Lesson 1: Introduction to Fairy Tale Story Elements
Learning Objective: Students will be able to identify and describe the story elements of fairy tales, including characters, setting, and plot.
WIDA Can Do Descriptors (Level 3): - Identify and describe familiar story elements in simple texts - Use basic vocabulary related to story elements - Participate in discussions about familiar stories
Materials: - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or whiteboard markers - Fairy tale books (e.g., Cinderella, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood) - Pictures of fairy tale characters and settings - Story element graphic organizer (character, setting, plot)
Procedure:
- Warm-up (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever heard or read any fairy tales before.
- Show pictures of popular fairy tale characters and ask students if they can recognize any of them.
- Engage students in a brief discussion about their favorite fairy tales and what they like about them.
- Introduction to Story Elements (15 minutes):
- Introduce the concept of story elements by explaining that every story has certain parts that make it interesting and engaging.
- Write the three story elements (character, setting, plot) on the chart paper or whiteboard.
- Show examples of fairy tale books and point out the title, author, and illustrator.
- Explain that characters are the people or animals in a story, the setting is where and when the story takes place, and the plot is what happens in the story.
- Use examples from the fairy tale books to illustrate each story element.
- Guided Practice (15 minutes):
- Distribute the story element graphic organizer to each student.
- Choose a familiar fairy tale (e.g., Cinderella) and read it aloud to the class.
- Pause at various points in the story to discuss and fill in the graphic organizer together as a class.
- Ask students questions such as:
- Who are the main characters in the story?
- Where does the story take place?
- What is happening in the story?
- Encourage students to use their own words and ideas to describe the story elements.
- Independent Practice (5 minutes):
- In pairs or small groups, have students choose a different fairy tale book and complete the story element graphic organizer for that story.
- Circulate around the classroom to provide support and guidance as needed.
- Closure (5 minutes):
- Bring the class back together and have a few students share their completed graphic organizers.
- Summarize the lesson by reviewing the three story elements (character, setting, plot) and their importance in fairy tales.
- Connect the learning objective to students’ social and cultural background by asking if they have any traditional or cultural stories that have similar story elements.
Extension Activity: - Have students create their own fairy tale by drawing pictures and writing a short description of the characters, setting, and plot. - Encourage students to incorporate elements from their own social and cultural backgrounds into their fairy tales, such as traditional clothing, food, or celebrations.