BFG Story Language

Standards

Georgia Standards of Excellence - English Language Arts (ELA):

• ELAGSE3RL1: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text for support.
• ELAGSE3RL3: Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the plot.
• ELAGSE3L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
• ELAGSE3L4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content.

Language Function:

• Recounting story details
• Describing characters and their actions
• Using descriptive vocabulary in speaking and writing

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Objectives

• I can ask and answer questions about The BFG using text evidence.
• I can describe characters and explain their actions.
• I can use new vocabulary from the story when speaking and writing.
• I can identify and use key story elements like setting, characters, and events.

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Success Criteria

• Students ask and answer at least three questions about the story with details from the text.
• Students accurately describe the BFG and Sophie and explain their roles in the story.
• Students correctly use at least five content-specific vocabulary words in sentences.
• Students actively participate during guided and independent activities.

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Materials and Resources

• Dyslexia-friendly version excerpts of The BFG (large font, clear spacing, simple backgrounds)
• Picture cards featuring key characters (BFG, Sophie, giants), settings (giant’s cave, London), and story objects (Dream jars, trumpet)
• Letter cards (both uppercase and lowercase) to build vocabulary words
• Chart paper/whiteboard with “I can...” and success criteria written
• Story map graphic organizers (simple, dyslexia-friendly format)
• Audio recording of selected story passages (for auditory learners and ELLs)
• Picture dictionary sheets for content vocabulary

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Vocabulary

• Giant
• Dream
• Trumpet
• Cave
• Whizzpopper
• Snatch

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Syntax and Discourse Focus

• Practice complete sentences when describing characters/events (e.g. “The BFG is big and friendly.”)
• Use descriptive phrases (e.g. “The giant lives in a dark cave.”)
• Answer WH questions (Who? What? Where? Why?) about the story

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide sentence starters for ELLs and struggling learners (e.g., “The BFG is ____ because…”).
• Use picture cards as visual supports for vocabulary and story elements.
• Pair ELL students with fluent English partners for discussion.
• Offer dyslexia-friendly reading materials and allow audio support.
• Use multisensory engagement (listening, speaking, drawing) to reinforce learning.
• For advanced learners, extend by writing a short dialogue between Sophie and the BFG.

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Multiple Intelligences & Learning Styles

• Visual: Picture cards and graphic organizers
• Auditory: Listening to story passages and discussing questions
• Kinesthetic: Manipulating letter cards to build words
• Verbal/Linguistic: Speaking and sentence construction activities
• Interpersonal: Paired discussions and group work

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Lesson Layout (10 minutes total for 20 students)

Time	Activity	Description
1 min	Introduction & Objectives	Display and read aloud “I can…” statements. Explain today’s focus on The BFG characters.
3 min	Guided Practice: Picture Card Q&A	Show picture cards of characters and settings. Ask WH questions: “Who is this? Where is it?” Encourage full sentences.
3 min	Vocabulary Building with Letter Cards	Use letter cards to build five vocabulary words (giant, dream, cave, trumpet, snatch). Have students repeat and use words in a sentence.
2 min	Independent Practice: Story Mapping	Students get a simple story map with pictures, draw or say who does what and where in The BFG.
1 min	Closure & Success Review	Recap “I can…” statements. Students share one thing they learned or liked from the story.

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Assessment

• Observe students’ ability to answer questions with text-based support.
• Listen for correct use of vocabulary words within sentences.
• Review student story maps for understanding of characters and events.
• Informal check on oral expression and sentence completeness.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Write a short imaginary dialogue between Sophie and the BFG using new vocabulary.
• Create a mini book about "A Day with the BFG" with illustrations and captions.

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With this lesson, teachers can engage young learners through multisensory, supportive activities that meet rigorous Georgia ELA standards and language acquisition needs while celebrating the fun, imaginative world of Roald Dahl’s The BFG.