LESSONS & UNITS: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Identifying Plot Conflicts

Learning Outcome

Identify two plot conflicts in the text (Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self)
Duration

Approximately 2 Days (40 minutes for each class)

Necessary Materials

Provided: Role-Play Scenario Worksheet, Types of Plot Conflicts Handout, Plot Conflicts Chart 1 (Save for use with Lesson 5), Guided Practice Plot Conflicts Worksheet, Plot Conflicts Chart 2 (Save for use with Lesson 5), Plot Conflicts Worksheet (Student Packet, pages 26-27) Not Provided: Chart paper, markers, Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Lesson Plan

ACTIVATION & MOTIVATION

Ask for two student volunteers to read and act out the scenario on the Role-Play Scenario Worksheet. As the rest of the class watches and listens to the role-playing scene, have students think about the types of conflicts, arguments, or disagreements taking place in the scene. Ask: "Do you see any conflicts or problems in the scene? Can you identify more than one type of conflict going on?"

DIRECT TEACHING
will explain that just like in our scenario, conflicts exist in works of realistic fiction. I will explain that there are four types of plot conflicts: Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Nature, and Character vs. Society. I will hand out the Types of Plot Conflicts Handout to become familiar with the types of plot conflicts that were displayed in the classroom scene. I will read aloud the description of each plot conflict from the handout. I will explain that although more than one plot conflictor all four plot conflictscan exist in any story, I will be focusing on Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self in Maniac Magee. As I read the descriptions of the conflicts, I will try to identify which plot conflict or conflicts were shown in our scenario. I will figure out the plot conflicts in the Role-Play Scenario by looking at the Types of Plot Conflicts Handout to identify which conflicts were shown in the scenario. For each conflict, I will answer the following questions: Who is the conflict between? What is the cause of the conflict? Describe the tension in the conflict. Note: See Plot Conflicts Chart 1 for specific examples. Save this chart for use with Lesson 5. The first conflict I come across in the scenario is between two people, a parent and a child. That answers the first question about who the conflict is between. Next, I will figure out what is the cause of the conflict. The parent and child are arguing about the childs homework. Finally, I will describe the tension: The child uses a loud voice to tell the parent to stop bothering him about doing the homework. The parent tells the child not to yell. By recalling the Types of Plot Conflicts, I see that this plot conflict is an example of a Character vs. Character plot conflict because it is between two people. I will write this down on Plot Conflicts Chart 1. I will chart another plot conflict in the scenario by answering questions about the conflict I will record the information on Plot Conflicts Chart 1. Who is this conflict between? I see that the child mentions that he had a rough day at school. Hes upset that he argued with his parent and took his anger out on his parent. This conflict is an internal one; it is happening within the child. This is a Character vs. Self conflict. What is the cause of the conflict? The child is upset that he got angry at his parent due to having a rough day at school. