Unit of Study: Story Creation

Title of Minilesson: Plot

Teaching Point: Students will be able to create a short story with a clear plot through the
utilization of outlining and stop-motion movie creation.

CCSS: RL.6.3 - Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes
as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Connect/PURPOSE (What, Why, When) (1-2 minutes)

What: “Last week we learned about setting, where we each created our own detailed

setting (underwater house, icy lake, aquarium) and used the green screen. Today we

are going to learn about plot.”

Why: “Plot is important because it provides the reader with a clear idea of events

happening throughout a story. The reader understands how and why everything

happened and makes a story interesting and exciting.”

When: “We are going to watch two short films and work on identifying certain points in

the plot. Then, we are going to have the opportunity to create our own stop-motion

stories!”

Model/Demonstrate/Teach/Provide Information (How) (3-5 minutes) (I do)

Introduce anchor chart with new vocabulary terms, and briefly read through them with

students.

After looking over the vocabulary chart, I will show the first short film, Dug’s Special

Mission. I will pause at certain points to show students examples of what each scene

represents in terms of the plot. (I will be completing the plot pyramid so they see this

being modeled).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNL945i6qA8 (Doug)

Engage/Guided Practice (2-3 minutes)(we do)

Show second short film, Partly Cloudy. Before starting the film, give each student a plot

pyramid. Each student will be paired with a teacher to assist in completing this outline.

Pause at the climax to make sure students have an understanding of the events leading

up to it, then complete the second half once the film ends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OybYKrIRK0Y (Partly Cloudy)

Link to Independent Work (1-2 minutes)

Once students complete their plot pyramid for Partly Cloudy, it will be time for them to

create their own story. I will introduce the plot outline worksheet and encourage

students to think back to last weeks stories they created. They can continue to work off

of these stories, or create something entirely different.

Independent work (30-60 minutes) (you do, I watch) Workshop Time – Students

Working/Teacher Conferring or Working with Small Groups

Students will get started on their plot outline. Each teacher will work one-on-one with a

student; assisting and guiding them through the plot components. Refer back to the

vocabulary chart and film examples when necessary.

After students have completed their plot outline, they will choose props, characters, and

materials for their stop-motion movie. We will provide background colors, clay, various

characters, and more. Teachers will guide students through taking pictures and creating

their movie.

Sharing (2-4 minutes)

Once students have completed their stop-motion story, we will provide time to share.

Students will take turns placing their Ipads on the stand and playing their stop-motion

movies. They may also choose to give a brief overview of their plot if they would like to

do so.

Close (1-2 minutes)

“Thank you for sharing your stop-motion movies with the group! Everyone did a

wonderful job coming up with a meaningful plot and putting together creative movies.

Next week we will have the opportunity to explore theme and create another story.”
Teacher Reflection –
What specific evidence do you have that students did/did not meet today’s learning
target?

What to look for:

Completion of plot outline, showing that students understand the important components
of a rich plot-line.

Completion of stop-motion movie that corresponds with the plot outline.