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| Using the Plot Profile allows the ELA Educator to incorporate Math into the ELA classroom. |
I am constantly searching for ways to strategically incorporate other content areas into my English/Language Arts classroom. I strive to expose my students to as much as possible. Last year, I developed a complete thematic unit around the math-based novel, The Absolute Value of Mike by Kathryn Erskine. I'll share more in the coming weeks. Specifically, I'll provide details about the Common Core Manuals that we created.
One day while in Barnes and Noble, I discovered a wonderful reading strategy entitled the Plot Profile. With this strategy, students plot their assessment of each chapter based on the tension and conflict. I love this strategy because students review key math vocabulary such as X-Axis, Y-Axis, Quadrant I, Quadrant IV, Positive Numbers, and Negative Numbers to name a few.
The X-Axis (horizontal line) represents the chapters. The X-Axis is always positive because we cannot read negative chapters (-Chapter 7, anyone?).
The Y-Axis (vertical line) represents the tension/conflict within each chapter. I like to use a range of -5 to +5. Using a specific range instead of low to high forces the students to be more precise.
After we read a chapter from our class novel, my students have to write objective summaries as well as complete their Plot Profile. This strategy has been conducive to dynamic conversations and debates. It also helps to clarify where we are within the Elements of Plot.
In the following video, I explain the Plot Profile at the NCCTM Eastern Regional Conference in Wilmington.
In the following video, I explain the Plot Profile at the NCCTM Eastern Regional Conference in Wilmington.
I think this is a great way to incorporate math concepts. I love how the "plot" maps take many ups and downs instead of just the typical mountain shape. Great discussion about author's purpose could come from this as well!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great tool to compare and contrast readings in a genre study.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI am a Math teacher at the secondary school level. I sent your link to our Language Arts teachers and I am hopeful they will engage with the idea. Meanwhile, I am pondering how I might get this idea to work in plotting students reactions in the affective domain to various homework or units of work - to get them to reflect on their work. Thanks for sharing this on Edmodo.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading my blog as well as sharing the post with your colleagues. I think you are on to something in terms of students using this format to reflect on their homework and other assignments. Thanks again!
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