Lessons & Units :: Plot 2nd Grade Unit

Lesson 1: Identifying Story Elements (2nd grade)

Lesson Plan

Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis | 610L

Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis
Learning Goal
Identify and describe the story elements in a story (characters, setting, problem, solution) using a graphic organizer.
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes
Necessary Materials
Provided: Example Graphic Organizer for Guided Practice, Independent Practice Worksheet
Not Provided: Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey, picture books from classroom or school library, chart paper, markers

  • Teacher Modeling

    will review the meaning of “plot”—the problem and solution in a story. I will explain that other story elements such as setting and characters also help us to understand the plot. I will model identifying the characters, setting, and plot in a familiar book previously read in class. For example, in Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, understanding that Lilly is excited about her purse and that there are rules at her school help us to figure out the problem and solution in the story. I will read Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey, thinking about the characters, setting, problem, and solution in the story.

  • Think Check

    Ask: How was I able to identify the elements of the story? Students should respond that you read the story and identified the characters, setting, problem, and solution.

  • Guided Practice

    will complete a graphic organizer identifying the characters, setting, problem, and solution in Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis. (Guided Practice Teacher Example Graphic Organizer is provided in Teacher and Student Materials below.)

  • Independent Practice

    will choose and read a picture book on your reading level. You will complete a graphic organizer identifying the characters, setting, problem, and solution in the book you read. (Student Independent Practice is provided below.)

    TIP: Students may use their leveled Guided Reading books for the Independent Practice to connect the comprehension skill to Guided or Independent Reading. Carefully choose books that have clearly identifiable story elements of character, setting, problem, and solution.

Build Student Vocabulary reward

Tier 2 Word: reward
Contextualize the word as it is used in the story The Tosis family got a big reward for turning in the crooks.
Explain the meaning student-friendly definition) A reward is something that somebody receives for doing something good or useful. The Tosis family got a reward because they did something good and useful to others. They caught the crooks.
Students repeat the word Say the word reward with me: reward.
Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts A dog is often given a treat as a reward when he or she does a trick. Sometimes the class that reads the most books is given a pizza party as a reward. When I smile at the baby, sometimes I am rewarded by the baby smiling back at me.
Students provide examples What do you think would be a good reward for the finding something that was missing? Start by saying, “I think a good reward for finding something that was missing is _______________.”
Students repeat the word again. What word are we talking about? reward
Additional Vocabulary Words view, decided

Build Student Background Knowledge

After reading Dog Breath, explain to students that "Hally Tosis" is a play on words, or a pun (a type of figurative language). The name of the dog refers to "halitosis,” the term used to describe bad breath. Bad breath comes from bacteria in the mouth, and the most common source is the tongue. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help kill bacteria responsible for halitosis.

Texts & Materials

Standards Alignment

(To see all of the ReadWorks lessons aligned to your standards, click here.)

User Comments

I love this. I have a hard time finding books that fit the skill I am teaching. This was a real timesaver. Thanks!

Submitted by pamela.white2013_2404700 on 11/8/16

I am looking for stories on ReadWorks that will fit well with this worksheet. (4th-5th grade reading level) Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Submitted by jenengelhard_1408550 on 1/14/16