of the scene and the storyline by encouraging students to provide details, describe events, explain motives, make evidence-based predictions, and use cause and effect leading up to the scene. Each story develops important critical and creative thinking skills.

• Observation
• Identifying and evaluating evidence
• Comparing and contrasting shapes and objects
• Inference (evidence-based prediction)
• Cause and effect
• Identify and describing a sequence of events

These stories also develop pre-reading skills.  Pre-readers progress from “listening” to a story to “telling” a story, becoming more engaged in the reading process as they identify and shape the storyline.  Reading involves more than just decoding written text.  A large part of reading is gaining meaning from symbols—both letters and pictures.

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Finding Faith Everywhere.

God is Truth, Goodness, and Beauty itself.

Wherever they are found, God is also present.

Finding Faith Everywhere

Teach critical thinking with stories.

Confidently teach your students to seek and love the truth wherever it is found.  

​​People skilled in critical thinking are:

Problem solvers

Truth seekers

​Critical thinking is using reason to pursue the truth by:

Making distinctions between what is true, and what is not true

Considering the possible consequences of an action or an idea

Discovering the principles at the foundations of an idea

Developing your natural process of reasoning

​Critical thinking skills train your mind to:

Observe a situation or object

Analyze what you've observed

Arrive at a logical conclusion

  HOW DO YOU LEARN TO DO THAT WITH STORIES?  

I'll walk you through how to teach critical thinking skills to your students by using stories in my lesson plans.

​ Critical thinking skills train your mind to:

Teaching Critical Thinking with Stories is a series of printable exercises that give you:

Planned Series of Exercises

All students can begin with the first set of exercises. When they're ready for more challenges, you can add additional levels, or incorporate the challenges in the levels

Additional Challenges to Exercises

The exercises also have additional levels to challenge students to go deeper into the story and develop their capacity for more complex thoughts. That allows you to use the same exercise for an entire class, while making adjustments for individual students who need more of an intellectual challenge

Human Development

I include explanations on what abilities your students will develop as they work through the different exercises, and what foundations they’re laying so that students can learn how to think more clearly and engage in more thoughtful discussions.

These lesson plans can be used with any work of fiction.

These exercises are grouped into 3 levels:

Level 1 (Observation): Memory, Logic, and Sequencing

The exercises help your students to develop their imagination and memory, while learning cause and effect through sequencing exercises. They also take our natural ability to use reason, and develop it. The first few exercises in these lesson plans can be used for children as young as 3, but the rest of the exercises are intended for children who are at least 5. The extra levels to some of the exercises can challenge students even through middle school.

Level 2 (Reasoning to a Conclusion): Transformation in Stories

You’ll be helping your students learn to think about change, and how changes and conflict that a character experiences lead to that character’s transformation by the end of the story. The exercises guide them through what they should be paying attention to, and how the author prepares the reader for the character's transformation. The first exercises can be used for younger children who are able to read and write. The rest of these exercises are best used beginning with Grade 5/age 10 and continue through high school. Some of the extra challenges should only be attempted by very advanced students.

Level 3 (Abstract Thought): Symbols and Allusions in Stories

You’ll be teaching your students how to identify and understand symbols and metaphors in stories. They will also learn how authors are often referring to other sources when using symbols, and how those references affect the story they're reading. These exercises require the ability to think abstractly, so they’re best used for high school and above. Students in middle school are usually not ready to engage in abstract thought, so my recommendation for using these is for grades 9 through adult. Just as with the Level 2 exercises, some of the extra levels should only be attempted by very advanced students.

Each Lesson Plan Includes:

Background information on what skills the student will develop with the exercises

Additional levels for exercises to challenge your student

A list of recommended stories and authors

A series of exercises that progressively challenge your student

The exercises in Teaching Critical Thinking with Stories allow teachers and parents—who know their kids better than anyone—to decide what their students and children are ready for, and to discern what challenges each individual student or child needs, at every level.

These exercises can be used with any story, so they can be used over and over again.

These exercises help your students:

Form the mind by directing it towards the truth

Engage with ideas in greater depth

Make distinctions between truth and error

Develop abstract thinking

Engage with stories in greater depth

Encourage discussion of ideas

That leads to a higher quality discussion for:

Literature circles for younger students

Book club discussions for adult learners 

Readers of any age will get more out of every story and bring their own insights to any discussion.

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 How to Get Started: 

1. download the file.

Once you purchase the file, you will receive a link to download the PDF.

2. READ THE STORY

The story is the foundation. Pick any story and read it, or start with one from the included list of suggested stories and authors.

3. PRINT THE EXERCISES

The pages are color-coded so you can go right to the exercises and print them out, or choose to read more about the “why” behind each of the exercises in the packet.

Memory, Sequencing, and Logic

Developing the imagination

Strengthening memory

Understanding how stories work  

Regular Price: $19.97  

Discovering How Characters Change in a Story

How characters are transformed

Where changes happen

Develop memory, logic, analytical skills

Discovering Common Elements Across Stories

Understanding symbols

Literary allusions

Developing abstract thought  

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How Do Detectives Solve their Cases in Best-Selling Fictional Stories?

Why is Lent Always 40 Days Long?

What is Wrong with Catholics Who Actually Read the Bible Literally?

The New York Times

The learning network | 8 compelling mini-documentaries to teach close reading and critical thinking skills.

8 Compelling Mini-Documentaries to Teach Close Reading and Critical Thinking Skills

San quentin’s giants.

At one of California’s most notorious prisons, baseball teams take the field.

From the days when instructional films like these were shown via projector, students have enjoyed watching movies in class. Teachers have too. But it’s often hard to justify watching a two-hour film when there’s so much else that has to be done.

But, what about an eight-minute film? That’s the average length of our Film Club features, and these short documentary films do much more than just entertain. They challenge assumptions and offer new perspectives. They tell stories that often remain hidden, and introduce us to people and places foreign to us.

As with other short texts like stories, poems and articles, mini-documentary films can stimulate discussion, debate, thinking and writing. And, they can serve as a refreshing break from print media to help students explore curriculum themes and practice important literacy skills.

Below, we present eight films we’ve featured in our Film Club series that have already captured students’ and teachers’ attention. In addition, we offer practical teaching ideas, along with responses from students and teachers, for how you can use these documentaries, or films like them, to teach close reading and critical thinking skills.

And if these aren’t enough, our Film Club “meets” online every other Friday during the school year. Bring your students to join the conversation.

1. Explore a Theme or Big Idea

What makes these mini-documentaries so powerful is that they can present a compelling theme, such as justice, adversity or freedom, in just a few minutes.

Take “ San Quentin’s Giants ” (above), a film replete with sports metaphors that explores the themes of failure and redemption through a prison baseball team. Z.H., a student from Connecticut, comments:

There were a lot of moments in this film that stood out for me. It was especially moving when the guys talked about how meaningful baseball was to them, and how they finally had something that they could focus on and be proud of, instead of just focusing on the fact that they were in prison. This stood out because they now have an opportunity to do some good and hopefully change their life for the better. They’ve come together to be a team, to become better people and to get away from all of the bad things that happen within prison.

What would your students see in a film like this one? To what in their lives might they connect it?

In the crowded favelas of Rio de Janeiro, flying kites is more than a leisurely escape: It’s also a playful form of battle.

2. Provide Rich Content for Writing Tasks

The themes and issues tackled in these films create organic opportunities for students to practice analysis and writing. In just a few minutes, students can watch one of these films and have a genuine reaction.

In each Film Club feature, we ask open-ended questions to prompt students to write. For example, what moments in this film stood out for you? What messages, emotions or ideas will you take away from this film?

After watching “ Kite Fight ” (above), Trinity Lewis, a student from Charlotte, N.C., responded:

My reaction to this documentary is that, I loved how they still manage to be happy when they fly the kites, when they are in poverty. They buy parts of the kite that cost 25 cents, and use a trash bag, wire and glue to put it together. And in the process they get cut, bruised, bleed and hurt and don’t cry but still manage to stay happy. When kite fighting, these children feel free. I think the message of this documentary is being free, the emotion is being happy.

Who Sounds Gay?

This short documentary explores the reasons that some men sound stereotypically gay, whether they are or not.

3. Provoke Discussions and Critical Thinking

Learning how to hold a civil discussion is a critical skill. So is learning how to reflect on our own biases and prejudices.

The film “ Who Sounds Gay? ” tackles a tricky subject for many classrooms. But in just a few minutes, the film challenges many students’ assumptions and creates an opportunity for them to practice sharing their points of view and building on what their classmates say, while using the film as evidence.

