Composing a Short Story Structure English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: English Language

Class: Primary 6

Term: First Term

Week: 9

Age: 10-11 years

Topic: Writing: Composing a Short Story

Sub-topic: Creating Characters, Setting, and Plot

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify and describe characters in a short story.
2. Create a setting and plot for their own short story.
3. Write a coherent short story using the characters, setting, and plot they develop.

Keywords:

• Characters
• Setting
• Plot
• Short Story
• Coherence

Set Induction:

The teacher will start by asking pupils to recall their favorite stories and discuss what made them interesting. The teacher will highlight the importance of characters, setting, and plot in storytelling.

Entry Behaviour:

Learners are familiar with basic story elements such as characters, setting, and plot from previous lessons in narrative writing.

Learning Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Story prompts and pictures
• Worksheets for story planning

Instructional Materials:

• Examples of short stories
• Character and setting templates
• Plot diagram

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher will connect the lesson to pupils’ prior knowledge of reading and discussing stories, emphasizing how these elements make a story engaging.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Creative writing
• Critical thinking
• Organization and coherence in writing
• Imagination and expression

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Primary 6 English Textbook

Content:

1. Characters:

• Characters are the people or animals in a story.
• Examples:
  • A brave knight on a quest.
  • A clever fox who outsmarts other animals.
  • A young girl who finds a magical object.
  • An old wizard who teaches important lessons.
  • A talking dog who helps solve mysteries.

2. Setting:

• Setting is where and when the story takes place.
• Examples:
  • A magical forest where enchanted creatures live.
  • A busy city with lots of people and activities.
  • A quiet village with friendly townsfolk.
  • An abandoned castle with hidden secrets.
  • A futuristic space station exploring distant planets.

3. Plot:

• Plot is the sequence of events in the story.
• Examples:
  • Beginning: A character discovers a mysterious map.
  • Middle: The character faces challenges to find the treasure.
  • End: The character succeeds and learns an important lesson.
  • Beginning: A storm causes a shipwreck.
  • Middle: Survivors build a raft to escape.
  • End: They are rescued and return home with new friends.

Evaluation:

Fill in the blank with the correct answer:

1. Characters are ________ in a story.
   a) Objects
   b) Settings
   c) People or animals
2. The setting of a story refers to ________.
   a) The characters’ actions
   b) The time and place
   c) The story’s problem
3. Plot is the sequence of ________ in a story.
   a) Characters
   b) Settings
   c) Events
4. A magical forest is an example of a ________.
   a) Character
   b) Setting
   c) Plot
5. The challenges faced by characters are part of the ________.
   a) Setting
   b) Characters
   c) Plot
6. A brave knight is an example of a ________.
   a) Setting
   b) Plot
   c) Character
7. A quiet village is an example of a ________.
   a) Plot
   b) Character
   c) Setting
8. Finding a magical object could be part of the ________.
   a) Characters
   b) Setting
   c) Plot
9. The sequence of events in a story is called the ________.
   a) Character
   b) Plot
   c) Setting
10. An old wizard teaching lessons is an example of a ________.
    a) Setting
    b) Plot
    c) Character
11. A futuristic space station is an example of a ________.
    a) Plot
    b) Setting
    c) Character
12. The story of a young girl finding a magical object involves ________.
    a) Setting
    b) Characters
    c) Plot
13. **The place where a story happens is called the ________.
    a) Plot
    b) Character
    c) Setting
14. A clever fox solving mysteries is an example of a ________.
    a) Setting
    b) Plot
    c) Character
15. The events leading to the conclusion of a story are part of the ________.
    a) Setting
    b) Characters
    c) Plot

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What are the three main elements of a short story?
   Answer: Characters, setting, and plot.
2. How can you describe a character in your story?
   Answer: By mentioning their traits, actions, and roles.
3. Why is the setting important in a story?
   Answer: It provides the background and context where the story takes place.
4. How do you develop a plot?
   Answer: By outlining the sequence of events from beginning to end.
5. Give an example of a plot twist.
   Answer: A character discovering a hidden talent that changes the outcome of the story.
6. How does setting influence the plot of a story?
   Answer: It provides the backdrop and can affect how the plot unfolds.
7. Why is coherence important in a short story?
   Answer: It ensures that the story flows logically and is easy to follow.
8. How can you create a compelling character?
   Answer: By giving them clear traits and a purpose in the story.
9. What role does conflict play in the plot?
   Answer: It drives the story forward and creates interest.
10. How do you conclude a short story effectively?
    Answer: By resolving the main conflict and showing the outcome for the characters.
11. What is the first step in writing a short story?
    Answer: Creating characters and deciding on the setting.
12. How can you make your plot engaging?
    Answer: By adding twists and keeping the reader interested.
13. Why is it helpful to use story prompts?
    Answer: They provide ideas to start writing and spark creativity.
14. How can you revise your story to improve coherence?
    Answer: By checking if the events flow logically and making necessary changes.
15. What is the importance of a well-defined setting in a story?
    Answer: It helps the reader visualize the story and understand the context.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Reading a Passage on National Values.” Pupils will recall the elements of a passage and their significance.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by explaining the elements of a short story: characters, setting, and plot. The teacher provides examples and guides pupils through creating their own short story.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to create their own short stories using the provided elements. The teacher reviews and provides feedback on the pupils’ stories.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the elements of a short story.
• Provide examples and story prompts.
• Guide pupils in writing their own short stories.
• Review and give feedback on the pupils’ stories.

Learners’ Activities:

• Discuss the elements of a short story.
• Use prompts to create their own stories.
• Share their stories with the class and provide feedback to peers.

Assessment:

1. Describe the main elements of a short story.
2. Write a short story including characters, setting, and plot.
3. Identify the characters in a given short story.
4. Explain the setting of a story you read.
5. Outline the plot of a short story.

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ stories, offering praise and corrections where necessary. The teacher emphasizes the importance of characters, setting, and plot in creating engaging stories.