Let’s face it—plot patterns can sometimes feel like the grammar of storytelling: necessary, but not always thrilling. But what if you could teach plot development in a way that grabs your students’ attention before the rising action even begins?
Cue the commercials. No, really.
In this post, you’ll find two hands-on activities that make teaching plot development not only fun, but actually memorable. From Gatorade ads about bouncing back from failure to Allstate’s Mayhem teaching overcoming the monster with a side of chaos, your students will engage with story structure in the most unexpected ways.
Each activity gives students a chance to explore familiar plot patterns—the kind we find over and over in tales across cultures. Whether you’re introducing the concept or reinforcing what they already know, these lessons will help your students become plot pros…without putting them (or you) to sleep.
So if you’re just joining the series, check out the introduction post for the overview and printable handouts. Otherwise, keep scrolling and grab the resources for today’s two activities below. No narrator required—your students are about to become the storytellers.
Activity #1
Students watch the television ads while completing the handout.
Activity #2
Students sort the summaries into pockets based on the plot.
Activity #1 – Advertisements to Teach Plot Patterns
The commercial clips listed below are simply suggestions—you’re welcome to swap in others that better fit your class or content. As students watch each ad, ask them to identify which plot pattern it follows.
Use the chart found in the handout to help students sort the examples under the correct plot category.
Gatorade’s ‘The Secret to Victory’
These commercials feature top athletes. They explain that the essential ingredient to achieving career success is to overcome defeat.
Plot Pattern: rags to riches
Prudential Documentaries
Prudential filmed a series of mini-documentaries showing retirees on their very first day off after a lifetime of working.
🌀 Plot Pattern: rebirth
Public Service Announcement
The Empty Seat PSA raises awareness for teen suicide.
Plot Pattern: tragedy
Chanel No. 5 – “The One That I Want”
A woman escapes the spotlight and runs toward something real. In this mini-movie, she abandons her glamorous, high-pressure life and reconnects with someone from her past.
🌀 Plot Pattern: transformation and rediscovery
Chrysler “Imported from Detroit”
The film features scenes of Detroit as Eminem drives from location to location throughout the city.
🌀 Plot Pattern: voyage and return
Intel’s “Look Inside”
This campaign features humans who achieve remarkable feats. Jack Andraka develops a new method to detect cancer. Mick Ebeling who lost both arms during a bombing in South Sudan receives prosthetic arms. Erik Weihenmayer climbs all the top summits blind. Intel technology aids each person.
Plot Pattern: quest
Allstate’s Mr. Mayhem
Allstate features Mr. Mayhem, who hints at what is about to happen. For example, a portable grill that is hastily put together leads to an explosion. A distracted driver wrecks his car. Raccoons inside the roof damage the attic. Each commercial ends with Mayhem telling viewers that by having Allstate, they will be better protected with trouble happens.
Plot Pattern: overcoming the monster
Activity #2 – Sorting Text by Plot Structures
Preparation
The handout contains seven pockets, one for each plot. Glue and assemble the pockets onto a file folder. Print the twenty-eight summaries on cards. Print out the cards. Laminate them for repeated use. Cut the cards apart.
Sorting
Students read a book and movie summary. Next, they decide which of the seven plots the summary best fits. Students sort the summaries into pockets based on the plot. Finally, students record their answers on a chart.
This activity is great for individual morning reviews, centers, or small group activities.
