Comparing Conflicts

Overview

Unit: Exploring Courage in Stories (Lesson 3 of 3)
Grade: 6th
Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 20 students

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Common Core Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
  Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.9
  Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
  Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Learning Objectives

• I can compare and contrast conflicts faced by characters in different stories.
• I can explain how these conflicts relate to the theme of courage.

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Success Criteria

• Students can identify at least two conflicts from two different stories.
• Students can explain how each conflict demonstrates courage.
• Students work collaboratively to discuss and present findings clearly.

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Materials Needed

• Two previously read short stories from the unit focused on courage (Students should already be familiar with these)
• Comparison charts (color-coded, dyslexia-friendly with symbols and visuals)
• Markers or colored pencils
• Whiteboard/chart paper for presentations
• Venn diagram templates (for extension activity)

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief recall discussion:
  “Remember the stories we read about courage. What kinds of challenges or conflicts did the characters face?”
• Explicitly state the learning objective and success criteria.
• Explain that today they will compare conflicts across two stories and connect these conflicts to the theme of courage.
• Show a completed example on the whiteboard using one conflict from each story to model thinking aloud. Use color coding for conflict types (external vs. internal).

2. Paired Activity: Comparing Conflicts (15 minutes)

• Organize students in pairs. Distribute the color-coded comparison charts.
• In pairs, students identify at least two conflicts from the two stories, writing them on the chart under each story column.
• Students then discuss and write a brief explanation of how each conflict relates to courage.
• Teacher circulates to provide support, especially to students needing dyslexia-friendly support (refer to visuals and color codes).
• Advanced learners receive Venn diagram templates to visually map similarities and differences between conflicts instead of the basic chart.

3. Group Share / Presentation (7 minutes)

• Select 4-5 pairs to briefly present their comparison and connections to courage to the class.
• Encourage classmates to ask questions or add observations, practicing collaborative discussion skills (SL.6.1).

4. Summary and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Recap the key idea: Conflicts in stories challenge characters and reveal how courage is shown differently depending on the situation.
• Revisit the success criteria, asking students to self-assess:
  “Did we find and explain two conflicts? Did we connect them to courage?”

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Differentiation

• For diverse learners and those with dyslexia:
  • Provide color-coded charts with icons representing conflict types (e.g., lightning bolt for external conflict, thought bubble for internal conflict).
  • Use enlarged print and high-contrast colors.
  • Allow them to verbally discuss ideas before writing to reduce cognitive load.
• For advanced learners:
  • Encourage creating a detailed Venn diagram showing nuanced similarities/differences of conflicts (cause, impact, character response).
  • Prompt them to think about how conflicts build tension and show growth in courage.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of paired discussions and presentations.
• Check completed comparison charts/Venn diagrams for accuracy and depth of explanation connecting conflicts to courage.
• Quick exit ticket: Write one sentence explaining how a conflict from one story showed courage.

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Reflection for Teacher

• Were students able to identify multiple conflicts and articulate their relationship to courage?
• Did pairing encourage productive discussion and peer learning?
• Which strategies helped students with reading or processing difficulties to engage fully?
• Plan to adjust support tools or time allotments based on student needs.

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This focused, engaging lesson helps 6th graders move beyond understanding a single story to critical thinking about themes across texts, strengthening both reading comprehension and collaborative communication skills in line with Common Core standards.