For example, Alexandra.apples from Mississauga, Ontario, writes:

This film sheds light on a topic that has crossed my mind more than once. When I hear a man with a “gay voice,” I can’t help but wonder about his sexual orientation. I’m being curious, not judgmental. Even though I speculate innocuously, that man’s voice could negatively affect the way others, such as employers or law-enforcement officials, treat him. This discrimination is unfair for many reasons, and this film highlights another one: a man’s voice doesn’t always indicate his sexual identity.

Ivy League Trailblazers

What is it like to be the first member of your family to go to college? First-generation college students must learn to deal with the privilege and the challenges.

4. Open a Window to a Different World

Films can give us a glimpse into someone else’s life. They can bring us inside a stranger’s home or a foreign country. They can chip away at social and class divides.

The film “ Ivy League Trailblazers ” introduces us to the nation’s most prestigious universities through the eyes of first-generation college students.

Louis.f.pcsi is one of dozens of students from Paris who responded:

Before this video, I barely envisaged the fact that students could feel rejected because of the low incomes of their family. I was amazed to hear that some of the students had difficulties to get along with the other students because of their social differences, or that they were disadvantaged to them due to their lack of culture. I was surprised to hear that they felt lonely, different than the rich students.

Wright’s Law: A Teacher’s Unique Lesson

In 2012, The Times profiled Jeffrey Wright, who uses wacky experiments to teach children about the universe, but it is his own personal story that teaches them the true meaning of life.

5. Practice Watching, Listening, Notetaking and Responding

For each Film Club feature, we provide a double-entry chart (PDF) for watching a film that helps students record and consider the aspects they find most important or interesting. In particular, we instruct students to jot down notable quotes or details from the film, and to add their own observations, comments or questions.

Arjun G. from Des Moines pulled out a quote from the film “ Wright’s Law ” and responded:

The moment that most strongly resonated with me was when Mr. Wright said, “There is something a lot greater than energy. There is something a lot greater than entropy. It’s the fact that. . .what’s the greatest thing? Love.” I always thought that there was a rigid dichotomy between science and love, but Mr. Wright seemed to break it down. He stands to show us that to be an amazing teacher, to connect with students, one has to be aware of his own existence and aware of one of the most fundamental forces in human experience: love.

A Conversation About Growing Up Black

In this short documentary, young black men explain the particular challenges they face growing up in America.

6. Challenge Stereotypes

These films certainly don’t shy away from difficult or important topics. Adam Strom, the director of scholarship and innovation at Facing History and Ourselves, writes about how two Times Op-Docs, “A Conversation About Growing up Black” (above) and “A Conversation With White People on Race,” can be “… used to illuminate racial divides, and to bridge them. Both of these short videos offer insight into the ways that race and identity shape our perspectives.”

As a teaching idea, Mr. Strom suggests, “teachers might organize a cafe conversation between the people featured in the two videos to explore point of view.”

After watching the five-minute film above, Ryley, a student from Tennessee, writes:

I was very impressed with how these smart young men addressed this issue. Their different challenges that they face daily gave me a different outlook on how African Americans are still being treated so harshly here in the United States. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

China’s Web Junkies

A short documentary about a Chinese boot-camp-style treatment center for young men “addicted” to the Internet.

7. Bring Current Events and Issues Into the Classroom

Sometimes these films surprise students, or even shock them or make them angry. “ China’s Web Junkies ” is a film about a Chinese boot-camp-style treatment center for young men “addicted” to the Internet.

One student, Spencer, writes: “This is actually a pretty good idea. We should definitely try this in the U.S. because a lot of people are addicted to the internet here.”

Zielly Hiller, a student from North Carolina, strongly disagrees:

Spencer, I understand where you are coming from, but drugging people makes no sense. They think that this is a disease, or something, when it’s not. Sending these kids to a military camp? Are you serious, China? I mean, really, we spend a lot of time on the internet too, but these kids spend more time on it. Like the guy said in the video, Loneliness. Maybe it’s loneliness. They don’t have that freedom, they can’t be as carefree. Cut them at least a little slack. Because they are lonely, they might not have as much control from being alone so much. I understand these kids. and they aren’t the only ones. At least someone, anyone, out there in China, please, befriend someone. Show them that they are not alone. Pass this on. It could help a lot of people.

On March 11 we will be featuring a film about a transgender teenager , and in the coming months we hope to highlight films about the global migration crisis and the presidential election . Join us!

Summer’s Choice

In this short documentary, a talented teenager in the Mojave Desert is torn between ​​​her goal of attending art school and wanting to help support her family.

8. Make Connections to Students’ Lives

As much as these films help us to see a different world, sometimes the most powerful moments are when students make connections to their own lives — and perhaps even see their own lives a little differently.

“ Summer’s Choice ” introduces us to Summer, a talented teenager who is torn between ​​​her goal of attending art school and wanting to help support her family. After watching the film, Racy P., a student from Illinois, writes:

I fully understand that Summer feels compelled to help her grandma, but when you have an opportunity to do something great with your life, you have to believe in yourself and not hold back. I think that Summer is resilient, and is always trying to help others before doing something good for herself. Sometimes you have to break the circle and go to new places, be more independent, and take some time to think of yourself. I think she should have experienced that and went to Art school and hopefully she will sometime in her life.

Students might be inspired by these films to actually make their own mini-documentaries. After all, so many students walk around with their own personal video cameras on their smartphones. One teacher tells us :

I want to express how much NYT’s Op-Docs have influenced my teaching and my students’ learning. I now have students create their own mini-docs using smartphones or basic hand-held cameras (putting them together using iMovie or MovieMaker software). OK, they may not be NYT quality, but these products still offer viewers a glimpse into issues in their own discourse communities.

Additional Resources for Teaching With Short Documentary Films

The New York Times isn’t the only organization featuring short form documentaries that can be used in the classroom.

Global Oneness Project offers free multicultural stories and accompanying lesson plans for high school and college classrooms.

PBS’s POV offers free resources for educators, including hundreds of online film clips and related lesson plans, discussion guides and reading lists for teachers.

Please let us know in the comments section how you use short documentary films in your own teaching.

What's Next

Storytelling and Critical Thinking

By charles temple.

Years ago while working in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a trainer for the Open Society Institute I stumbled the value of storytelling as a tool for sparking discussions and helping people think critically. Our task was to work with teachers who, shortly after the cataclysmic political changes of 1989, wanted to know how to teach students to think in diverse ways and come up with their own answers to questions. I wanted to demonstrate ways of doing that; and soon found that the quickest way to engage listeners in a pithy subject for a discussion was to tell them a story, usually through a translator who would retell the words in the local language, sentence by sentence.  And then everybody would jump in and say what they thought about it.

Fifteen years and forty countries later it has become clear that storytelling is just a wonderful way to provoke discussions that get everybody thinking together—and you don’t have to go six thousand miles from home to do that. Here in the US, teachers in 45 states and the District of Columbia are now required by the Common Core Standards to teach the way those Eastern European teachers wanted to: so that students will learn to think deeply about issues they care about, stake out positions on those issues and support them with reasons, often in friendly debates with others. Storytelling is humanity’s oldest and most engaging way of putting issues out there for debate. To provoke rich discussions, all you need is to present them in a way that invites questions rather than asserts answers. That, and a few strategies for inviting and hosting discussions.

Some stories pose their own questions. They have questions built right into them. “The Cow Tail Switch,” from West Africa, and “The Theft of a Smell,” from Peru, are examples. You can have a good discussion of each by asking for predictions about the end, or you can use a fancier strategy such as “Corners” that gives people group support as they think of reasons to back their answers.

Some stories contain moral dilemmas that invite exploration. These stories may not come right out and ask a question, but the questions aren’t hard to find. “The Woman of the Sea,” from Scotland, and “The King and the Shirt,” from Russia, are stories that can invite listeners to voice their own questions. But there are strategies that can deepen the discussion and lead to debate. Some of those strategies are “Shared Inquiry,” “Discussion Web,” “Academic Controversy,” and “Value Line.”

And some stories seem straightforward, but can still yield up engaging issues with a little work. “Jack and the Beanstalk,” from England; “Hansel and Gretel,” from Germany; “The Boy Who Lived With the Bears,” from the Seneca Indians of Upstate New York; “The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dogs,” from the Blackfoot people of the Northern Plains; and “A Gift of Laurel Blooms,” from the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, can all inspire interesting thoughts. But sometimes to get at the heart of these stories you need to to twist them around. And sometimes you need to climb inside the skin of the characters and see what they are going through.  Strategies like retelling them by casting people in different roles, or comparing them to other stories, or relating them to life, or dramatizing them can all lead to good discussions.

