Fiction, plotting the story
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/2230/
A lesson plan for grades 5–8 English Language Arts and Theater Arts Education
In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students thoroughly explore how the elements of fiction can enhance and develop their writing.
Students will:
- demonstrate the ability to write for the purpose of expressing personal ideas;
- explore plot as an element of fiction; and
- write for a variety of audiences: peers, teachers, parents, school-wide community, and beyond.
ARTSEDGE provides detailed instructions for completing the lesson, a supply list, suggestions for assessment and extension activities, and links to related web resources and student handouts.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 5
- Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
- Objective 2.04: Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
- plot development.
- author's choice of words.
- effectiveness of figurative language (e.g., personification, flashback).
- tone.
- Objective 2.04: Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
Grade 6
- Goal 5: The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:
- using effective reading strategies to match type of text.
- reading self-selected literature and other materials of individual interest.
- reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher.
- discussing literature in teacher-student conferences and small group discussions.
- taking an active role in whole class seminars.
- discussing and analyzing the effects on texts of such literary devices as figurative language, dialogue, flashback and sarcasm.
- interpreting text by explaining elements such as plot, theme, point of view, characterization, mood, and style.
- investigating examples of distortion and stereotypes.
- recognizing underlying messages in order to identify recurring theme(s) within and across works.
- extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences and within various contexts.
- exploring relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts and/or experiences.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:
Grade 7
- Goal 5: The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive reading program by:
- using effective reading strategies to match type of text.
- reading self-selected literature and other materials of individual interest.
- reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher.
- assuming an active role in teacher-student conferences.
- engaging in small group discussions.
- taking an active role in whole class seminars.
- analyzing the effects on texts of such literary devices as figuarative language, dialogue, flashback, allusion, and irony.
- analyzing the effects of such elements as plot, theme, point of view, characterization, mood, and style.
- analyzing themes and central ideas in literature and other texts in relation to personal issues/experiences.
- extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences and within various contexts.
- analyzing the connections of relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive reading program by:
Grade 8
- Goal 5: The learner will respond to various literary genres using interpretive and evaluative processes.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:
- using effective reading strategies to match type of text.
- reading self-selected literature and other materials of interest to the individual.
- reading literature and other materials selected by the teacher.
- assuming a leadership role in student-teacher reading conferences.
- leading small group discussions.
- taking an active role in whole class seminars.
- analyzing the effects of elements such as plot, theme, charaterization, style, mood, and tone.
- discussing the effects of such literary devices as figurative language, dialogue, flashback, allusion, irony, and symbolism.
- analyzing and evaluating themes and central ideas in literature and other texts in relation to personal and societal issues.
- extending understanding by creating products for different purposes, different audiences, and within various contexts.
- analyzing and evaluating the relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences.
- Objective 5.01: Increase fluency, comprehension, and insight through a meaningful and comprehensive literacy program by:
Theatre Arts Education (2001)
Grade 5
- Goal 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history.
- Objective 1.01: Participate in partner and small group playwriting.
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history.
- Objective 1.03: Practice playwriting techniques.
Grade 7
- Goal 1: : The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history.
- Objective 1.03: Write and critique original scenes and one act plays.
Grade 8
- Goal 1: The learner will write based on personal experience and heritage, imagination, literature, and history.
- Objective 1.03: Write, critique, and informally produce original scenes and one act plays.


