Lesson: Main Idea (fiction), Lesson 22

Edward W. Brooke Charter School

Problems in Fiction Unit

Mini-Lesson: Readers know that the most important event is usually when there was a BIG CHANGE to the problem after the event.

Materials:

• Book Baggies with leveled fiction books
• Familiar Read Aloud
• Post-Its

Connection: Yesterday, you learned to think about all the events in the book and pick the most important event. Today we are going to learn more about that important event.

Teach: Scholars, the most important event in a book is when a really BIG CHANGE happens in the story.  Things in the story are different before the most important event then they are after the most important event. You must be able to explain why the event is the most important and it can help you to think about how the story changes after that event. One way that the most important event can change the story is that the big problem gets much worse after the most important event. Let me show you what I mean. In the book Strega Nona, the most important event is that Anthony forgets to blow the three kisses. There is a BIG CHANGE after that event and things get MUCH WORSE! Before that event, everyone is happy and is eating lots of yummy pasta. After that event, the pasta is taking over the whole town. This is the most important event in the story because there is a big change after Anthony forgets to blow his three kisses. This makes the problem get MUCH WORSE. Did you notice how in the event I picked for the most important event, there was a BIG CHANGE after the event?

Active Engagement: Scholars, I am going to show you a book that we have read before (pick a familiar read aloud),  I want you to think about the most important event in this book and remember that there must be a BIG CHANGE after the most important event. Turn and talk with your partner about what you think the most important event is.

Link: I want each of you to think about the most important event in your book. When we come back for our share you need to be able to tell the most important event in your book and why. (Option: post-it note to write down?)

Share: Have students share post-it notes or share orally the most important event and why.