Standard: 7.RL.3 – Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Grade level: Grade 7
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Literature
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on the interaction of story elements such as setting, characters, and plot. Understanding this interaction is crucial for students to appreciate the depth and complexity of literature. It helps them see how authors create rich, engaging narratives and develop their analytical skills. Students should have a foundational understanding of basic story elements like setting, characters, and plot. They should also be able to identify these elements in simple texts.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to critically analyze more complex texts and understand deeper thematic connections. They will also be able to apply their analytical skills to different genres and media.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that setting only refers to the physical location of a story. This is incorrect because setting also includes the time period and social context, which can significantly impact the characters and plot.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide examples from various texts where the time period or social context plays a crucial role. Discuss these examples in class to broaden students’ understanding of the setting.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that characters do not change in response to their environment. This is incorrect because characters often evolve based on the challenges and opportunities presented by their settings.
Intervention 2
Use character development charts to track how characters change throughout a story in response to different settings or events. Highlight these changes during class discussions to help students see the dynamic nature of characters.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic elements of a story, such as setting, characters, and plot. They should also be familiar with identifying these elements in simple texts.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will develop the ability to critically analyze more complex texts and understand deeper thematic connections. They will also be able to apply their analytical skills to different genres and media.
Instructional Activities
- Group discussions on how setting influences characters in a chosen novel.
- Character development charts to track changes in response to settings.
- Rewrite a scene with a different setting and discuss the impact.
- Create a timeline of events in a story and analyze how changes in setting affect the plot.