I look forward to seeing you in Richmond at the National Storytelling Conference this August.

About Charles

As a teacher, author of children’s books and textbooks, and leader of workshops for teachers and writers, my work has taken me to more than 30 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Asia, and East and West Africa–with support from USAID, the World Bank, UNESCO, CIDA of Canada, the Dutch government, the Open Society Institute, and the International Reading Association. I was born in North Carolina, and lived in South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas before moving to Upstate New York, where I chair the education department at Hobart & William Smith Colleges and have happily taught for thirty years.

Contact Charles

10 Excellent Short Stories for High School Students

Nikki DeMarco

The inimitable Nikki DeMarco is as well-traveled as she is well-read. Being an enneagram 3, Aries, high school librarian, makes her love for efficiency is unmatched. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, and is passionate about helping teens connect to books. Nikki has an MFA in creative writing, is a TBR bibliologist, and writes for Harlequin, Audible, Kobo, and MacMillan. Since that leaves her so much time, she’s currently working on writing a romance novel, too. Find her on all socials @iamnikkidemarco ( Instagram , Twitter , Threads )

View All posts by Nikki DeMarco

As a high school English teacher, the quest to keep my curriculum relevant to my students is ongoing. I’m always on the lookout for new stories or authors that I can bring in the classroom to ensure that it’s something my students haven’t read or seen before. Of course, I’m constantly trying to change the activities to make them develop critical thinking skills. But if those activities are based around the same old tired (read: white) short stories for high school students, it often doesn’t matter how fun or innovative the activity is, the students are not interested because they can’t relate.

Why are new short stories for high school students important?

In education, we are constantly selling the idea of acquiring knowledge. Teens’ attention is being fought over by exponentially more distractions than they were even as recently as ten years ago. Instead of complaining about “kids these days” and taking the “when I was your age” stance, educators need to learn to adapt and offer students high interest stories that they can use to develop their own ideas.

I can already hear the arguments coming against this. Classics are classic for a reason. Students should be held to a high standard. I already have a year’s worth of lesson plans around The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird and am over-worked, and now you want me to change?

I get it. I’m also fighting fatigue and burnout. So keep teaching some classics if you think they are excellent works of literature that you’d hate to have students miss out on, but trying pair each in a text set with a contemporary short story with similar themes. I’m not saying that adapting means less rigor or holding students to lower standards. Kids are smart and capable. Adding in texts from diverse perspectives will only enhance the breadth of work students are exposed to, making them draw connections from their own lives and perspectives outside their own, increasing critical thinking skills. Students today also have their finger on the pulse of the world in a way most educators can’t relate to from when they were the same age. We are doing them a disservice by not acknowledging that in how we teach. We also are being willfully ignorant if we only assign “the classics” and believe the students are reading them in their entirety. Come on, y’all. We were students once, too, and know a lot of these kids aren’t starting, much less finishing, the stories we assign.

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One thing I’m doing to help my students buy into reading the whole story is to make sure I have stories with people who look like them. Also, I’m making sure they have stories full of people who don’t look like them. Teenagers don’t have much life experience yet, and that makes their world views narrow because the world they live in is small, many never having left the state where they were born. Exposing them to stories from different authors of different races, religions, and cultures helps them see beyond their school district. Yes, yes, they have the internet at their fingertips and could search for these things, but the algorithm learns them quickly and continues to feed them more of the like to keep views up and keep them engaged. As teachers, we need to learn to keep them engaged by doing just the opposite. 

Finding diverse short stories for high school is daunting. Just typing “contemporary short stories for high school” into Google brings back 143,000,000 results. Most of us are already working long beyond our contracted hours, and now I’m asking you to spend even more time reading stories that might not even be good or usable in class?

Don’t worry. I have some lists of short stories for high school students to get you started. The titles below are a jumping off point, not a comprehensive list. Note: Some of these stories have strong language.

Relationships

• Weight by Dhonielle Clayton
• Show Me Yours by Richard Van Camp
• Goat Mouth by Pamela Mordecai
• After ‘While by Cherie Dimaline
• Bliss by Sofia Mostaghimi
• Pact by Mark Oshiro

Coming-of-Age

• Origin of the Lullaby by Canisia Lubrin
• Tequila by Laura Gonzalez
• One True Love by Melinda Lo
• Valedictorian by N.K. Jemisin

Another tip I wanted to mention, but doesn’t fit neatly in the above themes, is that you can find collections of short stories online by different racial or cultural groups by switching up your default search terms. For example, Viewfinders: 10 Y.A. Novelist Spin Fiction from Vintage Photos from The New York Times came up when I searched “short stories for asian teens” but it took a little digging and clicking through to find. This collection features authors such as Malinda Lo, Soman Chainani, Marie Lu, Sabaa Tahir, and David Yoon.

Please, go back to your lesson plans and ask yourself these questions: Who’s missing? Who’s not represented? Do I have a student in my class who can’t see themselves in anything I’m teaching all year? Then find the story for that kid. That’s how we reach them, by showing them that we see them.

Here are some other resources from Book Riot that can help you on your resource search as well:

• YA Short Stories
• Find Free Short Stories
• Free Short Stories Online
• Short Story Examples in (Almost) Every Genre

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41+ Critical Thinking Examples (Definition + Practices)

Critical thinking is an essential skill in our information-overloaded world, where figuring out what is fact and fiction has become increasingly challenging.

But why is critical thinking essential? Put, critical thinking empowers us to make better decisions, challenge and validate our beliefs and assumptions, and understand and interact with the world more effectively and meaningfully.

Critical thinking is like using your brain's "superpowers" to make smart choices. Whether it's picking the right insurance, deciding what to do in a job, or discussing topics in school, thinking deeply helps a lot. In the next parts, we'll share real-life examples of when this superpower comes in handy and give you some fun exercises to practice it.

Critical Thinking Process Outline

Critical thinking means thinking clearly and fairly without letting personal feelings get in the way. It's like being a detective, trying to solve a mystery by using clues and thinking hard about them.

It isn't always easy to think critically, as it can take a pretty smart person to see some of the questions that aren't being answered in a certain situation. But, we can train our brains to think more like puzzle solvers, which can help develop our critical thinking skills.

Here's what it looks like step by step:

Spotting the Problem: It's like discovering a puzzle to solve. You see that there's something you need to figure out or decide.

Collecting Clues: Now, you need to gather information. Maybe you read about it, watch a video, talk to people, or do some research. It's like getting all the pieces to solve your puzzle.

Breaking It Down: This is where you look at all your clues and try to see how they fit together. You're asking questions like: Why did this happen? What could happen next?

Checking Your Clues: You want to make sure your information is good. This means seeing if what you found out is true and if you can trust where it came from.

Making a Guess: After looking at all your clues, you think about what they mean and come up with an answer. This answer is like your best guess based on what you know.

Explaining Your Thoughts: Now, you tell others how you solved the puzzle. You explain how you thought about it and how you answered. 

Checking Your Work: This is like looking back and seeing if you missed anything. Did you make any mistakes? Did you let any personal feelings get in the way? This step helps make sure your thinking is clear and fair.

And remember, you might sometimes need to go back and redo some steps if you discover something new. If you realize you missed an important clue, you might have to go back and collect more information.

Critical Thinking Methods

Just like doing push-ups or running helps our bodies get stronger, there are special exercises that help our brains think better. These brain workouts push us to think harder, look at things closely, and ask many questions.

It's not always about finding the "right" answer. Instead, it's about the journey of thinking and asking "why" or "how." Doing these exercises often helps us become better thinkers and makes us curious to know more about the world.

Now, let's look at some brain workouts to help us think better:

1. "What If" Scenarios

Imagine crazy things happening, like, "What if there was no internet for a month? What would we do?" These games help us think of new and different ideas.

Pick a hot topic. Argue one side of it and then try arguing the opposite. This makes us see different viewpoints and think deeply about a topic.

3. Analyze Visual Data

Check out charts or pictures with lots of numbers and info but no explanations. What story are they telling? This helps us get better at understanding information just by looking at it.

4. Mind Mapping

Write an idea in the center and then draw lines to related ideas. It's like making a map of your thoughts. This helps us see how everything is connected.

There's lots of mind-mapping software , but it's also nice to do this by hand.

