The Red Pony
Eulogies
Adapting the Text
Ongoing Activity
Grades 6–12
Language Arts, History, Performing Arts
Small Group, Critical Analysis, Writing, Oral Presentation
Eulogies are powerful, and should be taken seriously, even though they may contain some elements of humor. This exercise can provide students with empathy, sympathy, and a greater understanding, during any point of the novel, of the characters and situations surrounding death.
Spend about 1 class period to introduce the concept of the eulogy and the students’ writing of a brief one. The next day, a half period can be devoted to the groups reading their eulogies for the class.
After explaining what a eulogy is, students can break up into small groups and write a brief one. If, for example, students have finished only “The Gift,” each group may write about the same topic. Each group’s eulogy, invariably, will end up being different. This can be done in the form of a poem, a rap, or whatever students wish. After completion, they will perform their eulogies for the class.
Allow students time to rehearse and consider setting aside time for them to pair-share as well.
Please remind students, while they are to have fun with this activity, to be sure to maintain a proper respect for the novel. Consider providing the Eulogies Graphic Organizer for students to use in preparing. For The Red Pony, eulogies can be performed for:
During the activity, teachers should ensure that students are on task, are being respectful to the novel, and to offer suggestions. Grading the assignment is optional.
Passport to Literacy is a cross-curricular project that examines life on a farm in the 1930s and today.
Apply research skills to examine the Tiflin ranch scientifically and create plans to “upgrade” the ranch to a more modern, more “green” business.
Students choose a character from The Red Pony whom to write. All students will receive a letter in return from another character in the novel.