#3610. Frame Story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County

Literature, level: Middle
Posted Thu Jan 12 13:22:55 PST 2006 by Sondra Hennessee (hennesss@pickens.k12.sc.us).
Gettys Middle School, Easley, SC
Materials Required: "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain and an outline of a frog.
Activity Time: 90 minutesa
Concepts Taught: Frame Story, Summary, Plot

Frame Story

Title: The story within the story.

Length: 90mintues

Purpose: To teach the concept of a frame story and bolster understanding of plot summary.

Process:
1st -- Provide each student with a copy of the Mark Twain short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."
2nd -- Have the story on tape, read aloud to the students, or have them read it silently. (This story has advanced vocabulary)
3rd -- Explain the concept of a frame story. It is much like telling about an excellent party attended last weekend, but interrupting that story to tell about the awesome vacation a friend described while at the party.
4th -- Have the students write the plot summary of the outside story around the outside of edge of the frog -- this is the frame story.
5th -- Have the students write the plot summary of the inside story inside in the frog's belly -- this is the primary story.
6th -- Have the students edit their writing with each other before coloring the frogs for display and sharing.

Materials: Copies of the short story 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain and outlines of a frog (spread eagle).

Objectives / SC 8th Grade Standards:
8-R1.1
Demonstrate the ability to read a variety of texts fluently.
8-R1.2
Demonstrate the ability read independently for extended periods of time to derive pleasure and to gain information.
8-R1.4
Demonstrate the ability to summarize, paraphrase, analyze, and evaluate what he or she reads.
8-R1.12
Demonstrate the ability to use graphic representations such as charts, graphs, pictures, and graphic organizers as information sources and as a means of organizing information and events logically.
8-W1.6
Demonstrate the ability to write and publish in a variety of formats.
8-W2.1
Demonstrate the ability to use writing to explain and inform.
8-W2.2
Demonstrate the ability to use writing to learn, entertain, and describe.
8-W3.1
Demonstrate the ability to respond to texts both orally and in writing.
8-W4.1
Demonstrate the ability to write legibly using print or cursive handwriting.

Evaluation: Students should share their plot summaries as they are written.