5. Weekly Diary

Every week, write about what happened, the choices you made, and what you learned. Writing helps us think about our actions and how we can do better.

6. Evaluating Information Sources

Collect stories or articles about one topic from newspapers or blogs. Which ones are trustworthy? Which ones might be a little biased? This teaches us to be smart about where we get our info.

There are many resources to help you determine if information sources are factual or not.

7. Socratic Questioning

This way of thinking is called the Socrates Method, named after an old-time thinker from Greece. It's about asking lots of questions to understand a topic. You can do this by yourself or chat with a friend.

Start with a Big Question:

"What does 'success' mean?"

Dive Deeper with More Questions:

"Why do you think of success that way?" "Do TV shows, friends, or family make you think that?" "Does everyone think about success the same way?"

"Can someone be a winner even if they aren't rich or famous?" "Can someone feel like they didn't succeed, even if everyone else thinks they did?"

Look for Real-life Examples:

"Who is someone you think is successful? Why?" "Was there a time you felt like a winner? What happened?"

Think About Other People's Views:

"How might a person from another country think about success?" "Does the idea of success change as we grow up or as our life changes?"

Think About What It Means:

"How does your idea of success shape what you want in life?" "Are there problems with only wanting to be rich or famous?"

Look Back and Think:

"After talking about this, did your idea of success change? How?" "Did you learn something new about what success means?"

8. Six Thinking Hats 

Edward de Bono came up with a cool way to solve problems by thinking in six different ways, like wearing different colored hats. You can do this independently, but it might be more effective in a group so everyone can have a different hat color. Each color has its way of thinking:

White Hat (Facts): Just the facts! Ask, "What do we know? What do we need to find out?"

Red Hat (Feelings): Talk about feelings. Ask, "How do I feel about this?"

Black Hat (Careful Thinking): Be cautious. Ask, "What could go wrong?"

Yellow Hat (Positive Thinking): Look on the bright side. Ask, "What's good about this?"

Green Hat (Creative Thinking): Think of new ideas. Ask, "What's another way to look at this?"

Blue Hat (Planning): Organize the talk. Ask, "What should we do next?"

When using this method with a group:

• Explain all the hats.
• Decide which hat to wear first.
• Make sure everyone switches hats at the same time.
• Finish with the Blue Hat to plan the next steps.

9. SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis is like a game plan for businesses to know where they stand and where they should go. "SWOT" stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

There are a lot of SWOT templates out there for how to do this visually, but you can also think it through. It doesn't just apply to businesses but can be a good way to decide if a project you're working on is working.

Strengths: What's working well? Ask, "What are we good at?"

Weaknesses: Where can we do better? Ask, "Where can we improve?"

Opportunities: What good things might come our way? Ask, "What chances can we grab?"

Threats: What challenges might we face? Ask, "What might make things tough for us?"

Steps to do a SWOT Analysis:

• Goal: Decide what you want to find out.
• Research: Learn about your business and the world around it.
• Brainstorm: Get a group and think together. Talk about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Pick the Most Important Points: Some things might be more urgent or important than others.
• Make a Plan: Decide what to do based on your SWOT list.
• Check Again Later: Things change, so look at your SWOT again after a while to update it.

Now that you have a few tools for thinking critically, let’s get into some specific examples.

Everyday Examples

Life is a series of decisions. From the moment we wake up, we're faced with choices – some trivial, like choosing a breakfast cereal, and some more significant, like buying a home or confronting an ethical dilemma at work. While it might seem that these decisions are disparate, they all benefit from the application of critical thinking.

10. Deciding to buy something

Imagine you want a new phone. Don't just buy it because the ad looks cool. Think about what you need in a phone. Look up different phones and see what people say about them. Choose the one that's the best deal for what you want.

11. Deciding what is true

There's a lot of news everywhere. Don't believe everything right away. Think about why someone might be telling you this. Check if what you're reading or watching is true. Make up your mind after you've looked into it.

12. Deciding when you’re wrong

Sometimes, friends can have disagreements. Don't just get mad right away. Try to see where they're coming from. Talk about what's going on. Find a way to fix the problem that's fair for everyone.

13. Deciding what to eat

There's always a new diet or exercise that's popular. Don't just follow it because it's trendy. Find out if it's good for you. Ask someone who knows, like a doctor. Make choices that make you feel good and stay healthy.

14. Deciding what to do today

Everyone is busy with school, chores, and hobbies. Make a list of things you need to do. Decide which ones are most important. Plan your day so you can get things done and still have fun.

15. Making Tough Choices

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's right. Think about how each choice will affect you and others. Talk to people you trust about it. Choose what feels right in your heart and is fair to others.

16. Planning for the Future

Big decisions, like where to go to school, can be tricky. Think about what you want in the future. Look at the good and bad of each choice. Talk to people who know about it. Pick what feels best for your dreams and goals.

Job Examples

17. solving problems.

Workers brainstorm ways to fix a machine quickly without making things worse when a machine breaks at a factory.

18. Decision Making

A store manager decides which products to order more of based on what's selling best.

19. Setting Goals

A team leader helps their team decide what tasks are most important to finish this month and which can wait.

20. Evaluating Ideas

At a team meeting, everyone shares ideas for a new project. The group discusses each idea's pros and cons before picking one.

21. Handling Conflict

Two workers disagree on how to do a job. Instead of arguing, they talk calmly, listen to each other, and find a solution they both like.

22. Improving Processes

A cashier thinks of a faster way to ring up items so customers don't have to wait as long.

23. Asking Questions

Before starting a big task, an employee asks for clear instructions and checks if they have the necessary tools.

24. Checking Facts

Before presenting a report, someone double-checks all their information to make sure there are no mistakes.

25. Planning for the Future

A business owner thinks about what might happen in the next few years, like new competitors or changes in what customers want, and makes plans based on those thoughts.

26. Understanding Perspectives

A team is designing a new toy. They think about what kids and parents would both like instead of just what they think is fun.

School Examples

27. researching a topic.

For a history project, a student looks up different sources to understand an event from multiple viewpoints.

28. Debating an Issue

In a class discussion, students pick sides on a topic, like school uniforms, and share reasons to support their views.

29. Evaluating Sources

While writing an essay, a student checks if the information from a website is trustworthy or might be biased.

30. Problem Solving in Math

When stuck on a tricky math problem, a student tries different methods to find the answer instead of giving up.

31. Analyzing Literature

In English class, students discuss why a character in a book made certain choices and what those decisions reveal about them.

32. Testing a Hypothesis

For a science experiment, students guess what will happen and then conduct tests to see if they're right or wrong.

33. Giving Peer Feedback

After reading a classmate's essay, a student offers suggestions for improving it.

34. Questioning Assumptions

In a geography lesson, students consider why certain countries are called "developed" and what that label means.

35. Designing a Study

For a psychology project, students plan an experiment to understand how people's memories work and think of ways to ensure accurate results.

36. Interpreting Data

In a science class, students look at charts and graphs from a study, then discuss what the information tells them and if there are any patterns.

Critical Thinking Puzzles

Not all scenarios will have a single correct answer that can be figured out by thinking critically. Sometimes we have to think critically about ethical choices or moral behaviors. 

Here are some mind games and scenarios you can solve using critical thinking. You can see the solution(s) at the end of the post.

37. The Farmer, Fox, Chicken, and Grain Problem

A farmer is at a riverbank with a fox, a chicken, and a grain bag. He needs to get all three items across the river. However, his boat can only carry himself and one of the three items at a time. 

Here's the challenge:

• If the fox is left alone with the chicken, the fox will eat the chicken.
• If the chicken is left alone with the grain, the chicken will eat the grain.

How can the farmer get all three items across the river without any item being eaten? 

38. The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

You are in a room with two long ropes hanging from the ceiling. Each rope is just out of arm's reach from the other, so you can't hold onto one rope and reach the other simultaneously. 

Your task is to tie the two rope ends together, but you can't move the position where they hang from the ceiling.

You are given a jar full of pebbles. How do you complete the task?

39. The Two Guards Problem

Imagine there are two doors. One door leads to certain doom, and the other leads to freedom. You don't know which is which.

In front of each door stands a guard. One guard always tells the truth. The other guard always lies. You don't know which guard is which.

You can ask only one question to one of the guards. What question should you ask to find the door that leads to freedom?

40. The Hourglass Problem

You have two hourglasses. One measures 7 minutes when turned over, and the other measures 4 minutes. Using just these hourglasses, how can you time exactly 9 minutes?

