Lesson Introduction: Predicting the Structure of a Story
Objective
Today, we’ll explore how writers organize their stories and how we can predict what will happen next based on the text structure. Understanding text structure helps us become better readers and writers!
Hook: The Mysterious Package
Step 1: Engage Their Curiosity
Bring a wrapped box (or a large book with a beautifully designed cover) to class!
- As you hold the box/book, say: "Today, we have a mystery to solve! This package/book has a story inside, and I need your help to figure out what it might be about."
Step 2: Predicting the Contents
- Invite students to gather around and take a close look at the package/book.
- Ask them questions like:
- "What do you think is inside? Why do you think that?"
- "What clues do you see on the outside that help you predict what’s inside?"
Step 3: Connect to Text Structure
- After discussing their predictions, introduce the concept of text structure. Explain:
- "Just like this package/book, every story has a structure. It has parts that help us understand what will happen next."
Step 4: Set the Challenge
- Start a Prediction Game!
- Show them a few titles of stories or books (without revealing the plots) and have them predict the story's structure based on the title and any illustrations or visuals you may have.
- Organize them into small groups to discuss their predictions.
Transition
With their predictions in mind, we’ll dive deeper into how understanding the structure of texts can enhance our reading skills and make us better storytellers!
This engaging introduction sets the tone for an interactive and thoughtful lesson on text structure and prediction, fostering curiosity and collaboration among the students.