Lesson Plan
Start this lesson by writing on the chalkboard
the words problem and solution. Introduce the words
and discuss their meanings. Activate students' prior knowledge by
asking them if they ever have had a problem to solve. Call on several
students to share their thoughts.
Next, introduce a chart with four columns and
headings:
Somebody---Wanted --- But --- So
Explain to students that many problems and solutions
can be illustrated by filling in the 4-column chart.
- Somebody is a person who wants or
needs something.
- Wanted is the thing that person wants
or needs.
- But is the problem that is getting
in the way of what the person wants or needs.
- So is the solution to the problem.
Use the chart format above to illustrate a
problem or two that the students shared in the previous discussion.
Then read to students the story of The
Three Little Pigs. Work as a class to complete the Somebody---Wanted
--- But --- So chart to illustrate the story.
Prior to reading The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne Cherry, invite students to share their prior knowledge
about the rain forest. Write students' comments on a chalkboard
or chart.
Next, introduce the story of The Great Kapok
Tree. Before reading, explain to students that there is a problem
in the story that needs to be solved.
After reading, discuss the problem that was
central to the story. What was the problem? What events led to a
resolution of the problem? How was the problem solved? Have students
work on their own to fill in the Somebody---Wanted --- But ---
So chart.
Assessment
Students demonstrate an understanding of the development of plot
and of how conflicts are resolved in a story by completing correctly
the Somebody---Wanted --- But --- So chart. The final chart
should include the following information:
