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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Graphing plot and character in a novel

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=869

A lesson plan for grades 3–5 English Language Arts

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Students graphically illustrate events in the plot of the story, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis in this lesson that analyzes sequences of events. The teacher introduces this lesson with a discussion about plot sequence and how life events can be symbolized in literature. Then the teacher engages students in an activity to facilitate the understanding of the differences between a plot diagram and a graphic map. Using the rubric and sample graphic map provided by Readwritethink, the teacher models how students will choose a character and follow that character through the story by using a graphic map. After practicing with a group, students select another text or character from the current text and complete a graphic map on their own. This activity may provide opportunities for class discussion about the themes of racism, discrimination, differences in the North and the South, and historical events from the novel. In addition to offering several options for lesson extension, Readwritethink provides websites that further explain the context in which the novel was written.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Use metacognitive strategies to comprehend text (e.g., reread, read ahead, ask for help, adjust reading speed, question, paraphrase, retell).
    • Objective 2.02: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, or viewing by:
      • setting a purpose.
      • previewing the text.
      • making predictions.
      • asking questions.
      • locating information for specific purposes.
      • making connections.
      • using story structure and text organization to comprehend.
    • Objective 2.04: Identify and interpret elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
      • author's purpose.
      • plot.
      • conflict.
      • sequence.
      • resolution.
      • lesson and/or message.
      • main idea and supporting details.
      • cause and effect.
      • fact and opinion.
      • point of view (author and character).
      • author's use of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, imagery).
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
      • considering the differences among genres.
      • relating plot, setting, and characters to own experiences and ideas.
      • considering main character's point of view.
      • participating in creative interpretations.
      • making inferences and drawing conclusions about characters and events.
      • reflecting on learning, gaining new insights, and identifying areas for further study.

Grade 4

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Use metacognitive strategies to comprehend text and to clarify meaning of vocabulary (e.g., reread the text, consult other sources, ask for help, paraphrase, question).
    • Objective 2.02: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by:
      • setting a purpose using prior knowledge and text information.
      • making predictions.
      • formulating questions.
      • locating relevant information.
      • making connections with previous experiences, information, and ideas.
    • Objective 2.04: Identify and interpret elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:
      • plot.
      • theme.
      • main idea and supporting details.
      • author's choice of words.
      • mood.
      • author's use of figurative language.
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections with text through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
      • analyzing the impact of authors' word choice and context.
      • examining the reasons for characters' actions.
      • identifying and examining characters' motives.
      • considering a situation or problem from different characters' points of view.
      • analyzing differences among genres.
      • making inferences and drawing conclusions about characters, events and themes.

Grade 5

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Use metacognitive strategies independently and flexibly to monitor comprehension and extend vocabulary (e.g., skim, scan, question).
    • Objective 2.02: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by:
      • making predictions.
      • formulating questions.
      • supporting answers from textual information, previous experience, and/or other sources.
      • drawing on personal, literary, and cultural understandings.
      • seeking additional information.
      • making connections with previous experiences, information, and ideas.
    • 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.
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:
      • analyzing word choice and content.
      • examining reasons for a character's actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.
      • creating and presenting a product that effectively demonstrates a personal response to a selection or experience.
      • examining alternative perspectives.
      • evaluating the differences among genres.
      • examining relationships among characters.
      • making and evaluating inferences and conclusions about characters, events and themes.