Lightning Plot

6th Grade English/Language Arts

Grade Level/Subject:
Standards Targeted:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.3
Describe how a particular storys or dramas plot unfolds in
a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond
or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Goal Statement:

Why is it important for students to learn this? The goal of

this lesson is to review the elements of a story and deepen
students understanding of a fictional text through plot
analysis. When students understand how plot unfolds in a
series of episodes, as well as how characters respond, they
gain a deeper understanding and connection to what they
read.

Objectives:

The Learner Will:

Review the characteristics of the literary element of plot.

Demonstrate an understanding of plot structure by applying
the term in familiar contexts.
Use a plot diagram graphic organizer to present their analysis
of plot structure.

Multimodal Text/Resource:

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. A

graphic novel by Rick Riodan 2010. Disney Hyperion Books:
New York
Elements of Plot Diagram Powerpoint Presentation
retrieved from: alex.state.al.us/uploads/.../Elements%20of%20a
%20Plot%20Diagram]

Materials Needed:

Materials are listed:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning

Thief
Graphic Novel (This lesson can be done with any
Graphic Novel adaptation) You will need a class set
so that each student can have their own copy to
work with.
Elements of Plot Diagram Powerpoint Presentation
retrieved from: alex.state.al.us/uploads/.../Elements%20of%20a
%20Plot%20Diagram]

Blank Plot Diagram Template

Access to Computers with the internet and Adobe
Reader
Pens, Pencils, Markers, Colored Pencils
Large Chart Paper

Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Today we will be reviewing what weve learned about
story structure and Plot. We will do this by reading a graphic novel,
which is a novel that has been transformed into a comic strip!
Procedures:
Part 1
1) Activate students prior knowledge by asking them to discuss the
elements of plot structure. This should have been previously taught
before doing this lesson.
2) Revisit the Plot Powerpoint by going over each element of the plot
briefly as a review.
3) Be certain that all students completely understand plot structure,
and can accurately define exposition, rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution.
4) Once the Plot review is complete, introduce the graphic novel with
any anticipatory activities you choose. This can be a questionnaire,
excerpt from the actual novel, research activity on Greek Mythology,
or even an interesting scene from the movie adaptation. (The
introduction to the graphic novel is at the teachers discretion)
Part 2
5) For the next 3 days, have students read the entire graphic novel.
Divide the novel into to three sections, so that students can read
one-third of the graphic novel each day. This can be done with a
partner, in guided reading groups, or even independently. To keep
students accountable, after reading, the teacher can create exit
tickets with brief comprehension questions that assess the students
reading progress, or evaluative questions that require students to
analyze the text through extended response. (optional)
6) Inform students that the images in graphic novels are meant to help
increase their understanding of the text, and be sure to use the
pictures to help them visualize the elements of the plot.
7) Pass out the Plot Diagram Template. Tell students that they will need
to keep their graphic organizers for the entire week, as they will be
completing them each day as they are rereading the story.

8) Place students in groups of 5 so that they can begin completing

their Plot Diagrams as a group.
9) To help scaffold students understanding, model how students would
identify the Exposition of the novel by looking for the characters,
setting and any background information given at the beginning of
the story.
10) As groups are completing their own story maps on their plot
diagram templates, pass out the large chart paper so that they can
transfer their entire plot diagrams, and make one large group
poster.
11) This activity may take more than one day. When groups are
finished they can share their Lightning Thief Plot Posters with the
rest of the class.
Differentiation/Modifications:
Students who may struggle can be placed in groups with
students be placed in heterogeneous groups with students who
excel. Also, Students with IEP/504 accommodations will work
closely in groups with the Intervention Specialist. Using a graphic
novel helps visual learners and struggling readers fully
comprehend the text. The pictures aid students in understanding
what they read.
Assessment:

This is a performance task, and students will be assessed on

their ability to work in groups and complete their Plot Posters.
Students can also be assessed on their comprehension with exit
tickets, which can be found in Part 2 of this lesson.

Extensions:

There are two possible extensions to this lesson

1. Show the movie adaptation of Percy Jackson and the
Olympians and have students compare and contrast their
experiences with watching the movie an reading the graphic
novel
2. Student can visit an interactive website and create their own
adventurous comic strips, similar to graphic novels , at
www.makebeliefscomix.com