Description
This resource features a complete reading comprehension guide and literary analysis for “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, a powerful short story that explores themes of culture, heritage, identity, education, family, and racism. Through the contrasting perspectives of Mama, Dee, and Maggie, students examine how personal experience and cultural understanding shape values and beliefs.
The lesson begins with a before-reading anticipation activity designed to activate prior knowledge and encourage students to reflect on ideas related to heritage and cultural identity. As students read the story, they work with academic vocabulary using a structured graphic organizer that supports comprehension of key terms and concepts.
During reading, students complete reading comprehension questions that focus on recall and understanding of plot and character development. These are followed by literary analysis questions that require students to cite textual evidence, make inferences, and engage in higher-level thinking about Walker’s message and authorial choices.
After reading, students participate in group discussion questions that promote deeper analysis and meaningful connections to the text. The lesson concludes with creative writing options that allow students to respond thoughtfully to the story’s themes and reflect on their own experiences with culture and identity. Complete answer keys are included to support instruction and assessment.
This resource is well suited for middle school or high school ELA and works especially well in units focused on African American literature, cultural identity, theme, and characterization, or as part of Black History Month instruction.