"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
Lesson plans and teaching resources

Teacher Guide to "The Tell-Tale Heart"
How might students use storyboards to demonstrate and to extend their learning? Check the resources here. Includes plot summary, essential questions, learning activities including plot diagram, vocabulary, types of conflict, and style analysis. Note: Storyboard That helps sponsor this site.

A Directed Listening–Thinking Activity for "The Tell–Tale Heart"
Students participate in a Directed Listening–Thinking Activity (DLTA), in which they listen to the story read aloud and answer prediction questions at designated stopping points during the reading. Students then discuss and write a written response to the story at the conclusion of the lesson, in the form of either an acrostic poem or comic strip.

Poetic Justice: A Study of Poe's Famous Works
Students work with "The Pit and the Pendulum," "The Purloined Letter," "The Tell-Tale Heart," a little geometry, and a brief discussion of the Fourth Amendment. This unit plan is designed for 7th grade and requires Adobe Readers or compatible application for access.

"The Tell-Tale Heart"
Pre-reading, spelling, vocabulary, editing, and practice with verb tenses. This 5-page printable handout requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

"The Tell-Tale Heart"
Plot summary and analysis.

"The Tell-Tale Heart"
Text of the story and downloadable MP3.

Tone Analysis — "The Tell-Tale Heart"
This lesson emphasizes close reading, point of view, and using evidence to support conclusions. It includes assessments. Designed for Pre-AP middle school; Adobe Reader required for access.