Plotting a Plan to Improve Writing: Using Plot Scaffolds

Materials and Technology

Student Interactives

Printouts

Websites

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

Computers with Internet access

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STUDENT INTERACTIVES

Grades   3 – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Trading Card Creator

This tool provides a fun and useful way to explore a variety of topics such as a character in a book, a person or place from history, or even a physical object. An excellent tool to for summarizing or as a prewriting exercise for original stories.

 

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PRINTOUTS

• Wolf Kids
  
  
• How to Turn Flat Dialogue into an Exciting Story student handout
  
  
• Plot Scaffold Rubric
  
  
• Tips for Writing a Plot Scaffold

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WEBSITES

• "Plot Scaffolds for Beginning Writers"

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PREPARATION

1.	If you are not familiar with plot scaffolds, you can learn more in the book Setting the Stage for Creative Writing: Plot Scaffolds for Beginning and Intermediate Writers. The second chapter from this book, "Plot Scaffolds for Beginning Writers," is freely available online.
2.	Read the sample plot scaffold Wolf Kids, which is based upon the founding of Rome. Note the formatting-this is an example of a legend that can be written as historical fiction.
3.	Choose a story, genre, or historical event and use the Tips for Writing a Plot Scaffold to write a simple scaffold or plan to use the Wolf Kids sample provided. Print one copy for each student.

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