41. The Lifeboat Dilemma

Imagine you're on a ship that's sinking. You get on a lifeboat, but it's already too full and might flip over. 

Nearby in the water, five people are struggling: a scientist close to finding a cure for a sickness, an old couple who've been together for a long time, a mom with three kids waiting at home, and a tired teenager who helped save others but is now in danger. 

You can only save one person without making the boat flip. Who would you choose?

42. The Tech Dilemma

You work at a tech company and help make a computer program to help small businesses. You're almost ready to share it with everyone, but you find out there might be a small chance it has a problem that could show users' private info. 

If you decide to fix it, you must wait two more months before sharing it. But your bosses want you to share it now. What would you do?

43. The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia is a history expert. She's studying where a group of people traveled long ago. She reads old letters and documents to learn about it. But she finds some letters that tell a different story than what most people believe. 

If she says this new story is true, it could change what people learn in school and what they think about history. What should she do?

The Role of Bias in Critical Thinking

Have you ever decided you don’t like someone before you even know them? Or maybe someone shared an idea with you that you immediately loved without even knowing all the details. 

This experience is called bias, which occurs when you like or dislike something or someone without a good reason or knowing why. It can also take shape in certain reactions to situations, like a habit or instinct. 

Bias comes from our own experiences, what friends or family tell us, or even things we are born believing. Sometimes, bias can help us stay safe, but other times it stops us from seeing the truth.

Not all bias is bad. Bias can be a mechanism for assessing our potential safety in a new situation. If we are biased to think that anything long, thin, and curled up is a snake, we might assume the rope is something to be afraid of before we know it is just a rope.

While bias might serve us in some situations (like jumping out of the way of an actual snake before we have time to process that we need to be jumping out of the way), it often harms our ability to think critically.

How Bias Gets in the Way of Good Thinking

Selective Perception: We only notice things that match our ideas and ignore the rest. 

It's like only picking red candies from a mixed bowl because you think they taste the best, but they taste the same as every other candy in the bowl. It could also be when we see all the signs that our partner is cheating on us but choose to ignore them because we are happy the way we are (or at least, we think we are).

Agreeing with Yourself: This is called “ confirmation bias ” when we only listen to ideas that match our own and seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms what we already think we know or believe. 

An example is when someone wants to know if it is safe to vaccinate their children but already believes that vaccines are not safe, so they only look for information supporting the idea that vaccines are bad.

Thinking We Know It All: Similar to confirmation bias, this is called “overconfidence bias.” Sometimes we think our ideas are the best and don't listen to others. This can stop us from learning.

Have you ever met someone who you consider a “know it”? Probably, they have a lot of overconfidence bias because while they may know many things accurately, they can’t know everything. Still, if they act like they do, they show overconfidence bias.

There's a weird kind of bias similar to this called the Dunning Kruger Effect, and that is when someone is bad at what they do, but they believe and act like they are the best .

Following the Crowd: This is formally called “groupthink”. It's hard to speak up with a different idea if everyone agrees. But this can lead to mistakes.

An example of this we’ve all likely seen is the cool clique in primary school. There is usually one person that is the head of the group, the “coolest kid in school”, and everyone listens to them and does what they want, even if they don’t think it’s a good idea.

How to Overcome Biases

Here are a few ways to learn to think better, free from our biases (or at least aware of them!).

Know Your Biases: Realize that everyone has biases. If we know about them, we can think better.

Listen to Different People: Talking to different kinds of people can give us new ideas.

Ask Why: Always ask yourself why you believe something. Is it true, or is it just a bias?

Understand Others: Try to think about how others feel. It helps you see things in new ways.

Keep Learning: Always be curious and open to new information.

In today's world, everything changes fast, and there's so much information everywhere. This makes critical thinking super important. It helps us distinguish between what's real and what's made up. It also helps us make good choices. But thinking this way can be tough sometimes because of biases. These are like sneaky thoughts that can trick us. The good news is we can learn to see them and think better.

There are cool tools and ways we've talked about, like the "Socratic Questioning" method and the "Six Thinking Hats." These tools help us get better at thinking. These thinking skills can also help us in school, work, and everyday life.

We’ve also looked at specific scenarios where critical thinking would be helpful, such as deciding what diet to follow and checking facts.

Thinking isn't just a skill—it's a special talent we improve over time. Working on it lets us see things more clearly and understand the world better. So, keep practicing and asking questions! It'll make you a smarter thinker and help you see the world differently.

Critical Thinking Puzzles (Solutions)

The farmer, fox, chicken, and grain problem.

• The farmer first takes the chicken across the river and leaves it on the other side.
• He returns to the original side and takes the fox across the river.
• After leaving the fox on the other side, he returns the chicken to the starting side.
• He leaves the chicken on the starting side and takes the grain bag across the river.
• He leaves the grain with the fox on the other side and returns to get the chicken.
• The farmer takes the chicken across, and now all three items -- the fox, the chicken, and the grain -- are safely on the other side of the river.

The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

• Take one rope and tie the jar of pebbles to its end.
• Swing the rope with the jar in a pendulum motion.
• While the rope is swinging, grab the other rope and wait.
• As the swinging rope comes back within reach due to its pendulum motion, grab it.
• With both ropes within reach, untie the jar and tie the rope ends together.

The Two Guards Problem

The question is, "What would the other guard say is the door to doom?" Then choose the opposite door.

The Hourglass Problem

• Start both hourglasses. 
• When the 4-minute hourglass runs out, turn it over.
• When the 7-minute hourglass runs out, the 4-minute hourglass will have been running for 3 minutes. Turn the 7-minute hourglass over. 
• When the 4-minute hourglass runs out for the second time (a total of 8 minutes have passed), the 7-minute hourglass will run for 1 minute. Turn the 7-minute hourglass again for 1 minute to empty the hourglass (a total of 9 minutes passed).

The Boat and Weights Problem

Take the cat over first and leave it on the other side. Then, return and take the fish across next. When you get there, take the cat back with you. Leave the cat on the starting side and take the cat food across. Lastly, return to get the cat and bring it to the other side.

The Lifeboat Dilemma

There isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

• Moral Principles: What values guide your decision? Is it the potential greater good for humanity (the scientist)? What is the value of long-standing love and commitment (the elderly couple)? What is the future of young children who depend on their mothers? Or the selfless bravery of the teenager?
• Future Implications: Consider the future consequences of each choice. Saving the scientist might benefit millions in the future, but what moral message does it send about the value of individual lives?
• Emotional vs. Logical Thinking: While it's essential to engage empathy, it's also crucial not to let emotions cloud judgment entirely. For instance, while the teenager's bravery is commendable, does it make him more deserving of a spot on the boat than the others?
• Acknowledging Uncertainty: The scientist claims to be close to a significant breakthrough, but there's no certainty. How does this uncertainty factor into your decision?
• Personal Bias: Recognize and challenge any personal biases, such as biases towards age, profession, or familial status.

The Tech Dilemma

Again, there isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

• Evaluate the Risk: How severe is the potential vulnerability? Can it be easily exploited, or would it require significant expertise? Even if the circumstances are rare, what would be the consequences if the vulnerability were exploited?
• Stakeholder Considerations: Different stakeholders will have different priorities. Upper management might prioritize financial projections, the marketing team might be concerned about the product's reputation, and customers might prioritize the security of their data. How do you balance these competing interests?
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Implications: While launching on time could meet immediate financial goals, consider the potential long-term damage to the company's reputation if the vulnerability is exploited. Would the short-term gains be worth the potential long-term costs?
• Ethical Implications : Beyond the financial and reputational aspects, there's an ethical dimension to consider. Is it right to release a product with a known vulnerability, even if the chances of it being exploited are low?
• Seek External Input: Consulting with cybersecurity experts outside your company might be beneficial. They could provide a more objective risk assessment and potential mitigation strategies.
• Communication: How will you communicate the decision, whatever it may be, both internally to your team and upper management and externally to your customers and potential users?

The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia should take the following steps:

• Verify the Letters: Before making any claims, she should check if the letters are actual and not fake. She can do this by seeing when and where they were written and if they match with other things from that time.
• Get a Second Opinion: It's always good to have someone else look at what you've found. Dr. Amelia could show the letters to other history experts and see their thoughts.
• Research More: Maybe there are more documents or letters out there that support this new story. Dr. Amelia should keep looking to see if she can find more evidence.
• Share the Findings: If Dr. Amelia believes the letters are true after all her checks, she should tell others. This can be through books, talks, or articles.
• Stay Open to Feedback: Some people might agree with Dr. Amelia, and others might not. She should listen to everyone and be ready to learn more or change her mind if new information arises.

