Lesson Plan

Teacher Name Jami Frank Date November 25, 2021

Subject Area Language Arts Grade Grade 7

Unit/Topic: Novel Study – Steelheart by Time 50 mins.

Brandon Sanderson
Lesson Overview This lesson will focus on the overall plot of Steelheart. After a mini-lesson on plot,
students will then engage in small group discussion to analyze and recall the events,
characters, and plot of the novel. The focus of the lesson will be to consider and
discuss how the setting, characters, themes, events, and conflict throughout the
novel all work together in plot development.

General Learner Outcome:

Specific Learner Outcome(s):

Learning Objectives Students will understand the plot of Steelheart by analyzing, recalling,
What do you want your students to learn? and discussing the various events and their impacts and effects on the
story line.
Assessment Within a group of 4, students will discuss, plan, and draw/write the plot
How will you know your students have of Steelheart on a chart paper.
learned?
Materials Each group receives chart paper
What resources will you need? Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Writing Materials

Differentiation Alternate space to work

Small group discussion
Lesson Description Time

Students transition to learning (sit in seats)

Introduction Discuss the conclusion of Steelheart (from previous day)

- Student/Teacher discussion: Thoughts, revelations, reactions
- Epilogue Discussion 3-5 mins.

Introduce topic & objectives for the day

- Today we will be reviewing plot
- We will be discussing how plot develops with the setting, characters,
themes, and conflicts intermingling with one another.
- We will discuss a different approach to the traditional plot diagram
- Students will then transition into group task of plot analysis

Review past lessons (slides) and reaffirm understanding of:

Characters
- Types of characters
o Character Traits
o Flat, round, static, dynamic

Body - Setting
o Types of settings in literature (dystopian, historical, science 5 mins.
fiction, etc.)
o Macro Setting and Micro Setting: Examples of both within
Steelheart

- Theme
o What is the theme?
o How can we recognize theme?
o What themes are present in Steelheart and why? (students
responses)

Transition to main lesson topic

PLOT: What is it? What are the elements of a plot? (student prior
knowledge/ask & answer)

- Why is plot important? 15 mins.

- Significant events vs. less significant events
- Plot Diagram review
- Plot example: The Lion King
 o Discuss how Lion King “hooks” their viewers: Royal family,
newborn heir to the “throne”, jealous uncle who seeks to
overthrow the current leader.
o The Lion King does not follow the traditional triangle shape
of the plot diagram. The most exciting/important part is near
the end when Simba battles Scare and reclaims the role of
King in the Pride Lands.
o Different forms of the plot diagram

Does this apply to Steelheart? How so?

There are many exciting events throughout the book. The most important
event (David defeats Steelheart) happens in the last few chapters of the
book. This is an excellent example of a story not following the traditional
plot diagram.

Have students consider a lifeline. That is how a plot can develop.

Transition to group activity:

In groups of 4, students will find a space to work in the classroom and

hallway. Students are given a chart paper per group.

They will discuss, as a group, the plot of Steelheart.

- What events, characters, and settings have been integral to the plot 25 mins.
development of the story?

Students will write their analysis and ideas on the chart paper and draw out
the plot diagram.

This is formative assessment. An understanding of the overall plot of the

story will serve as a transition activity for students to begin their final novel
study projects the following day.
 Transition back to desks

Exit Question:
3 mins.
Closure Does the plot of a story always follow the traditional plot diagram? Tell me
why it does or does not.