| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | How to write a realistic fiction paragraph and include 3 facts from two non-fiction articles |
| What length (min) | 45 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 3 |
| Class size | 24 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 10 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Year 3 (Grade 3)
English Language Arts
45 minutes
24 students
This lesson aligns with the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts for writing narratives and incorporating information from various genres.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Introduce the lesson topic and objectives. Explain what realistic fiction is and how non-fiction can be integrated. |
| 2 | Group Activity | 10 | Divide students into groups of 4. Each group reads provided non-fiction articles and discusses 3 key facts. |
| 3 | Physical Activity Break | 5 | Conduct a short physical activity to refocus the students (e.g., stretching or a quick game). |
| 4 | Writing Instructions | 5 | Explain how to write a realistic fiction paragraph using the discussed facts as inspiration. Provide examples. |
| 5 | Printable Card Activity | 5 | Distribute printable cards for students to fill in with facts and ideas for their paragraphs during writing time. |
| 6 | Individual Writing Time | 10 | Students will write their paragraphs using the facts they’ve gathered and the ideas on their cards. |
| 7 | Collection of Cards | 3 | Collect the cards or randomly check them to see what students have filled in, providing feedback as needed. |
| 8 | Homework Assignment | 2 | Assign homework related to the lesson without asking students to present their work in class. |
At the end of the lesson, summarize key takeaways and remind students to apply what they learned in their homework. Reinforce the importance of blending fictional narrative with factual information.
"Good morning, class! Today, we are going to explore how to write a realistic fiction paragraph. Our objective for today's lesson is to not only learn how to write this type of paragraph but to also integrate some facts from non-fiction sources.
Can anyone tell me what realistic fiction is? That's right! Realistic fiction tells a story that could happen in real life, even if it's imaginative. And today, we will learn how to make our stories more believable by including facts from non-fiction articles.
Are you excited to dive in and learn? Great! Let's get started!"
"Now, I would like to divide you into groups of four. Each group will receive a non-fiction article. Your task is to read it together and discuss three key facts that stand out to you. Remember, these facts will help you create a more realistic fiction paragraph later on.
You have about 10 minutes to read and discuss. I’ll walk around and check in with each group to help with any discussions. Ready? Let's go!"
"Alright, everyone! I can see that you've done a fantastic job with your discussions. Now it's time for a quick physical activity break! Let's stand up and do some stretches.
Follow my lead: Reach your arms high up to the sky and then touch your toes! Great! Now let’s do some jumping jacks together. Count with me! One, two, three... Keep going!
Now that we are all energized, let’s sit back down and get ready to learn how to write our paragraphs!"
"Now that we are refocused, let’s talk about how to write our realistic fiction paragraphs. First, you will think about the key facts your group discussed.
When crafting your paragraph, remember to:
For example, if one of your facts is about a specific animal, you could write about a boy who finds this animal and what happens next.
Do you have any questions about how to start? Great! Let’s move on to the next part."
"Next, it’s time for the printable card activity. I will distribute these cards to each of you. On these cards, write down three facts from your non-fiction article and any ideas you have for your paragraph.
This will help you organize your thoughts before you begin writing. Take about five minutes to fill in your cards. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask!"
"Now it’s time for you to write your realistic fiction paragraphs! You have 10 minutes to write, using the facts from your cards and your prior discussions.
Remember to refer back to the structures and examples we talked about earlier. Use this time to let your creativity flow! Begin writing now!"
"Okay, pencils down! I would like to quickly collect your cards. This helps me see the facts you were inspired by. I’ll walk around and give quick feedback. If you have any questions as you move along, please let me know."
"For your homework, I would like you to finish your realistic fiction paragraphs at home. Make sure to include what we’ve learned today and review the key facts you've gathered.
You do not need to present this in class, just be ready to submit it next time we meet.
