Daniela Cupples:

Saturday, March 05, 2016

EDU516
Book Study Project Lesson Plan 1
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ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS STORY CUBE
GRADE: 4
Genre: Historical Fiction

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STANDARDS
RL 4.2
Key Ideas and Details
Determine the theme of a story, drama, or poem from details from the text;
summarize the text.
W 4.9

Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,

reflection, and research.
a. Apply grade 4 Reading standards to literature (e.g., Describe in depth a
character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the
text [e.g., a characters thoughts, words, or actions].).

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OBJECTIVES
Students will read and analyze the plot of the fictional story Island of the
Blue Dolphins and create a story cube that outlines the elements of the
story.
Student objectives:

I can use details and examples to describe a character, setting, plot, mood
and theme.
I read fluently and understand fiction texts.
I can write about what the characters say, feel, and think.

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MATERIALS
Class set of book Island of the Blue Dolphins
Story Cube Planning Worksheet/Rubric
Access to computers with Internet access
Colored pencils to decorate story cubes
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ANTICIPATORY SET:
Introductory activity: With dimmed lights in the room and ocean music playing in

the background, read chapter one of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott ODell
aloud to the students.
Anticipatory Set: Ask students to describe the narrator of the story and how she
feels.

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INTRODUCTION TO NEW MATERIAL

Teacher introduces the genre of Historical Fiction.

Teacher introduces new Vocabulary
New vocabulary for each chapter is introduced at the beginning of
chapter. Students work in pairs to research a word and create a
definition card. Words and definition cards for the chapter are displayed
on the Island of the Blue Dolphins Word Wall.

Examples: Vocabulary Chapter 1+2

Teacher guides reading activities: Reading of novel is done in different formats:

o Whole class reading for some chapters, teacher and

students take turns.
o Silent reading
o Small group reading
o Elbow partner reading
Teacher introduces organizational structure of historical fiction, uses
the Cube Planning Sheet to talk about the different parts. Characters,
setting, conflict, resolution and theme.
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GUIDED PRACTICE
As students read the chapters they work on their story cube planning sheets.
Through the use of an LCD projector and document camera, the Teacher
models how to add a character, the whole class discusses the main
character. Students think of other characters and add them to their planning
sheets.
This practice continues with other parts of the story, students continue
working on the planning sheet throughout the reading of the story. Teacher
checks on student progress as they work on planning sheets and reinforces
concepts as needed.
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INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

Students apply the concepts learned by creating a story cube. Students use the
Read Write Think Story Cube Creator to create their story cubes.
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/cube_creator/
Students are introduced to the project rubric and use it as a tool to enhance
their project work; the teacher shows a sample of a finished story cube.
Students decorate the cubes with color pencils and assemble the cubes.

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CLOSURE:
Gallery walk of finished story cubes. Story cubes of the entire class are
displayed and students share their story cube by sharing their favorite part
of the story.
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ASSESSMENT
Story cubes will be assessed with the attached rubric.
Students take the Accelerated Reader quiz about the book.
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ACCOMMODATIONS & MODIFICATIONS
ELD/SPED: Students are introduced to vocabulary in small groups. Teacher
reads parts of the story with students in small groups, group discussions are
used to analyze the story. Teacher discusses and models notetaking and
works with students to fill out the planning sheet for story cube. The story
word wall is used as a reference tool to support the students in their writing.
GIFTED: Students work at an advanced pace. Students add additional
elements to their story cubes by creating a base for the cube. Additional
elements include but are not limited to mood, style, additional illustrations.
Students analyze the use figurative language in the text: foreshadowing, and
symbols.
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Why is this lesson effective?
This lesson guides the students through the reading of historical fiction and
the organizational structure of the genre by using clear examples, and
guided activities. Students gain hands-on experience by creating the story
cube.
Universal Strategies and Objectives that support all learners:

Modeling of project outcomes and expectations. The teacher

introduces the project rubric and shows an example project.
The Project integrates collaborative features, group readings of
chapters, elbow partner work for vocabulary words, and group work.
This fosters a low stress, encouraging environment.
The class created word wall serves as a support.