Objectives:
Students will be able to write and read dialogue in original fiction scripts that include the following story elements:

• Beginning, middle, end
• Plot with a problem and solution
• Characters
• Dialogue

Grade Level: 2nd & 3rd (25 students total in classroom)


Procedures:


DAY 1 (30-40 minutes)

• Students have previously studied the elements of stories (plot, characters, setting, problem and solution) and story writing. Teacher will introduce the lesson by having students list the story elements on a paper shared between table partners. (10 minutes)
• Teacher will explain that this week students' writing will focus on adding meaningful dialogue into story writing (dialogue has been introduced to students in an isolated context, and will now be put into practice within a story). (5 minutes)
• Teacher will have a bag with a variety of Playmobil characters. One student will come up and select two characters out of the bag. Teacher will model under the document camera how to have the characters speak to each other. (5 minutes)
• Teacher will pass out a Playmobil character to each student and read a story starter to the class. "I was on my way to school one day when the most unusual thing happened."
• Students will use their characters to create dialogue with their table partners. (10 minutes)

DAY 2 (30-40 minutes)

• Students will be introduced to a variety of Playmobil sets from the "Life in the City," collection. Students will be asked to consider what their plot will be for their story that was introduced yesterday. Allow students 10-15 minutes to explore the sets and write down brainstorm ideas in their writer's journals. (10-15 minutes)
• Students will use a familiar graphic organizer to plan the elements of their story and list ideas for dialogue. (15 minutes)

DAY 3 (30-40 minutes)

• Students will write a first draft of their stories, remembering to include all required story elements. Playmobil sets will be on display and students are encouraged to use them as the setting for their story. Students will have their chosen Playmobil characters at their desk to inspire dialogue.

DAY 4 & 5 (60 minutes, daily)

• Students will be put in groups of 5 to share their stories, being sure to use their Playmobil characters and "Life in the City" sets to act out dialogue.
• In groups, students will take turns filming the Playmobil characters and sets while reading their stories. Students will use hand held video recorders that they are familiar with and have been taught how to use.

DAY 6 (60 minutes)

• Class will view the video projects and enjoy watching their writing come alive.

Materials:

• Approximately 50 Playmobil characters in a variety of age, race and gender.
• A variety of Playmobil "Life in the City" sets. Useful sets include:
• Bakery interior
• Corner store
• Store accessories
• Café interior
• Car wash
• Playground
• Bus stop
• Van
• Other sets may be useful for the given prompt that something "unusual" happens, such as:
• Dragon
• Pyramid
• Chariot
• Pirate
In addition to other characters that will inspire creativity.
• Hand held video recorders

Results:

• Students will be engaged and enthused about the process of story writing and incorporating dialogue.
• Students will have a copy of both their hand written story and their video creation to keep.