Education Standards
Plot Coaster Lesson for 6th Grade
Overview
This resource details plot for students in 6th grade. It uses the plot diagram, but focuses on making the students see it as a roller coaster instead of a moutain.
Introduction
| Anticipatory Set | 1. Using a pencil and paper, describe how it feels to ride on a roller coaster. If you have never ridden on one before, describe what happens on a roller coaster. Teacher Note: Give the students some time to describe. Ask for volunteers to read what they wrote down. Connect it to plot by saying that coasters have a starting point, middle, and end. They also are interesting because of all of the twists and turns involved just like a story that has a solid plot. |
| Instructional Activities (may take a few class periods/blocks) | Using the Plot Coaster resource provided, have student take notes. Ensure that exposition, confict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution are all defined the way you wish to describe it to your students. Teacher Note: For climax, make sure to mention that although it looks like it happens in the middle, that is not always the case. Once students have the notes, direct their attention to a YouTube video of your choosing. I usually stick to pixar shorts because they are easy to follow. Have the students watch it completely, then go back and pause it at the specific parts. Have students list what they think each part represents on the plot coaster and why. Group students together and provide a blank plot coaster. Put on another video and replay it a few times. Instruct the students to wrie down the parts of plot. Once done, make sure to go over it. Have students get into groups once again. Choose a short story to read. The students now will be tasked with plotting the story on their own, but they will create their own roller coasters. You can have the students create roller coasters out of recycled objects or simply on paper. The students must label the parts of plot with the examples from the story. |
| Closure | Have students share their creations to the class OR have them do a gallery walk and leave comments about what they like on a piece of paper by the students' work. |