Good job today, everyone! Remember to apply what we learned about blending fiction with non-fiction into your homework. Keep practicing your writing skills!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom setting with students} | - Good morning, class! - Explore realistic fiction writing. - Integrate facts from non-fiction. - What is realistic fiction? (Story could happen in real life) |
| 2 | {Image: Students discussing in groups} | - Group activity: - Form groups of four. - Read assigned non-fiction article. - Discuss three key facts. - 10 minutes for discussion. |
| 3 | {Image: Students stretching together} | - Physical activity break: - Stand up and stretch. - Reach arms to the sky, touch toes. - Do jumping jacks together. |
| 4 | {Image: Writing materials on a desk} | - Writing instructions: - Reflect on key facts discussed. - Start with an engaging sentence. - Introduce characters and setting. - Use facts to create conflict. |
| 5 | {Image: Printable cards and pens} | - Printable card activity: - Write three facts from your article. - Outline ideas for paragraph. - 5 minutes to complete. |
| 6 | {Image: A student writing at a desk} | - Individual writing time: - Write your realistic fiction paragraph. - 10 minutes to write. - Use facts and structures discussed. |
| 7 | {Image: Teacher collecting papers} | - Collection of cards: - Pencils down! - Collecting cards to see inspiration. - Quick feedback session. |
| 8 | {Image: Homework assignment on a board} | - Homework assignment: - Finish realistic fiction paragraphs at home. - Include learned elements and key facts. - Submit next class. |
| 9 | {Image: A notebook with writing prompts} | - Key takeaways: - Importance of blending fiction with non-fiction. - Remember the story structure. - Continuous practice in writing skills. |
| 10 | {Image: A thumbs up sign} | - Good job today! - Excited for your creativity in writing! - Keep practicing! - See you next time! |
Define realistic fiction in your own words. Why is it important for the stories to feel believable?
List three key elements you learned about writing a realistic fiction paragraph from today's lesson.
Describe the process of integrating facts from non-fiction sources into your realistic fiction writing. Why do you think this is beneficial?
Based on the physical activity break, what are some ways to keep your body energized while studying? List at least two activities.
Write down one fact from the non-fiction article your group discussed. How can you incorporate this fact into a story idea?
What are two strategies you can use to create an engaging opening sentence for your realistic fiction paragraph?
Reflect on your writing experience today: what part of the writing process did you find most challenging and why?
How did the printable card activity help you organize your thoughts for writing your paragraph? Provide specific examples.
Complete the following sentence: "To enhance my story, I will include a conflict that involves ___" based on the facts discussed in your group.
Why is peer discussion important in the writing process? Provide two reasons based on today's group activity.
Realistic fiction is a genre that tells imaginative stories that could happen in real life, and it is important because it helps readers connect with the narrative and characters on a more personal level.
The three key elements are: starting with an engaging sentence, introducing characters and setting, and using key facts to create conflict or situations.
The process involves reading non-fiction articles to gather facts, discussing these facts, and then including them in the narrative to make the fiction more relatable and authentic. It is beneficial because it adds credibility and depth to the story.
Examples of energizing activities include doing stretches and physical exercises like jumping jacks.
(Student's answer will vary based on the article discussed, such as an interesting fact about an animal, historical event, etc.)
Two strategies might include using a surprising fact to grab attention or asking a thought-provoking question to engage the reader.
(Student's reflection will vary, but may include aspects such as struggling with getting started or developing characters.)
The printable card activity helped students organize their ideas by allowing them to distill key facts and brainstorm story ideas clearly before writing.
(Student's answer will vary based on the fact they choose to include.)
Peer discussion is important because it fosters collaboration, allowing students to refine their ideas through feedback, and it helps to clarify thoughts by explaining concepts to others.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is realistic fiction? | |
| Why is it important to include facts from non-fiction in a realistic fiction paragraph? | |
| What are the three key components to include when writing your paragraph? | |
| Can you give an example of how a non-fiction fact can be transformed into a story element? | |
| What activities did we do to help energize before writing our paragraphs? | |
| How much time were you given to write your realistic fiction paragraph? | |
| What steps should you take when starting your paragraph? | |
| How can discussing your article with your group help in writing your paragraph? | |
| What are some ways to make your opening sentence engaging? | |
| What will you be submitting for homework? |
Can you think of a time when you had to use a fact from real life to solve a problem or make a decision in a story? What was the situation?
How does including a factual element in your fiction make the story feel more relatable to readers? Can you give an example?
If you could write a realistic fiction story about any animal, what would it be and which fact would you include from the non-fiction article you read?
What are some key characteristics of a character in your story that could be influenced by the factual information you've learned? How might that change the plot?
How do you think the setting of your story can enhance the realism when you incorporate factual elements? Can you describe a setting that would work well with what you've learned?
Let’s stand up, it’s time to play,
A little stretch to start our day.
Reach your arms up to the sky,
Now touch your toes, give it a try!
Now some jumping jacks, let’s count loud,
One, two, three—be proud, be proud!
Shake it out, let your energy flow,
With these exercises, we’re ready to go!
How about some arm circles, big and wide?
Feel that stretch, let it glide!
Turn and twist, let’s have some fun,
Our body’s awake, our minds are on the run!
Now let’s march in place, lift those knees,
Feel the rhythm, move with ease.
A hop to the left, then a skip to the right,
With these simple moves, we feel just right!
So remember to move and take a break,
It helps our minds, make no mistake.
Exercise is fun, it keeps us bright,
Now let’s dive back into learning, alright?