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Lesson Plan: Point of View - Because of Mr. Terupt

Subject:  ELA- Reading

Grade: 5

Lesson Objective: To explain how different points of view change the way that the story is viewed

Common Core Standard:  CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.6- Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.

Materials:

Starter:

Say:

  • When you are reading a book, would you rather read a book written in first person or third person?  Why?  (Allow the students to answer.)

Main:

Say:

  • Books are usually written in either first or third person.  This is called point of view. 
  • You can tell when a book is written in first person point of view when the words “I,” “me,” “my,” “us,” and “we” are used.  The story is told by a character that is involved in the story. 
  • First person point of view usually has more details.  Strong feelings or emotions are also part of how the story is told.
  • You can tell when a book is written in third person point of view when the words “he,” “she,” “it,” “him,” and “her” are used.  The story is told by a narrator who is not involved in the story.
  • Third person limited is when the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one of the characters.  Third person omniscient is when the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters. 
  • The point of view that is used changes how we as readers understand or view the story that is being told. 
  • How do you think you view a story different if it is told in first or third person?
  • When a story is told in first person, we view the story from the point of view of the person telling it.  We understand the story as if we are the character telling the story, so we do not know how other characters are thinking and feeling.
  • When a story is told in third person, we are able to view the story from the outside, so we can see why many different characters are behaving the way that they are.
  • Now, you are going to read an excerpt from a book.  You should pay attention to the point of view and how it helps you to understand and view the story.  Then, you will answer the questions.
  • Does anyone have any questions?

Feedback:

Say:

  • Who would like to share their answers?  (Allow the students to share and go over the answers.)

Written by Kimberly Greacen, Education World® Contributing Writer

Kimberly is an educator with extensive experience in curriculum writing and developing instructional materials to align with Common Core State Standards and Bloom's Taxonomy.

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