Lesson Plan: Creative Writing with a Fictional Character

Year Level: Year 1

Subject: English

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

Location: New Zealand

Curriculum Area and Level:

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s English Learning Area at Level 1.
Key Curriculum Link: New Zealand Curriculum - English

Learning Objectives:

1. Express Ideas: Students will be able to express their ideas creatively by constructing sentences based on a fictional character.
2. Develop Literacy Skills: Enhance vocabulary and understanding of simple sentence structure.
3. Encourage Imagination: Foster imagination and creativity through storytelling.

Resources Needed:

• Storybook with a strong central character (for example, "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Writing paper and pencils for each student
• Character worksheet template

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Engaging Interest:
   • Begin by reading aloud from a selected storybook featuring a strong, imaginative character. Encourage students to listen carefully to the description of the character.
   • Discuss the character: What do they like? What special adventures do they experience?

Main Activity (25 minutes):

1. Character Brainstorming:

   • Distribute character worksheets. Each student will think of their own fictional character, inspired by the storybook character or their own imagination.
   • Guide them with questions on the worksheet: What is your character's name? What does your character look like? What is one exciting thing your character does?

2. Creative Writing:

   • Once students have outlined their character, instruct them on how to begin writing a short paragraph about a day in the life of their character.
   • Walk around the classroom to assist with spelling, sentence formation, and idea development.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

1. Sharing Stories:

   • Invite students one by one to share their character and one interesting sentence about their character’s adventure.
   • Provide positive feedback and highlight creative ideas and good sentence structure.

2. Reflection:

   • Ask students what they enjoyed the most about creating their character and if they would like to add more to their story.

Assessment:

• Observe students' ability to formulate ideas and write simple sentences.
• Assess creativity and effort in character creation and story development.

Follow-Up:

• Display students’ written work on a "Creative Characters" bulletin board.
• Plan a future lesson where students may extend the story of their character into a small booklet with illustrations.

Notes:

This lesson plan is designed to be interactive and supportive, recognizing that Year 1 students are in the early stages of writing. Activities should be closely monitored and assistance provided to ensure that students remain engaged and comprehend the writing task.

By encouraging students to create and describe their own characters, this lesson aims to develop not only their writing skills but also their creative thinking and expression, foundational to their ongoing literacy development in accordance with the New Zealand Curriculum standards.