when you wake up as a vampire

Writing Workshop

Workshop Title: Waking Up

Step 1

Ask your students, “Think of the most memorable “monster” movies. What qualities do all of these monsters have? In what way(s) do they share certain characteristics or traits?” Then give them a few minutes to discuss.

Step 2

Read “when you wake up as a vampire” by Arthur Alatis. As your students are reading, ask them to think of the “vampire” metaphor and how it functions in the piece as a whole. How does the comparison(s) contribute to the speaker and their feelings?

Step 3

Say, “Imagine yourself waking up as something else. What are you? How do you feel? How do others feel about you? Jot down as much as you can.” Give your students a few minutes to brainstorm.

Step 4

Ask your students to compose a poem similar in sentiment to “when you wake up as a vampire” in which they metaphorically wake up as something else.

Step 5

When the students are done, have them share their responses with one another.

The full presentation may be found HERE.

Analytical Lesson

Area of Focus: Various

Step 1

This lesson allows students to analyze various concepts and skills, so it is recommended that you have covered several of the “standalone” lessons before assigning this one.

Step 2

Ask a student to come to the board and draw a “monster.” Don’t give them any directions beyond that. Give them one minute and tell them to make it as intricate as possible.

Step 3

When they are done, ask the rest of your students to describe “why” the picture represents a monster. What “monstrous qualities” does it possess? Briefly discuss.

Step 4

When you’re done, read “when you wake up as a vampire” by Arthur Alatis. As you’re reading, ask your students to try to identify the “monstrous” conceits and how they impact the meaning of the work as a whole.

Step 5

Have your students open the following document and go over the instructions with them. In this assignment, your students will draw parallels between the content of the poem and typical “monster” qualities and discuss how such comparisons function in the text. When you’ve gone over the directions, give your students time to work.

Step 6

When your students are done, have them share their responses with the rest of the class.