Minds On
Let’s read!
When authors create a story, they often include a message for the reader. It could be a life lesson or a moral to apply to daily life. Many times, the author’s message is the lesson that the main character learns throughout the book.
Consider the main character in a book you have read or are currently reading. Reflect on the following questions:
- What are the character’s actions and words in the story?
- What obstacles did the character have to overcome that led to the resolution?
- Did the character learn something or change throughout the story?
- What did you learn from the character’s journey throughout the story?
Action
What’s the message?
Consider what kind of message you would include as the author of a story. What kind of lesson or moral would you want to include?
Create a list of possible author’s messages. Record your ideas using the graphic organizer, an audio clip or another method of your choice.
| Accept all differences! | ||
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Brainstorming Chart: Author’s Messages.
Message in action
Choose an example of an author’s message from your list, and create a short skit, audio clip, or tableau sharing your message. If possible, share your piece with a partner.
Consolidation
In action
Select a story and use the questions below to identify the author’s message in the story. You can record your ideas using the graphic organizer, an audio clip, or your notebook.
| Main Character: |
| What problem does the main character face? |
| What obstacles does the character have to overcome? Is he/ she helped along the way? |
| What does the character learn while trying to overcome the problem? Does the main character change? |
| Does the problem get solved? How or what is conclusion? |
| Author’s Message: what message from the story applies to life? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Author’s Message Graphic Organizer.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
If possible, share your work with a partner. Compare the author's message in your stories and consider the following questions:
- Were you able to connect to the author's message?
- If so, how? Is it possible to have more than one author's message?
- Why are author's messages important to include in a story?
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.