1. Mrs. Chauncy Watts English/Literature
Plot and Plot Diagram
Mrs. Chauncy Watts
English/Literature
Introduce the lesson and the expected outcome of the lesson.
Ask how many people have ever been introduced to a plot and plot diagram

2. Definition of Plot
A plot, as defined by Dictionary.com, in fiction, the story of a play, novel, romance, or poem, comprising of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
Can you think of a story that you have
read with a well developed plot? What
made this plot strong?
Call on a student to read definition of a plot.
Call on a second student to read the questions.
Separate students into groups of 3 or 4 so the # of groups will be even.
Have the students discuss and write down their answers.

3. Examples of Strong Plots
Titles
What makes it strong
Pick a representative from each group to come to the smart board and write their groups examples and what makes it strong.
After all of the groups have went discuss as a class the examples.

4. Examples of Weak Plots Title What makes it weak
Have a representative come from each group and write down what their groups have discussed and what makes it weak.
Have a class discussion and see if it is the same for the class. Do the students feel that the same things make a plot strong and weak?

5. Definition of a Plot Diagram
Plot diagram- an organizational tool focusing on a pyramid or triangular shape, which is used to map the events in a story. The mapping of a plot structure allows readers and writers to visualize the key features of stories. (
Why do you think it would be helpful to diagram a plot?
1.Ask the students how many people have seen a plot diagram?
2.Ask how many have used a plot diagram?
3.Discuss the question of why it is helpful
4.Ask the students what a plot diagram (that would be helpful to them) looks like?

6. Student Drawn Plot Diagram
After discussing the things that would make a plot diagram useful to each student, pick a couple of students and have them draw their own plot diagrams and how they would be useful to them.
Discuss each plot diagram

7. True Plot Diagram received from: www. cast. org/teachingeverystudent
True Plot Diagram received from:
1.Discuss exposition: Use the question that is posed on the slide. Allow the students time to answer. Do the same with rising action, conflict, climax, falling action and resolution. Allow the students to discuss this in anyway they can relate to the definitions. Use movie, poems, television shows, etc.

8. Review of Vocabulary Exposition Rising Action Conflict Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Review the vocabulary. Have each student have a dictionary and give a definition.

9. What does this all mean? Can you use a plot diagram?
Any questions regarding the use of a plot diagram?
Count off 1, 2, 3
1’s in a group
2’s in a group
3’s in a group
Assignment
Have a discussion with the class regarding what has been learned.
Allow the students to count 1, 2, 3. Place ones together twos together threes together.
Each group will come up with a plot for an original story. They must be prepared to share the story with the class and to build on the plot. Explain that they will create at least 1 character and assign all of the elements of a plot.
Have the students create a plot diagram for their story.

10. Share your plots Have each group share their plots.
Allow time for other students to ask about plots and the groups to explain.

11. What’s next? We will take the plots and switch them amongst groups.
Each group will add the next step of the plot diagram.
We will then switch again and have the next group finish the story.
We will finish the story and read them in class.
This assignment may take up to two weeks of class. It will be when there is spare time but will allow the students to utilize their creative writing skills while utilizing the new lesson of plot and plot diagram.