Using Picture Books to Identify Plot Elements

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

5

Overview

This learning activity is a Google Slides presentation with an embedded video of actor Sean Astin reading A Bad Case of Stripes. Students will practice using academic vocabulary terms to identify plot elements in the picture book and complete a plot diagram.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 5

ELA21.5.17

Demonstrate comprehension of text by asking and responding to questions about literary elements used in the text.

UP:ELA21.5.17

Vocabulary

  • Demonstrate
  • Comprehension
  • Literary elements

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Literary elements within a story include the theme, plot, and point of view.
  • Comprehension can be demonstrated by asking and answering questions about a text.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Ask questions about literary elements used in the text to demonstrate comprehension.
  • Respond to questions about literary elements used in the text to demonstrate comprehension.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • They can show they understood a story they read by asking and answering questions about specific literary elements.

Learning Objectives

Students will correctly identify and label plot elements in context, using short fictional texts.

Activity Details

  • This activity assumes that students are already familiar with plot elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, and falling action. 
  • The teacher will open the Slides Presentation and introduce the activity. The students will be using picture books to apply their knowledge of these terms to actual plot development. 
  • Play the video of Sean Astin reading the story "A Bad Case of Stripes." 
  • Provide students with paper for jot notes as they listen/watch. 
  • Following the video, guide students in dividing the story into a beginning, middle, and end. 
  • On the last slide, students will place the events of the story onto a plot diagram. 
  • After this activity, allow students (independently, in pairs, or in groups of 3) to choose another picture book to read from the teacher's library or library, accurately identifying the plot elements and filling out a plot diagram for the new book. 

Assessment Strategies

During the whole group discussion, the teacher will listen to students for accuracy in identifying parts of the story. 

In the independent/small group activity, the teacher will walk around and visit with each group to do a brief conference about the book the students have chosen. 

As a follow-up, the teacher will collect the plot diagrams to see if the students have accurately completed the stories chosen by each group.

Variation Tips

  • This learning activity can also be used following a class novel or a short story the class has read together. For the first attempt, there should be a text that is familiar to all members of the class to use as an anchor text for discussion.
  • For students who need audio support, you can find more readings of children's books on YouTube. 

Background / Preparation

The teacher should:

  • Print off a blank copy of the plot diagram for students. (Slide 6)
  • Print off a list of the literary terms for students to have at their seats as they read. (Slide 3)
  • Have on hand several picture books for students to choose from as they work on their own or with a partner. It would be best if the teacher is familiar with these books prior to the activity.

Learning Activity (Before)

A Basic Review of Plot Elements (Starring Spongebob Squarepants)

Total Duration

31 to 45 Minutes

Learning Activity (During)

Using Picture Books to Identify Plot Elements

Learning Activity (After)

Applying Plot Terms to a Short Story
Slides: Using Picture Books to Identify Plot Elements
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16tu06vAna8s2nufmw4EG4gFhOVOfcez_3DCxV_A…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

jacynoelle
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