Subject: Identify the elements of short story

Grade Level: Grade 4

Objective:
1. Identify the elements of short story
2. Discuss the elements of short story
3. Get the significance of the story through group discussion

Learning within the curriculum:

1. The topic of “Character Development” delves into how characters are created and
their roles in a story, which is crucial for understanding the elements of a short story.
2. “Plot Structure” focuses on how the sequence of events in a story unfolds,
allowing students to see how the plot interacts with other elements like setting and
theme, thus enhancing their comprehension of short stories.

Learning across the curriculum:

1. In English, students will learn about narrative techniques which will deepen their
understanding of how stories are crafted, thus connecting to the elements of a short
story.
2. In Arts, students can explore visual storytelling, analyzing how illustrations can
represent the elements of a short story, further enriching their comprehension of
narrative forms.

Review Motivation:
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Instructional Materials: Chart paper, markers
Energizer 1: "Story Elements Relay" - Divide the class into small groups. Each
group will race to write down as many elements of a short story (e.g., character,
setting, plot, conflict, theme) as they can on the chart paper. The first group to finish
gets a small prize.
Energizer 2: "Element Charades" - Without any materials, students will take turns
acting out one element of a short story while others guess what it is. This will engage
students and activate prior knowledge in a fun way.

Activities
Activity 1: "Create Your Own Story Element Map"
Teaching Strategy: Project-based Learning
Materials: Chart paper, colored markers
Significance: This activity allows students to visually represent their understanding
of the elements of a short story, reinforcing their learning through creativity.

Instructions:
1. In groups, students will create a story element map that includes character,
setting, plot, conflict, and theme.
2. Each group will select a short story they have read and fill in their map with
specific examples from that story.
3. Groups will present their maps to the class, explaining each element and its
significance in the story.

Rubrics:
- Clarity of presentation: 5 pts.
- Completeness of story elements: 5 pts.
- Creativity of the map: 5 pts.

Assessment Questions:
1. What element of the story do you think is the most important and why?
2. How does the setting influence the characters in the story you chose?
3. Can you identify a conflict in your story? What is its significance?
Activity 2: "Group Discussion on Story Significance"
Teaching Strategy: Interactive Learning
Materials: none
Significance: Engaging in group discussions helps students articulate their thoughts
and understand different perspectives regarding the significance of the story
elements.

Instructions:
1. In small groups, students will discuss the significance of the elements they
identified in their story maps.
2. Each group will choose a spokesperson to summarize their discussion points to
the class.
3. After all groups have presented, hold a class discussion to synthesize the findings.

Rubrics:
- Participation in discussion: 5 pts.
- Ability to articulate thoughts: 5 pts.
- Engagement with peers: 5 pts.

Assessment Questions:
1. Why do you think understanding the elements of a story is important?
2. How does discussing the story with your peers change your perception of it?
3. Can you relate any elements of the story to your own life experiences?

Analysis:
Activity 1 - This activity encourages collaboration and creativity, allowing students to
express their understanding of story elements visually. It connects to the objective by
reinforcing the identification and discussion of these elements in a structured way.
Activity 2 - The group discussion enhances critical thinking and communication skills,
as students must articulate their thoughts and engage with their peers, directly
aligning with the objective of discussing story elements.

Abstraction:
Understanding the elements of a short story allows students to appreciate the
construction of narratives and their significance. Recognizing patterns in characters,
settings, and plots can deepen their insight into storytelling. Furthermore, discussing
these elements fosters critical thinking about the themes and messages in literature.

Application:
Teaching Strategy: Inquiry-Based Learning
1. Task: Students will choose a short story from their reading list and identify the
elements discussed in class. They will then write a reflection on how these elements
contribute to the overall meaning of the story.
2. Task: Students will create a short skit that incorporates at least three elements of
a story they learned about, which they will perform for the class.
Discussion: Students will reflect on how the elements they identified in their stories
influenced their understanding and enjoyment of the narratives.

Assessment:
Teaching Strategy: Formative Assessment

Questions:
1. What are the five main elements of a short story?
2. How does the conflict in a story affect the characters involved?
3. Why is the theme of a story important to its overall message?

For Higher Order Thinking Skills:

Questions:
1. How might the story change if a different character was the protagonist?
2. In what ways do the setting and time period influence the plot of a story?
3. Can you think of a story where the theme is particularly relevant to today's
society?

Answers:
1. The story might present different challenges and perspectives, altering the
reader's connection to the plot.
2. The setting and time period provide context that shapes characters' actions and
motivations, impacting the overall narrative.
3. Many stories reflect societal issues, allowing readers to draw parallels between
the narrative and real-world experiences, enriching their understanding of both.

Assignment:
1. Students will write a short story of their own, ensuring to include all the elements
discussed in class. They will then share their stories in small groups, providing
feedback to one another about how well the elements were incorporated.