Ultimately, Dr. Amelia's job is to find out the truth about history and share it. It's okay if this new truth differs from what people used to believe. History is about learning from the past, no matter the story.

Related posts:

• Experimenter Bias (Definition + Examples)
• Hasty Generalization Fallacy (31 Examples + Similar Names)
• Ad Hoc Fallacy (29 Examples + Other Names)
• Confirmation Bias (Examples + Definition)
• Equivocation Fallacy (26 Examples + Description)

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• Bedtime Stories

13 Bedtime Stories for Critical Thinking

Written by: Kokotree

Last updated: April 13, 2023

B edtime stories have been an age-old tradition, passed down from generation to generation. More than just a lullaby to send children off to sleep, they play a crucial role in the cognitive and emotional development of young minds. In recent times, educators and psychologists have recognized the potential for bedtime stories to foster critical thinking in children, making storytime a valuable learning opportunity.

Quick summary :

• Bedtime stories play a vital role in child development.
• They have the potential to nurture critical thinking .
• Engaging stories turn bedtime into a learning opportunity.

Why Critical Thinking Matters for Young Children

Characteristics of a good critical thinking story, how to choose the right story, top 13 recommended bedtime stories for critical thinking, how to engage your child during storytime, additional tips for parents.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively and make reasoned judgments. Starting this training early in a child’s life offers numerous benefits:

• Improved decision-making skills : Enables children to make choices based on logic rather than impulse.
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities : Equips them to tackle challenges creatively and efficiently.
• Better adaptability in changing circumstances : Helps children respond to changes with resilience and flexibility.

To enhance critical thinking through bedtime stories, the narrative should:

• Stimulate curiosity, making children ponder and wonder.
• Introduce moral dilemmas, pushing them to weigh pros and cons.
• Encourage question-asking, promoting active engagement.
• Present diverse perspectives, showing that there are multiple ways to view a situation.
• Refrain from always giving a clear-cut answer, letting children derive their own conclusions.

Selecting an appropriate story is crucial. Here are some guidelines:

• Ensure it’s age-appropriate so that the child can understand and relate.
• Match the interests of the child for maximum engagement.
• Respect cultural and family values .
• Find a balance between entertainment and learning to maintain interest while educating.
• The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson A story about segregation and the formation of an unexpected friendship. It teaches children about understanding, boundaries, and breaking barriers.
• What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada This narrative addresses facing problems head-on and views challenges as opportunities to grow.
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires A tale of a girl’s determination to create something special, teaching perseverance and the value of making mistakes.
• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch A twist on the traditional princess story, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing inner strength.
• A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon This colorful tale is about embracing individuality and the consequences of peer pressure.
• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt This imaginative story reveals the perspectives of various crayons, teaching children about empathy, diversity, and expression.
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi A story about a Korean girl’s struggle with accepting her unique name in a new school. It highlights the themes of cultural identity, acceptance, and being true to oneself.
• Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth Using short tales told by a panda named Stillwater, this book introduces young readers to Zen philosophy and prompts reflections on life and human nature.
• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty Rosie’s tale of passion for inventing is a great lesson on overcoming fear of failure and celebrating every step in the learning process.
• The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy This story teaches kids about standing up against bullying and the power of community and kindness.
• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds A tale that encourages creativity and teaches children that it’s okay not to be perfect; the importance is in the effort and passion put into the task.
• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña As a young boy rides the bus with his grandmother, he learns about the beauty in everyday things and the importance of giving back to the community.
• The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown This book encourages children to think about the essence of everyday objects and to determine what makes them significant, fostering analytical thinking.
• Ask open-ended questions : “Why do you think the character did that?”
• Encourage predictions : “What do you think will happen next?”
• Discuss character motivations : “Why did the princess decide to wear a paper bag?”
• Relate to real-life : “Have you ever felt like the character in the story?”
• Praise insights : Always acknowledge your child’s thoughts, even if they differ from yours.
• Establish a consistent routine around bedtime stories.
• Diversify your selection of stories and authors.
• Use illustrations to initiate conversations.
• Remember, every story won’t be a hit. Be patient and explore different genres.
• Lead by example. Display your own critical thinking to inspire your child.

The stories we tell our children are powerful tools in molding their mental and emotional development. By actively participating in this journey, parents can ensure that their children are not just entertained, but also equipped with skills that will benefit them for life. After all, the essence of critical thinking isn’t about knowing all the answers but having the curiosity to ask the right questions.

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TEACHING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS THROUGH THE USE OF SHORT STORIES

The term "critical thinking" has been defined by numerous scholars in a variety of ways and there is no widely accepted standard definition. It is believed that using critical thinking skills in English classes enhances students' performance. The purpose of this study is to tackle whether critical thinking skills can be enhanced through short story teaching or not. Two high school classes which participated in the study were assigned into two experimental groups, control group and intervention group, and were given Cornell Critical Thinking Test, Level X both as pretest and posttest. In the intervention group, students dwelt upon four short stories through critical thinking skills. Their structured class discussions paved the way for them to be exposed to the critical thinking use through Mr. Loveday’s Little Outing by Evelyn Waugh, Miss Brill and The Fly by Katherine Mansfield, and A Family Supper by Kazuo Ishiguro. The results of the study highlight the importance of the synergy between critical thinking strategy use and short story teaching.

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This paper is an attempt to reveal the effectiveness of Critical Thinking (CT) strategies in teaching English literature in general and short stories in particular. Critiquing against the conventional teacher dominated practices in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Nepal, this also offers a set of critical thinking strategies in order to make it more participatory and effective. This heavily draws on my experience of exploiting those techniques while teaching short stories in EFL/ESL classroom in Nepal.

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Ajeng Meidina Fadhillah

This article reports a research on embedding critical thinking through critical reading in teaching narrative text to junior high school students. The research was aimed to find out whether or not critical reading strategies can improve students’ critical thinking skills and how critical reading strategies help students to think critically in reading narrative text. Thirty five of eight graders in one of junior high schools in West Bandung were involved in this study. This study employed mixed methods as the methodology. The data were gained through pre-test, post-test, classroom observation and interview. The findings revealed that there were 18 of 35 students (51%) who made a high improvement of their critical thinking skills. It means that critical reading strategies were considered could improve students’ critical thinking skills in reading narrative text. In addition, the five critical reading strategies as proposed by Sousa (2004) and Winston Salem State University (2013) name...

Iroda Abduazizova

The article defines the concept “critical thinking” and reveals the effectiveness of critical thinking (CT) strategies through short stories in teaching English as a foreign language. According to the results of the study, the authors propose a certain set of critical thinking strategies to encourage students’ active involvement and effective use of teaching foreign languages in higher education.

I Gusti Ayu Gde sosiowati

Richards (2006) states that the purpose of learning language is to master the communicative competence, meaning that by the end of the leaming process, the students should be able to produce proper language in any genre and in any situation. However, that competence alone, without accompanied by the ability to perform critical thinking will end in the conversation talking about explicit information only. It can not be denied that understanding the implicit infbrmation r'vill be challenging and making the conversation interesting. Halpern (cited on l5 March 2015) states that critical thinking refers to the use of cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. It is the kind of thinking which is involved in solving problems- formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions.The purpose of this article is to show that literary work can be used to develop critical thinking and at the same time is able to improve the students&...

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43 of the Most Iconic Short Stories in the English Language

From washington irving to kristen roupenian.

Last year, I put together this list of the most iconic poems in the English language ; it’s high time to do the same for short stories. But before we go any further, you may be asking: What does “iconic” mean in this context? Can a short story really be iconic in the way of a poem, or a painting, or Elvis?

Well, who knows, but for our purposes, “iconic” means that the story has somehow wormed its way into the general cultural consciousness—a list of the best short stories in the English language would look quite different than the one below. (Also NB that in this case we’re necessarily talking about the American cultural consciousness, weird and wiggly as it is.) When something is iconic, it is a highly recognizable cultural artifact that can be used as a shorthand—which often means it has been referenced in other forms of media. You know, just like Elvis. (So for those of you heading to the comments to complain that these stories are “the usual suspects”—well, exactly.) An iconic short story may be frequently anthologized , which usually means frequently read in classrooms, something that can lead to cultural ubiquity—but interestingly, the correlation isn’t perfect. For instance, Joyce’s “Araby” is anthologized more often, but for my money “The Dead” is more iconic . Film adaptations and catchy, reworkable titles help. But in the end, for better or for worse, you know it when you see it. Which means that, like anything else, it all depends on your point of view—icon status is (like most of the ways we evaluate art) highly subjective.

