• identify the elements of plot in a short story
• apply knowledge of plot to an original work of fiction

White board
Chart paper
Markers

• Varying academic levels:  uses mixed-ability groups, use small and whole group participation to allow students to learn from one another 
• Visual learners:  incorporates plot diagrams to allow students to visualize a story's structure
• Auditory learners:  uses story telling to encourage engaging and meaningful discussions; provides an opportunity to use key vocabulary in context
• Kinesthetic learners:  engages students by having them draw plot outlines on chart paper, allows students to move around the classroom and interact with one another 

climax
exposition
falling action
resolution
rising action

• Ask the class to recall some of their favorite fairy tales form childhood. Have them turn to a partner and take two minutes each to share their favorite tale and give at least two reasons why they liked it.
• Ask students to raise their hand if they chose the following tales, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel.

• Tell students that most traditional short stories contain events that can be diagrammed into a plot diagram.
• On a white board, or a chalkboard, draw a plot diagram with the five elements: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.  Ask the class to supply the main events from the story of Cinderella.
• Plot the elements on the white board as they occur:
  • Exposition: Cinderella lives unhappily with her step-mother and two step sisters; an invitation to a ball at the palace arrives.
  • Rising Action:  The step sisters prepare to go to the ball; a fairy godmother appears and gives Cinderella a gown to wear to the ball and coach and footmen to take her there; she goes to the ball and dances with the prince; she leaves at midnight, losing a slipper on the steps; the prince finds the slipper and agrees to marry the woman whom it fits.
  • Climax: The prince visits the home of Cinderella; the two sisters try to fit in to the slipper, but Cinderella appears is discovered to be the wearer of the slipper.
  • Falling Action: Cinderella and the prince prepare to marry.
  • Resolution: They live happily ever after.

• Write To Learn-Create mixed-ability groups.  Ask the different groups to rewrite a familiar fairy tale and include the elements of a traditional plot.  Pair up stronger academic students with challenged students.
• Ask each group to use a piece of chart paper to write the main events and diagram the plot.

• Ask students to share their short stories.  Have each group assess whether the plot was maintained in the rewritten version of the story.  If the plot needs revision, ask the group to work together to accomplish the rewrite.
• Select one chart to post on the white board and discuss. Ask students to describe their revision in front of the class.

• Remind students that writers use structure in short stories, but that they also should be aware of its use in mainstream movies and televisions shows.
• Applied learning:  Ask students to identify the elements in a movie, television show, or short story that they read or watch during the next several days. They should write a brief synopsis of the story and identify each element.