Our class has been working with the book The BFG by Roald Dahl. This book has definitely been one of our favorites so far!

During our literacy block, we have been studying plot diagrams. A plot diagram is an organizational tool that allows the reader to visualize the key features of a story.  Fictional texts usually follow a particular pattern. The typical sequence is as follows:

• Exposition (or Introduction)
• Rising Action
• Climax
• Falling Action
• Resolution

We used the visual of a roller coaster to help us track these events.  The students created plot roller coasters that they filled out along the way.

Students not only listened to the story aloud during our literacy block, they also read portions aloud with a buddy. Each day, they practiced responding to a writing prompt about their reading by writing a topic sentence, a few details, and a concluding sentence.  To answer the writing prompts, we brainstormed evidence from the text to support our answers.

One of our favorite parts of delving into The BFG was watching the movie to compare and contrast it with the book.  To connect with what they learned in their previous writing unit, they wrote an essay that included an introduction, two paragraphs about the similarities and differences, and a concluding paragraph.
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We look forward to our literacy block each day! It is important that students have multiple opportunities to listen, read, write, and discuss texts every day in an engaging way to improve as readers.