Building a Story

Lesson 2- Building a Story

Objective:Students will be able to identify classic plot structure by identifying examples during a PowerPoint presentation.

Material

• Plot Lines PowerPoint
• Projector

Lecture

1. Before they decide on their stories we will look at classic plot structures that we could follow to help tell our story.
2. Each person will need to choose one as the structure for their story.
3. Bring up PowerPoint on the projector.
4. The PowerPoint will show written examples of the various plots structures, their names, and video clip examples of the plot structure.

1. 1. Overcoming the Monster- ex. star wars, avatar, David and goliath
   2. Rags to Riches - ex. Cinderella, great expectations
   3. Voyage and Return - Ex. Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz
   4. The Quest - Ex. Lord of The Rings
   5. Comedy - Freaky Friday, The Proposal
   6. Tragedy - Romeo and Juliet, Sweeney Todd
   7. Rebirth - Beauty and the beast , Christmas Carol

* As found on http://www.sparkol.com/engage/the-7-universal-story-plots-that-still-entrance-audiences/

Activity:60 Second Stories

1. Split the class into 8 groups
2. Assign each group a different plot structure.
3. The groups must tell an established story like a fairy-tale or film plot.
4. They will have 1 minute to perform the stories just like the clip in the PowerPoint.
5. Give the students 5-10 minutes to decide and rehearse how they will tell the story to the class.
6. Have each group perform.
7. Ask the class to identify the plot structure and share their reasoning.
8. After each performance discuss what structure and technique were being used and how the students might remember them.