The Big Friendly Giant

---

Grade: 3 | Duration: 45 minutes | Class Size: 25 Students

---

Standards Alignment

Georgia Standards of Excellence (ELA - Grade 3)

• ELAGSE3RL1: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
• ELAGSE3RL2: Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral.
• ELAGSE3RL3: Describe characters in a story and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
• ELAGSE3L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
• ELAGSE3L4a: Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

---

Learning Objectives

• I can ask and answer questions about The Big Friendly Giant to show I understand the story.
• I can retell the story and explain its main lesson.
• I can describe the main characters and how their actions move the story along.
• I can use new vocabulary words from the story correctly when talking or writing.
• I can use clues from sentences to figure out the meaning of unknown words.

---

Success Criteria

• I answer questions using details from the story.
• I retell the story in my own words including the beginning, middle, and end.
• I describe at least two characters and explain what they did.
• I correctly use three new vocabulary words in a sentence.
• I use sentence clues to explain at least one new word’s meaning.

---

Materials and Resources

• Copies of The Big Friendly Giant by Roald Dahl (dyslexia-friendly edition if available)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper with vocabulary words
• Flashcards with vocabulary and comprehension questions
• Graphic organizer: Story map (Beginning, Middle, End; Characters and their actions)
• Audio recording of The Big Friendly Giant (for ELLs and struggling readers)
• Sentence strips for syntax practice
• Sticky notes for student questions and reflections
• Coloring materials and storyboards for extension

---

Content Vocabulary

• Giant
• Friendly
• Dream-catcher
• Midnight
• Roar
• Surprise

---

Language Function

• Asking and answering questions about a story
• Retelling and summarizing
• Describing characters and sequencing events
• Using context to determine word meanings

---

Syntax and Discourse Features

• Use of descriptive adjectives (friendly giant, big and kind)
• Cause and effect sentence structures ("Because the giant was kind, the children were safe.")
• Dialogue with quotation marks ("Hello," said the giant.)
• Sequencing words ("First," "then," "finally")

---

Lesson Layout and Instructional Time

Time	Activity	Description
0–5 minutes	Introduction	Activate prior knowledge: Discuss giants and kindness. Introduce book title and cover. State "I can" objectives. Brief vocabulary preview.
6–15 minutes	Guided Practice - Read Aloud & Listening	Teacher read-aloud with expressive voice; ELLs use audio recording simultaneously. Pause to ask questions and model answering using text evidence.
16–25 minutes	Guided Practice - Story Mapping	Using a graphic organizer, group activity to fill out story elements, characters, and actions together. Support with sentence strips for syntax.
26–35 minutes	Independent Practice	Students work individually on a short written retelling using vocabulary cards and story map notes. ELLs and students with dyslexia use oral responses or assistive tech.
36–40 minutes	Sharing and Language Function Focus	Volunteers share their retelling or vocabulary sentences. Focus on proper use of new words and sentence structure. Provide positive feedback.
41–45 minutes	Closure	Recap learning objectives with "I can" statements. Use sticky notes to write one thing learned or a question about the story. Preview extension activities for advanced learners.

---

Differentiation Strategies

For English Language Learners (ELLs)

• Provide audio book version with text.
• Use visuals and gestures for vocabulary.
• Pair ELLs with fluent buddies for paired reading.
• Sentence frames: "The giant is ___ because ___."
• Pre-teach key vocabulary.

For Students with Dyslexia

• Use dyslexia-friendly print versions (clear font, spacing).
• Provide audiobooks and allow oral responses.
• Use multisensory vocabulary activities (touch, color-coding).
• Break reading into smaller chunks with comprehension pauses.

For Diverse Learners & Multiple Intelligences

• Visual learners: Use storyboards, graphic organizers, and pictorial vocabulary cards.
• Auditory learners: Read aloud, discussion, and oral retelling.
• Kinesthetic learners: Act out scenes or use puppets for characters.
• Interpersonal learners: Group story map and peer sharing.
• Intrapersonal learners: Reflective journaling or drawing connections.

---

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Write an alternate ending where the giant changes something about his actions.
• Create a dialogue between the giant and a new character.
• Research other stories with kind giants and compare themes.
• Use descriptive language to write a character profile of the giant.

---

Assessments

• Formative: Observations during guided practice question-answering and story map completion; vocabulary flashcard use.
• Summative: Student’s written/oral retelling including vocabulary usage aligned with success criteria.
• Exit ticket: Sticky note with “One thing I learned” or a question about the story.

---

Reflection and Feedback

• After lesson, teacher reviews student responses for accuracy in story comprehension and vocab usage.
• Note which students need additional ELL support or dyslexia accommodations.
• Adapt future lessons based on student engagement and assessment data.

---

This lesson plan ensures engagement through multimodal learning, supports diverse linguistic needs, and closely aligns with Georgia's 3rd Grade ELA standards. It is designed to celebrate the joy of reading The Big Friendly Giant while teaching critical comprehension and vocabulary skills.