Setting and Plot: Deep Dive

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for a mixed-ability class of 6 fifth-year students attending an ASD-specific secondary school in Ireland, following the IE Curriculum Framework. It focuses on developing comprehension and analytical skills aligned with the "Exploring Literary Journeys" unit through a detailed exploration of setting and plot using excerpts from the novel Illegal. The lesson is tailored for LCA and L2 level learners with dyslexia-friendly materials and clear success criteria.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• LO1: Identify and describe the setting and key plot points of selected excerpts from Illegal (IE - English Strand: Reading - Outcome 5.1, 5.4)
• LO2: Explain how the setting influences the characters’ journey and the plot’s development (IE - Strand Unit: Responding to Text - Outcome 5.6)
• LO3: Participate in guided discussions expressing their understanding and personal responses with clarity and confidence (IE - Oral Language - Speaking and Listening - Outcome 5.3)
• LO4: Demonstrate comprehension through creative responses and reflection (IE - Creating Texts, Outcome 5.5)

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Curriculum Links

• English Strand: Reading; Responding to Text
• Key Skills: Reading comprehension, critical thinking, oral communication, creative expression
• Level: Senior Cycle LCA/L2
• ASD-Specific Considerations: Structured routine, clear instructions with visual prompts, sensory breaks if needed

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Success Criteria

• I can explain where and when the story happens.
• I can identify important events in the plot.
• I can explain how the setting affects the characters’ decisions.
• I can listen carefully and share my ideas clearly.
• I can show my understanding through drawing or writing.

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Resources

• Excerpts from Illegal (printed in dyslexia-friendly font, large size, using coloured paper to reduce visual stress)
• Visual timeline template for plotting key events
• Setting and Plot graphic organiser handouts
• Whiteboard and markers
• Headphones with audio version of excerpts (optional)
• Colour pencils and paper for creative activity

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Activity:

• Welcome and brief recap of previous lessons.
• Quick warm-up: Show a picture of a journey (e.g., a map or train station) and invite students to name places or journeys they know.
• Objective shared visually on the board with simple icons representing "setting" and "plot."

Differentiation:

• Use picture cards for students struggling with verbal expression.
• Pair verbal instructions with gesture prompts.

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2. Reading Excerpts (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Distribute dyslexia-friendly excerpt copies.
• Teacher reads aloud first paragraph, modelling fluency and expression; simultaneously, students follow the text.
• Students listen or follow along with headphones if preferred.
• Students take turns reading shorter paragraphs with teacher support.

Differentiation:

• Provide audio support and allow rest breaks.
• Pair stronger readers with learners who need help.

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3. Guided Discussion: Identifying Setting and Plot (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Use a graphic organiser on the board: columns labelled Setting, Key Plot Points, Effects on Characters.
• Students brainstorm and suggest where/when the story happens (setting).
• Students identify 3 key events from the excerpt and add them to the timeline on a large visual board.
• Discuss how the setting influences each plot event and characters’ feelings or actions.

Differentiation:

• Use sentence starters ("I think the story happens in... because...") to support verbal answers.
• Visual prompts to connect ideas.

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4. Creative Reflection Task (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Students choose one plot point and draw a scene showing the setting and character emotions.
• Alternatively, write 3-4 sentences explaining how the setting made the character feel or act differently.
• Teacher circulates to support, using prompt questions.

Extension for advanced learners:

• Write a short paragraph predicting what might happen next based on the setting and plot clues.
• Share with the class if comfortable.

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5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

Activity:

• Round-robin sharing: each student says one thing they learned about setting or plot today.
• Teacher provides positive, specific feedback referencing success criteria.
• Quick thumbs up/down on confidence with the material.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Multi-sensory approach: visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning activities.
• Use of dyslexia-friendly texts and audio support.
• Scaffolded questioning with sentence starters.
• Small group/paired work to build confidence and model language.
• Flexible timing and breaks as needed.

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Reflection for Teacher

• Note student engagement and participation levels.
• Identify students needing additional support or challenge in analysis or articulation.
• Adjust scaffolding for next lesson’s focus on character development in Illegal.

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This lesson plan honours the IE Curriculum aims to develop literacy and critical thinking while addressing the diverse learning needs typical in ASD-specific contexts, providing a rich, supportive environment to explore literary journeys effectively.