The Last Leaf B2: SLAM Readers Series
SLAM Readers Series
What’s inside...
A sick artist feels she will die when the last leaf falls from the tree by her window, but the leaf mysteriously hangs on. The Creative Short Stories series features engaging narratives by renowned authors like Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, and Katherine Mansfield, designed to captivate today's young readers and develop their appreciation for great literature. The series offers a diverse range of stories, each designed with today's young reader in mind, to spark a lasting appreciation for great literature through the humor of Mark Twain, the suspense of Edgar Allan Poe, the danger of Jack London, and the sensitivity of Katherine Mansfield.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Johnsy
Sue
Behrman
Discussion points
What did you feel when the last leaf fell? Why do you think it stayed up so long?
How do you think the characters changed throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters?
What does the leaf symbolize in the story?
How does the ending of the story make you feel and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the story's events and characters. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to develop their creative thinking. Relate the story's themes to personal experiences your child may have had, which enhances their connection to the material. Finally, focus on the symbolism of the leaf, guiding them to think about the deeper meanings behind simple objects and events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Last Leaf', characters demonstrate perseverance by facing challenges without giving up, showcasing the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in completing a challenging homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: The story highlights acts of kindness and understanding between characters, emphasizing the impact of compassion in communities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers and offering help or support when others are in need.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Hope
Explanation: The narrative reinforces the significance of maintaining hope, even in dire circumstances, illustrating its role as a crucial coping mechanism.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain hopeful and optimistic during tough times, such as dealing with personal loss or during academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Characters in the book use creative solutions to solve problems, highlighting creativity as a valuable skill.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in their problem-solving processes, whether in school projects or in inventive play.