So, having acknowledged that there’s no real way to make this list, but because this is what we’re all here to do, here are some of the most iconic short stories for American readers in the English language—and a few more that deserve to be more iconic than they are.

Washington Irving, “Rip Van Winkle” (1819) and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820) I agonized over whether I should pick “Rip Van Winkle” or “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” from Irving’s oeuvre. Both have many, many adaptations to their name and are so ubiquitous as to have drifted into the folklore realm. The latter certainly has more memorable recent adaptations, but the former  is the only one with a bridge named after it . Ah, screw it, we’ll count them both.

Edgar Allan Poe, “The Tell-Tale Heart” (1843) Poe’s early stream-of-consciousness horror story, unreliable narrator and heart beating under the floorboards and all, is certainly one of the most adapted—and even more often referenced —short stories in popular culture, and which may or may not be the source for all of the hundreds of stories in which a character is tormented by a sound only they can hear. (Still not quite as ubiquitous as Poe himself , though . . .)

Herman Melville, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” (1853) Once, while I was walking in Brooklyn, carrying my Bartleby tote bag , a woman in an SUV pulled over (on Atlantic Avenue, folks) to excitedly wave at me and yell “Melville! That’s Melville!” Which is all you really need to know about that .

Ambrose Bierce, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (1890) I will leave it to Kurt Vonnegut, who famously wrote , “I consider anybody a twerp who hasn’t read the greatest American short story, which is “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” by Ambrose Bierce. It isn’t remotely political. It is a flawless example of American genius, like “Sophisticated Lady” by Duke Ellington or the Franklin stove.”

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892) Odds are this was the first overtly Feminist text you ever read, at least if you’re of a certain age; it’s become a stand-in for the idea of women being driven insane by the patriarchy—and being ignored by doctors, who deem them “hysterical.” This is another one with lots of adaptations to its name, including a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone , which concludes: “Next time you’re alone, look quickly at the wallpaper, and the ceiling, and the cracks on the sidewalk. Look for the patterns and lines and faces on the wall. Look, if you can, for Sharon Miles, visible only out of the corner of your eye or… in the Twilight Zone.”

Henry James, “The Turn of the Screw” (1898) Technically a novella, but discussed enough as a story that I’ll include it here (same goes for a couple of others on this list, including “The Metamorphosis”). It has, as a work of literature, inspired a seemingly endless amount of speculation, criticism, unpacking, and stance-taking. “In comment after comment, article after article, the evidence has been sifted through and judgments delivered,” Brad Leithauser wrote in The New Yorker . Fine, intelligent readers have confirmed the validity of the ghosts (Truman Capote); equally fine and intelligent readers have thunderously established the governess’s madness (Edmund Wilson).” And nothing that inspires so much interpretive interest could escape the many interpretations into other media: films, episodes of television, and much other literature.

Anton Chekhov, “The Lady with the Toy Dog” (1899) Widely acknowledged as one of Chekhov’s best stories, if not  the  best, and therefore almost no students get through their years at school without reading it. Has been adapted as a film, a ballet, a play, a musical, and most importantly, a Joyce Carol Oates short story.

W. W. Jacobs, “The Monkey’s Paw” (1902) So iconic—be careful what you wish for, is the gist—that you probably didn’t even know it started out as a short story. My favorite version is, of course, the Laurie Anderson song .

O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905) According to Wikipedia, there have been 17 different film adaptations of O. Henry’s classic short story about a couple’s thwarted Christmas; the essential format—Della sells her hair to buy Jim a watch chain; Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs—has been referenced and replicated countless times beyond that. I even heard Dax Shepard refer to this story on his podcast the other day, and so I rest my case.

James Joyce, “The Dead” (1914) The last story in Joyce’s collection  Dubliners and one of the best short stories ever written; just ask anyone who wanted to have read some Joyce but couldn’t crack  Ulysses . (Or anyone who could crack  Ulysses  too.) And let’s not forget the John Huston movie starring Anjelica Huston as Gretta.

Franz Kafka, “The Metamorphosis” (1915) Everyone has to read this in school, at some point—which is probably the reason why it’s been parodied, referenced, and adapted many times in just about every format . And why not? What could be more universal than the story of the man who wakes up to find himself transformed into an enormous insect?

Richard Connell, “The Most Dangerous Game” aka “The Hounds of Zaroff” (1924) “The most popular short story ever written in English” is obviously the one about aristocrats hunting people. Widely adapted , but one of my favorite versions is the episode of Dollhouse in which a Richard Connell (no relation except the obvious) hunts Echo with a bow.

Ernest Hemingway, “The Killers” (1927) I was tempted to include “Hills Like White Elephants” because of the number of people forced to read it to learn about dialogue (happily, there are other options ), but “The Killers,” while less often anthologized, is more influential overall, and gave us not only two full length film adaptations and a Tarkovsky short but Tobias Wolff’s “Bullet in the Brain,” which I do think is a very good story to learn from, if not for dialogue, then for story-making.

Zora Neale Hurston, “The Gilded Six-Bits” (1933) Hurston is most famous for  Their Eyes Were Watching God , but those who know will tell you that this story of love, marriage, betrayal, and love again—which was also made into a 2001 film—is a classic, too.

Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery” (1948) The short story that launched a thousand letters to  The New Yorker —or if not a thousand , then at least “a torrent . . . the most mail the magazine had ever received in response to a work of fiction.” Still taught widely in schools, and still chilling.

J. D. Salinger, “A Perfect Day for Bananafish” (1948) The very first story to destroy many a young mind. In a good way, obviously.

Ray Bradbury, “There Will Come Soft Rains” (1950)

Bradbury’s work has thoroughly permeated pop culture; plenty of his stories are widely adapted and referenced, so I could have chosen a few others here (“The Veldt” is my personal favorite). But every year, the image of a smart house going on long after the death of its occupants becomes more chilling and relevant an image; we can’t help but keep going back to it.

Daphne du Maurier, “The Birds” (1952) I know it’s really the Hitchcock film adaptation that’s iconic, but you wouldn’t have the Hitchcock without the du Maurier.

Flannery O’Connor, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” (1953) Another oft-assigned (and oft-argued-over) story, this one with so many title rip-offs .

Elmore Leonard, “Three-Ten to Yuma” (1953) I know, I know, it’s “Fire in the Hole” that gave us  Justified , and we’re all so very glad. But “Three-Ten to Yuma” has more name recognition—after all, it was adapted into two separate and very good films, the former of which (1957) actually created contemporary slang : in Cuba, Americans are called yumas and the United States is  La Yuma .

Philip K. Dick, “The Minority Report” (1956) As a whole, Philip K. Dick’s work has had massive influence on literature, film, pop culture, and our cultural attitudes toward technology. Most of his best-known works are novels, but when a short story gets made into a Steven Spielberg/Tom Cruise film, you’re basically assuring iconic status right there. (Or at least that’s how it used to work…)

James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” (1957) Baldwin’s best known short story pops up in plenty of anthologies, and can be thanked for being the gateway drug for many budding Baldwin acolytes.

Alan Sillitoe, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” (1959) Not only is the story itself widely known and read—just ask Rod Blagojevich ( remember him? )—that title has been rewritten and reused thousands of times for varying ends—just ask the reporter who wrote that piece about Blagojevich. Or Adrian Tomine .

John Cheever, “The Swimmer” (1964) Cheever’s most famous story nails something essential about the mid-century American sensibility, and particularly the mid-century American suburbs, which is probably why everyone knows it (it’s also frequently anthologized). Or maybe it’s more about Burt Lancaster’s little shorts ? Either way.

Joyce Carol Oates, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966) Another frequently anthologized and unwaveringly excellent short story; and look, it’s no one’s fault that Laura Dern turns everything she touches iconic.

Toni Cade Bambara, “The Lesson” (1972) Yet another story often assigned in schools (the good ones, anyway), which hopefully means one day we’ll wake up and find out that everyone has read it.

Ursula K. Le Guin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” (1973) As others have pointed out before me , Le Guin’s most read and most famous short story is almost always chillingly relevant.

Donald Barthelme, “The School” (1974) This one might only be iconic for writers, but considering it’s one of the best short stories ever written (according to me), I simply couldn’t exclude it.

Jamaica Kincaid, “Girl” (1978) Another staple of a writer’s education, and a reader’s; “are you really going to be the kind of woman who the baker won’t let near the bread?” being a kind of bandied-about shibboleth.

