Challenge Grant Learning Interchange (Unit)

Lesson 1: Introducing the Elements of Fiction

Developed by Bonnie Frazier & Brian Grisetti

Lesson 1: Introducing the Elements of Fiction

The focus of this lesson is the definition and identifcation of the elements of fiction, how the elements improve a story, and what would happen if an element is weak or underdeveloped.

a. The elements of fiction are theme, character, setting, and plot.
b. A plot has a conflict which must be resolved.
c. Stories are enhanced through the use of dialogue or conversation.
d. The integration of the elements of fiction creates the framework for a story.
e. Story effectiveness is diminished when one or more of the elements are removed.

Subject:English/Languages Arts
Learning Level: Middle School
Author(s): Bonnie Frazier & Brian Grisetti
Submitted by: Brian Grisetti

Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiencees for a variety of purposes.

Time Frame: 1 � 2 days (50 minute class periods)

Materials/Resources: Collection of Pacific Northwest Raven tales, found in plentitude on the Internet.

Pre-lesson preparation: Become familiar with the legends of the raven, as well as some characteristics of the Native Americans of the Northwest and the actual bird:
http://www.seanet.com/-eldrbarry/rabb/rvn/r_scm.htm
http://www.nativeworld.com/legends/legend4/htm.
http://www.graphic.org/goindex.html
For additional resources, using a search engine, type in keywords Native American Raven

Two Trade Books that are excellent are:
Rainbow Crow retold by Nancy Van Laan & illustrated by Beatriz Vidal
Raven: A Trickster from the Pacific Northwest by Gerald McDermott

1. The students listen to a tale about ravens read by the teacher. (See Teacher Information for suggested sources).
2. The students will create a reenactment of a tale about ravens.
3. The students will discuss in small groups and list in their journals the various elements of fiction, including theme, characters, setting, plot (including introduction, conflict resolution, and conclusion), and dialogue.
4. As a whole class, the students will discuss the question, "How would eliminating one or more of the elements affect the story?"
5. After finishing the discussison, each student will create a Tree Map in their individual journals, branching each element of fiction and citing examples from the story.

Student journals will be checked for completion of elements of fiction and tree maps.

Pencil, paper
Journals
Tree Map overhead
Computer
Tape-recorder
Variety of tales of the raven from the Pacific Northwest Native American tribes collected by the teacher.