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Literary Element - Plot

Plot refers to the sequence of events in a story. The characters are introduced at the beginning of the story. After the characters are introduced, a central conflict is developed.  Plot builds to a climax followed by resolution. 

The plot often unfolds through a chronological sequence of events. However sometimes it is told either through flashbacks (which provide background information about events occurring prior to the story), episodes (which focus on particular events in characters’ lives), or alternating points of view (which show how different characters are experiencing events in the story).

Plot can be identified and discussed through activities focused on:

  • Story order /sequence

    • Beginning-middle-end

    • Putting statements in correct plot sequence

    • More specific re-tellings of plot actions

  • Conflict

    • Problem-solution

    • Specifically defined conflicts

      • Self against self - the main character is opposed by an internal conflict

      • Self against other – the main character is opposed by another character

      • Self against society – the main character is opposed by societal pressures or norms from a group

      • Self against nature – the main character is opposed by natural phenomena

Suggested Books

Use any of the following books to teach plot to students with a lesson selected from the menu of activities:

K-2

Becker, Bonny. A Visitor for Bear, Candlewick Press, 2008.

Gay, Marie-Louse. Roslyn Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth! Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2010.

Joosse, Barbara M. Roawr! Philomel Books, 2009.

Mahy, Margaret. Bubble Trouble, Clarion Books, 2008.

McDonald, Margaret. Conejito: A Folktale from Panama, August House LittleFolk, 2006.

Perlman, Janet. The Delicious Bug, Kids Can Press, 2009.

3-4

Auch, Mary Jane and Herman Auch.  The Plot Chickens, Holiday House, 2009.

Boelts, Maribeth. Those Shoes, Candlewick Press, 2007.

Breen, Steve. Violet the Pilot, Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008.

McCarty, Peter. Jeremy Draws a Monster, Holt, 2009.

Primavera, Elise. Louise the Big Cheese, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009.

5-6

Aston, Dianna Hutts. The Moon Over Star, Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008. Kitamura, Satoshi. Stone Age Boy, Candlewick Press, 2007.

Milway, Katie Smith. One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, Kids Can Press, 2008.

Rumford, James. Rain School, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2010.

Winter, Jeanette. Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story, Harcourt, 2008.

Lesson:

Plot - Menu of Activities (SMART Activity) - Grades K-4 - Teaches students to articulate plot elements through a variety of activities, including SMART Board and computer.

Updated by Debra Dorzweiler and Anne Marie Kraus
February, 2011

This page was last updated on February 10, 2011.