Sample Lesson Plan
Creative Writing: Character and Conflict
Assignment: In Fiction Unit of Creative Writing Short Form for 8th graders
Time: about 45 minute
Goals: Engagement in writing, understanding of plot and character
After short lesson about character and plot, students receive in-class assignment:
"Create a character with a goal or dream they wish to succeed in. Start writing a short story introducing the character and setting up their goals. Set up the scene and wait for further instructions before moving forward."
Give students 10-15 minutes to create the character and the scene. Stop them, then have them pair off and exchange stories. Once each student has a new character, assign the following:
"Now read about the new character; your new goal is to ruin this character's day. Challenge the character, throw obstacles in their way, any way to get in the way of their goals. The only rules are you cannot kill the character and that you need to be respectful."
Give students 10 minutes to add to the story. After that, instruct them to stop and give the characters back to their original creators. Give them the final instructions:
"Reread the story and give your character resolution. Whether it is helping your character accomplish their original goals or create new goals. Finish their story."
Give students 10 minutes to finish their stories. After they are done, allow students to read their stories and share with class (either out loud or in small groups).
Finish discussion by with key points:
1)Ask students how they felt about the activity.
2)Make sure to question how it was to take over another student's story. Was it easier to create? Was it more difficult?
3)Discuss plot and point out that this is the standard idea of a short story: a character has a goal or goals, there are obstacles in their way, which they navigate through toward an end goal (whether it is their original or brand new goals).
Time: about 45 minute
Goals: Engagement in writing, understanding of plot and character
After short lesson about character and plot, students receive in-class assignment:
"Create a character with a goal or dream they wish to succeed in. Start writing a short story introducing the character and setting up their goals. Set up the scene and wait for further instructions before moving forward."
Give students 10-15 minutes to create the character and the scene. Stop them, then have them pair off and exchange stories. Once each student has a new character, assign the following:
"Now read about the new character; your new goal is to ruin this character's day. Challenge the character, throw obstacles in their way, any way to get in the way of their goals. The only rules are you cannot kill the character and that you need to be respectful."
Give students 10 minutes to add to the story. After that, instruct them to stop and give the characters back to their original creators. Give them the final instructions:
"Reread the story and give your character resolution. Whether it is helping your character accomplish their original goals or create new goals. Finish their story."
Give students 10 minutes to finish their stories. After they are done, allow students to read their stories and share with class (either out loud or in small groups).
Finish discussion by with key points:
1)Ask students how they felt about the activity.
2)Make sure to question how it was to take over another student's story. Was it easier to create? Was it more difficult?
3)Discuss plot and point out that this is the standard idea of a short story: a character has a goal or goals, there are obstacles in their way, which they navigate through toward an end goal (whether it is their original or brand new goals).