Standard: 6.RL.6 – Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.
Grade level: Grade 6
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Reading: Literature
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on helping students understand how authors develop the point of view of narrators or speakers in texts. Mastery of this standard is crucial as it enhances critical reading skills and deepens comprehension by encouraging students to analyze narrative techniques and their effects on storytelling. Students should already know basic narrative components like characters, setting, and plot, as well as different types of points of view such as first-person and third-person.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to analyze more complex texts, understand multiple perspectives, and evaluate how the point of view influences the reader’s interpretation.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that the narrator’s point of view is the same as the author’s opinion. This is incorrect because the narrator is a character created by the author, and their perspective may not reflect the author’s personal views.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, use texts where the author’s viewpoint clearly differs from the narrator’s, and guide students in identifying these differences through discussion and analysis.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that all narrators are reliable and provide accurate information. This is incorrect because some narrators intentionally or unintentionally mislead the reader, affecting the interpretation of the story.
Intervention 2
Introduce students to unreliable narrators by reading and discussing texts that feature them. Highlight how the narrator’s reliability impacts the reader’s understanding of the story.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic narrative elements such as characters, setting, and plot. They should also be familiar with first-person and third-person points of view.
Subsequent Knowledge
Students will be able to analyze more complex texts, understand multiple perspectives, and evaluate how point of view influences the reader’s interpretation.
Instructional Activities
- Read a short story and identify the narrator’s point of view.
- Compare and contrast the points of view of different characters in a novel.
- Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character in a story.
- Discuss how changing the narrator’s point of view would alter the story.
