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How to Teach Plot: Part 2

If you haven't already, make sure you go to part 1 of this series! You get a FREE worksheet for your trouble!


As I said in part 1, one of my favorite things to teach in fiction is plot. There is something about breaking down events in a story, movie, or TV show that makes me feel I have a better understanding of not only what I've seen, but what the author's mindset was when they created the story, movie, or TV show.


This is an essential skill that is important to teach, but how do we assess it? Use this freebie to check your student's understanding of plot!




Before you assess an understanding of plot, make sure that you:

  • define plot

  • review the common features of fiction

  • review the elements of plot

  • review plot mountain

  • view and complete practice on finding the elements of plot

  • have students practice on their own.


Get a worksheet covering all of the above in part 1. Now that you've done the above, it's time to assess.


An easy way to assess plot is to use a passage and questions. The passage can be long and there can be many questions, but in my experience, a student either understands or they don't. Of course, this understanding will intesify the closer you get to standardized testing, but the skill is either yes or no. That being said, this quiz is a greaty way to easily assess plot. Let's talk about the way you can use it:


Whole Group:

To use this quiz in whole group, you can read the passage aloud and discuss what you find as you read. After reading, I would create a plot mountain laying out the story in a clear way. From there, I would have students answer the questions on their own and then review the answer. If your class needs a little more scaffolding, do the first question on your own, then have them do the remainder. When you're done, review the correct answers.


Partners:

To use this quiz in partners, I would have them complete the quiz entirely on their own. When they're done, I would have them return to the group to review the correct answers.


Small Group:

This quiz is PERFECT for small group! To use this quiz in small group, I would read each paragraph outloud and stop to talk about what we're reading. The idea is that you can see how students receive and process the information they read. This step is essential because it's hard to correct misunderstandings when you don't know what they are. From there, I would review the first question completely on my own. Meaning, all students do is watch and listen to me think aloud. I have students help me with the second question. I then guide them through answering the question, as well as having them explain why they chose the answer they chose. I then have students answer the last question completely on their own and solely give them the correct answer when they're done. I then have them review the other answer choices and I have THEM tell me why the answer they chose is either correct or incorrect. I like to do this step last because it causes the least amount of stress. Students can end small group with personal reflection, instead being told they got a question wrong.


There are so many ways to use this quiz, so why not snag a free copy?



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