When I first read The Lottery by Shirley Jackson in high school, I remember the shock of that ending hitting me like a ton of bricks (or maybe stones?). It was one of those stories that stuck with me—not just for the twist, but for how subtly and powerfully it made me think about society, tradition, and the things we do “just because.”
So it’s no surprise that when I started creating classroom resources, The Lottery was high on my list.
I wanted to build a resource that didn’t just check the boxes but actually got students thinking—asking questions, making connections, and engaging in meaningful discussions. That’s exactly what this lesson bundle does.
What’s Inside the Lottery Lesson Bundle?
This isn’t just a worksheet or a one-off activity. It’s a complete 4-day lesson plan packed with interactive, standards-aligned content that’s ready to print and go. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Vocabulary Worksheet (with answer key)
- Plot Structure Puzzle – a cut-and-reorder activity that helps students break down the story’s structure
- Theme Tracker Worksheet focusing on the idea of blind tradition
- Socratic Seminar or Discussion Circle Guide – with student prep sheets and sentence stems
- Creative Writing Prompt – students write an alternate ending to the story
- Classroom “Lottery Twist” Game – a fun (and safe!) twist that gets students sharing their alternate endings
Why Teachers (and Students) Love It
- Zero Prep – Everything is ready to print and teach
- Engaging & Interactive – Students work in groups, write creatively, and discuss big ideas
- Flexible – Use it over four days or break it up across the week
- Thought-Provoking – The theme of blind tradition opens the door for real, reflective conversations
This resource helps students understand The Lottery on a deeper level while giving them the tools to analyze and critique the world around them. And as a bonus—it’s a whole lot of fun to teach.
Where to Find It
You can grab the full resource from my Teachers Pay Teachers store, The Pottie Spot, right here:
The Lottery Lesson
Whether you’ve loved this story since high school (like I have!) or you’re teaching it for the first time, this lesson bundle will help make The Lottery an unforgettable unit for your students.
Happy teaching,
Samantha @ The Pottie Spot
Follow & Explore The Pottie Spot
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
TPT Store
The Pottie Spot 
Leave a comment