Raymond Carver, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” (1981) I struggled choosing a Carver story for this list—”Cathedral” is more important, and probably more read, but “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” has transcended its own form more completely, at least with its title, which has spawned a host of echoes, including Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , and Nathan Englander’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank , to the point that I think it’s recognizable to just about everyone. A quick Google search will reveal that the framing has been used for almost everything you can think of. There’s—and I kid you not—a What We Talk About When We Talk About Books/War/Sex/God/The Tube/Games/Rape/Money/Creative Writing/Nanoclusters/Hebrew/The Weather/Defunding the Police/Free Speech/Taxes/Holes/Climate/The Moon/Waste/Cancel Culture/Impeachment/Gender/Digital Inclusions/Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/COVID-19 . You see what I’m getting at here.

Stephen King, “The Body” (1982) Otherwise known, to the general public, as  Stand By Me .

Amy Hempel, “In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried” (1983) Want to feel bad about your writing? This was the first short story Amy Hempel ever wrote.

Lorrie Moore, “How to Be an Other Woman” (1985) A very very good short story that has given rise to so many bad ones.

Mary Gaitskill, “Secretary” (1988) Bad Behavior  is iconic as a whole , but probably the story to have most acutely permeated the wider culture is “Secretary,” on account of the film adaptation starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader—despite the fact that it totally butchers the ending.

Amy Tan, “Rules of the Game” (1989) This story originally appeared in The Joy Luck Club , Tan’s mega-bestseller, so probably almost everyone you know has read it. The film version didn’t hurt either.

Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried” (1990) Why, it’s only the most anthologized short story of the last 30(ish) years. That’s why even the people you know who haven’t picked up a book in their adult lives have read it.

Denis Johnson, “Emergency” (1992) When I left New York to go get my MFA, a friend gave me a copy of Jesus’ Son with the inscription “Because everyone in your MFA will talk about it and you don’t want to be the girl who hasn’t read it. (It’s also really good).” He was not wrong.

Annie Proulx, “Brokeback Mountain” (1997) Everybody knows this story—even if they only know it from its (massively successful and influential, not to mention the true Best Picture Winner of 2006) film adaptation—and not for nothing, coming out when it did, it went a long way towards making some Americans more comfortable with homosexuality. Open the floodgates, baby.

Jhumpa Lahiri, “A Temporary Matter” (1998) The story that made Lahiri a household name.

Ted Chiang, “Story of Your Life” (1998) Otherwise known as  Arrival . (Also technically a novella.)

Alice Munro, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain” (2001) At this point, almost everyone has read at least some  Alice Munro, right? This story is one of the best from one of the greats, and was also adapted into a fantastic but heartbreaking film,  Away From Her .

Kristen Roupenian, “Cat Person” (2017) Sure, it’s recent, so it’s not quite as ingrained as some of the others here, but it’s also the story that broke the internet —and quite possibly the only New Yorker  story that thousands of people have ever read.

Finally, as is often the case with lists that summarize the mainstream American literary canon of the last 200 years, it is impossible not to recognize that the list above is much too white and male. So for our future and continuing iconography, your friends at Literary Hub suggest reading the following stories, both new and old:

Eudora Welty, “Why I Live at the P.O.” (1941) Clarice Lispector, “The Imitation of the Rose” (1960) Leslie Marmon Silko, “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” (1969) Ralph Ellison, “Cadillac Flambé” (1973) Octavia Butler, “Bloodchild” (1984) Bharati Mukherjee, “The Management of Grief” (1988) John Edgar Wideman, “Fever” (1990) Sandra Cisneros, “Woman Hollering Creek” (1991) Christine Schutt, “To Have and to Hold” (1996) ZZ Packer, “Brownies” (2003) Edward P. Jones, “Marie” (2004) Karen Russell, “Haunting Olivia” (2005) Kelly Link, “Stone Animals” (2005) Edwidge Danticat, “Ghosts” (2008) Yiyun Li, “A Man Like Him” (2008) Claire Vaye Watkins, “Ghosts, Cowboys” (2009) Ottessa Moshfegh, “Bettering Myself” (2013) Amelia Gray, “House Heart” (2013) Zadie Smith, “Meet the President!” (2013) Carmen Maria Machado, “The Husband Stitch” (2014) Diane Cook, “The Way the End of Days Should Be” (2014) Kirstin Valdez Quade, “Five Wounds” (2015) NoViolet Bulawayo, “Shhhh” (2015) Mariana Enriquez, “Spiderweb” (2016) Ken Liu, “State Change” (2016) Helen Oyeyemi, “Sorry Doesn’t Sweeten Her Tea” (2016) Lesley Nneka Arimah, “What Is a Volcano?” (2017) James McBride, “The Christmas Dance” (2017) Viet Thanh Nguyen, “War Years” (2017) Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, “Friday Black” (2018). . .

Honestly, this list could go on forever, but let’s stop and say: more short stories of all kinds in the hands of the general public, please!

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Emily Temple

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3 short stories to replenish your creative thinking

Believe the impossible.

In 1295, Marco Polo returned from a 24 year trading epic to China. His trip had taken him 14,000 miles (25,000km) around the world, from his birth town of Venice, through Baghdad and all the way across Asia. He visited dozens of great cities, many of which are now lost to antiquity, finally reaching the bustling trading city of Beijing in the east. After his return, he created a great epic of his travels. His epic spread quickly across Europe, each book meticulously and laboriously copied by hand and destined for the private libraries of the rich and powerful European elite. His wondrous tale became the basis for what all Europeans knew about the Orient for many years to come.

In it, he spoke of many weird and wonderful places he had visited. He spoke of creatures so wild and wonderful, they simply had to be seen. He spoke of dragons , unicorns and birds so large they could lift an elephant high into the air:

It was for all the world like an eagle, but one indeed of enormous size; so big in fact that its quills were twelve paces long and thick in proportion. And it is so strong that it will seize an elephant in its talons and carry him high into the air and drop him so that he is smashed to pieces;

His stories enthralled all those who read them. People could imagine massive birds, mythical serpents and biblical beasts. His works were entirely believable - except for one story. A story so far fetched that no man, king or peasant would give it credence. One story that beggared the belief of all those who heard of it.

Marco Polo told of how the Mongols used rocks instead of wood for heating and for cooking . He told of how they were collected and how they magically lit up, burning hotter and longer than the dried, dead branches fallen from the oldest trees. “You cannot burn rocks” the people said, and they ridiculed the story.

Marco Polo smirked. He knew, deep inside, that while a great many of his works were embellishments, this one was entirely true. The Europeans did not create industrial coal mines for another 600 years, significantly delaying the start of the industrial revolution and the entry of the West into the modern age.

Understanding problems, not solutions

Sometimes it pays to dig a little deeper to find out what your customers really need.

A young man walks into a hardware store looking to buy a hammer, but they are sold out. “What did you need the hammer for?” asked the proprietor. The man looked at him quizzically. “To hammer in some nails of course. Why else would I want a hammer?”

The store owner persists with another question. What were you trying to hammer in with the nails? “A shelf” the man replied. “Good” said the proprietor. Maybe these will be of use instead - we have a nail free wall glue in stock as well as free hanging shelves - would either be useful instead?

Fear not what the Romans feared

For centuries, Roman military might was unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Their empire spread from Britain in the west, all across Europe to Jerusalem in the east and south to the very edges of the Sahara. Countless more chieftains and kings provided them tribute in an effort to appease their vastly more powerful neighbour. Neither land, nor water nor the gods inspired fear in the Romans - they were the finest navigators since the Greeks, performing feats of seamanship unmatched for well over a thousand years after the end of the empire.

In 84 AD in what is now Scotland in the north of Britain, Agricola wrapped up a successful campaign against the Caledonians . For the first and only time, all of Britain was under the control of Rome. Only the land of Hibernia lay further to the west, a fertile land filled with lawless chieftains and savage tribes that would surely be of interest to the empire. But no Roman legion ever set foot on the land of what is now called Ireland.

They never conquered Ireland because they thought the world was flat. The Romans believed they were coming to the edge of the world. They believe that sea monsters lurked in the choppy voyage across the narrow sea between Ireland and England. The creative embellishments of their cartographers made sure of this. They feared falling off the edge of the world. They looked at their maps, and saw dragons and serpents and feared that they would never return if they took just one more voyage.

Succumbing to fear and ignorance might just mean you miss the most beautiful opportunities you get in life.

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