Aug 27
Every student dreams big—and stories that follow a ‘Rags to Riches’ arc show characters climbing toward a better life. This plot helps students explore personal growth and what it means to truly succeed. From fairy tales to contemporary fiction, it’s a relatable structure that pairs perfectly with character study. At the beginning of the story, …
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Aug 13
Some stories start with danger—a terrifying villain, a mysterious creature, or even an internal battle the hero must face. This structure, known as ‘Overcoming the Monster,’ gives students a gripping way to explore conflict, courage, and resolution. From folklore to fantasy to realistic fiction, this lesson helps students recognize this powerful plot pattern in action. …
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Aug 06
How many basic plot patterns are there in literature? Depends on whom you ask. Some scholars say three. Others list twenty. Georges Polti charted thirty-six dramatic situations. Kurt Vonnegut famously sketched a single narrative “shape” on a chalkboard. And Christopher Booker, in his epic book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, organizes all …
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Jul 30
Are you looking for ways to inspire students to have a growth mindset? You are in the right place. This post explains a growth mindset and provides several activities to help students obtain one. Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research gives us some interesting facts about the fixed versus growth mindset concept. With over 30 years of …
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Jul 01
Are you ready for a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled adventure? Look no further than I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980. This thrilling book takes you on a journey through one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recent history. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a seemingly dormant volcano in the state of …
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Jun 12
Are you looking for some great Amal Unbound teaching ideas? You’ve come to the right place. Aisha Saeed tells the fascinating story of a twelve-year-old girl who becomes a servant for the evil Jawad Sahid, the son of the Khan family. After Amal’s mother had a fifth girl, she became depressed and wouldn’t get out …
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May 31
The Greek myth Arachne the Spinner is perfect for teaching a number of Common Core literature standards. Read the myth. Then enjoy the mini-lesson covering vocabulary, comprehension questions, and writing. Look for a link to the handout at the bottom of the post. Arachne A young girl named Arachne learned how to weave from the …
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