New Year's Activity Using the Short Story, "After Twenty Years"
That first week back after winter break... whew. 😅
Students are sluggish, attention spans are short, and getting back into the groove can feel like trying to run through quicksand.
I know the feeling—so why not channel that “fresh start” energy into something meaningful and easy to implement?
I’ve got just the thing.
The After Twenty Years Activity by O. Henry blends ELA skills with reflection, goal-setting, and timeless themes like friendship and change – the perfect mix to ease students back into reading and analysis without overwhelming them.
Plus, it ties beautifully into New Year’s resolutions, personal growth, and the passage of time.
This is the first in a series of four New Year’s activities, and I’m so excited to share this brand-new resource with you!
Here’s how I break it down to make the most of this lesson:
1. Start with a Journal Prompt
Begin by asking students:
Imagine it’s 20 years from now. You walk into your favorite coffee shop. A person taps you on the shoulder. It’s your best friend from today – but they look very different. Maybe they’ve changed in ways you wouldn’t expect.
What would you do?
I like to give them 5-7 minutes to discuss with classmates and then journal.
2. Active Reading – Annotations That Matter:
While reading, students annotate the text to stay engaged. I focus on:
Doodles/notes about the setting (this story is rich with mood and atmosphere).
Hashtags to summarize character traits (e.g., #LoyalFriend #RiskTaker).
Questions that arise as they read.
Reactions to Bob and Jimmy’s choices – especially as the twist unfolds.
Annotation helps students stay present and encourages them to analyze as they go.
3. Comprehension Questions – Build Understanding:
After reading, students answer ten questions.
I like to mix the types of questions students answer - short answer that focus on basic comprehension, standards-based multiple choice questions, and a constructed response.
This section solidifies their grasp of the plot and develops their ability to cite evidence.
4. The Best Part – Email to Their Future Selves:
This activity ties it all together with a meaningful New Year’s twist:
Students write an email reflecting on their current goals, friendships, and growth, inspired by the story’s themes.
I have students answer for prompts about their goals and future to help them plan and write their email.
They schedule the email to send at the end of the school year, creating a powerful moment of reflection when it arrives.
If email scheduling isn’t an option, have them write a physical letter, which I hold onto and return to them before summer break.
Resources to Help You
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