Mini Lesson Ideas

          Mini lessons are really great to start off the morning for class. I created this mini lesson for during my teaching of Plot structure to my students. It can be used for any topic. The instructor would just have to incorporate his/her topic into the lesson.

Mini Lesson: Students will gather on the floor in rows to have a clear view of the lesson being presented. The teacher will open up the lesson by asking students questions about what they know or have heard about plot structure to promote interaction between students. Teacher will let students give their opinions on the topic without answering or adding on to any comments. This is the prediction stage. When finished, the teacher will then make an anchor chart on plot structure and explain to students what plot structure is, the components of a plot structure (exposition, Rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution) and its definition, how to find each component, and how to fill out a plot structure chart. The teacher will then leave the chart on the board and will read the book “The Hundred Dresses” by Eleanor Estes. While reading, the teacher should stop at points in the book to discuss events with the class to ensure student’s comprehension. After reading teacher should guide students as they attempt to fill out a plot structure chart on the board. Teacher should have class work together to discuss what events should go on each section in the chart.