Looking for some unique and engaging “Gift of the Magi” story activities? I’ve got you covered! “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a great work to choose if you’re looking for a short story study, need a quick lesson as you approach winter break, or need an engaging substitute plan. Learn more about “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry below and discover some of my favorite short story activities to pair with the text.
Summary of “Gift of the Magi”
“Gift of the Magi” is a short story by O. Henry that was first published in 1905. The story follows a young couple, Della and Jim, who are deeply in love but very poor. As Christmas approaches, Della begins to worry about what she can give to Jim as a gift. She finally decides to sell her most prized possession, her long hair, in order to buy him a chain for his pocket watch. When Jim goes to sell his watch in order to buy combs for Della’s hair, he discovers that the chain is too short. In the end, the couple is forced to part with their most cherished possessions in order to make each other happy. Although they are left with nothing of value, they nonetheless consider themselves to be rich because they have each other. “Gift of the Magi” is a classic holiday story that captures the true meaning of Christmas: giving without expecting anything in return.
Why Teach “Gift of the Magi”?
Many people enjoy reading “Gift of the Magi” around the holiday season because it is a heartwarming story with a strong theme. Gift giving is a custom for many people around the holidays and many students may worry that they don’t have the money to give the gifts they really want. This is why “The Gift of the Magi” is such a cherished Christmas story – it reminds us that love is more important than anything else in this world.
Read on for some of my favorite activities to pair with the short story!
1. Compare “Gift of the Magi” to Bert and Ernie
You read that right. There is a great Bert and Ernie version of the short story that you can view right here that is absolutely perfect for comparing and contrasting. This can be adjusted to fit a variety of needs and age groups. Show students how to compare and contrast with a chart and read through the story together. Students could also work in small groups or independently as practice for compare and contrast skills. If you teach high school, students may benefit from writing comparative essays by using a fairly simple prompt relating to the short story and the clip.
2. Make Predictions with Artwork
Use classic art images to have students try to predict what the story is about as part of their pre-reading activity. You can use images that stem directly from the story (I like this one in particular) and have students predict what they will be reading. You can also use images that depict the “original” magi (the story of the three wise men) and see if students can predict how it ties in to the O. Henry work.
3. Explore the Theme with an Argumentative Writing Task
I think it is always a good idea to work in the opportunity for students to have discussions and discourse. The communication practice alone is worth it. Present students with prompts such as these: Did Jim and Della have a good reason to sell their belongings? Were Jim and Della actually poor? Are the best gifts expensive? These can be class discussions, debate-style talks, or essays.
4. Try Reflective Writing
Alternatively, you can focus on narrative skills and have students do some personal reflection. Have students write a short narrative piece about the best gift they’ve ever received. This could simply be a reflective piece, or you can have students focus on emulating O. Henry’s writing style. Print some holiday writing paper and this would make an excellent keepsake for your students to use as a gift or cherish for years to come.
5. Create a Children’s Book
If you’re looking for a creative project that also assesses student comprehension, consider making a children’s book. This requires students to adapt the work to a children’s audience, and allows your more artistic students an opportunity to use their skills. I have the lesson for this project in my store, you can find it here as a digital and printable option so your students have multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. This is always one of my favorite lessons of the year!
Grab My Done-For-You Gift of the Magi Story Activities!
Want to use “The Gift of the Magi” in your own classroom, but short on time to create engaging lessons? Use mine! I have a bundle of three excellent resources you can use to teach the touching short story! This is the perfect mini-unit for the month of December in the days leading up to winter break. Students love the story and the unique activities that go with it. Click here to check it out!
Do you love “The Gift of the Magi”? How have you incorporated it into your ELA classroom? If you have favorite activities you’d like to share, leave your suggestion in the comments below or share on Facebook or Instagram.
Happy teaching!
