In this lesson plan, students will become familiar enough with the Plot-line, which takes place in short stories and films, to teacher younger grade levels about the subject. Students will write fairy-tale style stories, based on images found on the TIDES site, in the Plot-line structure. This lesson is best taught after an introduction of the Plot-line structure.

Created by Udoro Gatewood, August 2007

• Students will write a short story picture book with the purpose of educating a younger audience (primary school) on the plot-line structure. (ELA TEKS 1 A,B)
• Students will apply the writing process (prewriting, draft 1 and 2, peer/teacher edit, final product) to ensure a clear and concise product for their intended audience. (ELA TEKS 2 A-E)
• Students will use technology not only to form their final product, but to find images that will reflect their knowledge of the Plot-line structure as they write their short story. (ELA TEKS 4 A-D)
• Students will be evaluated based on their content and creativity. (ELA TEKS  5 A,B)

Following a lecture on the Plot-line Structure (students should be encouraged to take notes), the teacher will discuss the structure of common childhood stories, such as Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and Cinderella. A class period will be designated for students to search the TIDES website for story-related images that will appeal to a younger audience. Since students must use images from this site, they must find images first and then write stories based on those images.
(NOTE: Students must have at least one picture representing each part of the plot-line: Introduction/Expository, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution/Denouement.)

After students obtain their images, they will begin their writing process. Pre-writing / brainstorming can be a class-wide discussion to get their brain juices flowing, draft 1 and 2 is their own individual work, peer editing after draft 1, teacher editing after draft 2; finally, they may go on to their final piece. Each story should mimic the writing styles as seen in children’s stories. Grammar and vocabulary should be age appropriate.

The entire process to complete the stories should take about a week. Once their creative stories are completed, students may present their stories to the class for a class-wide evaluation using CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. Students will be evaluated based on appropriate language use, creativity, and concise use of the Plot-line structure. (Changes may occur as needed.)

The students may travel to the nearest elementary school to read to the kiddies!!! (Teachers may need to secure permission beforehand.)

Please modify this lesson as needed. It may help ESL students to write a story that would help fellow ESL students in the lower grades (write in their native language while translating to English). The main purpose is to teach the Plot-line structure to those in the lower grades in such a way that it will have a lasting impression.

Images found on TIDES Plot-line notes to ensure their books flow according to the specified structure.
Computers/printers to search for images on TIDES and for completing the final product.
Writing and art supplies.

Vea esta lección en Español aquí.