Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)

Lesson Idea Name: Plot Diagrams

Content Area: ELA
Grade Level(s): 6th

Content Standard Addressed: ELAGSE6RL3: Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a
series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Technology Standard Addressed: ISTE 1.3: Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools
to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves
and others.

Selected Technology Tool: Bubbl.us

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable): https://bubbl.us/

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☐ Remembering ☐ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

In terms of Universal Design for Learning, this activity is somewhat limited since this activity uses only one
technology tool. However, in terms of classroom layout, students can choose to work on their laptops either
standing up or sitting on dynamic seats. In some cases where students would benefit from collaborative
learning, they can discuss their ideas with peers but overall, they cannot complete the assignment together.
By looking at the UDL wheel, we can see that this activity uses multiple means of representation. This is
because there are options provided for comprehension. Students are using their background knowledge and
guiding information to help them extend their learning. With the tool of Bubbl.us, visual learners can
comprehend concepts easier by seeing them written out. Additionally, these students can be more engaged
because they have say over the design, color, and font of their plot diagram. If some students are visually
impaired, they can verbally explain their plot diagram to their teacher or they can work with other students.
With Bubbl.us, students can also do concept mapping and timelines. This can be used for multiple disciplines.
By using these types of assignments, it can help students who visualize information in a different way. This
tool supports student learning because this resource can be used across multiple disciplines and offers a wide
range of creative liberty when creating assignments.
Lesson idea implementation:
In this activity, students will construct a Bubbl.us flow chart outlining the plot of Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer’s Stone. This project will be introduced after reading the book. It will also follow a brief lesson on the
different parts of a story so that students know the basic vocabulary such as exposition, rising action, climax,
falling action, and resolution. They will use these terms to pick out the parts in the story that they feel fits the
common plot model. This plot diagram should only take one to two class periods to complete. To assess
student learning, the teacher will have made their own plot diagram for the book. By using their own
diagram, they will compare it to the student’s work and explain to the students when mistakes are made.
Spring 2018_SJB
 Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools (BBPT)
They should be very similar at the completion of this assignment.
This final product will be used to view plot in a broken down, easier to digest format. Sometimes, the
sequence of events in a book can be confusing and vague. By having students outline events in a flow chart,
they can visualize the flow of the story. To extend student learning, I think it would be beneficial to add in
some creative writing. Students could write their own stories and do the same flow chart activity. This would
show students a more up-close view of the story writing process. The lesson will be concluded with a viewing
of the movie as well as students having access to the plot diagram that the teacher had completed. Feedback
will be provided in the form of a grade based on students including all the parts of a story diagram and
providing valid examples to back up their reasoning.
Reflective Practice:
I think this lesson is very interactive, even I had fun making my plot diagram. I think this will have a positive
effect on student learning. It is a different way to break down the plot of a story. I also think it can make a text
less intimidating. This activity can be used for all books, and I think I would probably use it for all of the
assigned readings. To extend the lesson, students can draw scenes that correspond with the plot points they
listed in their plot diagrams. Also, they could choose to write an explanation using textual evidence if they
choose not to draw.

Spring 2018_SJB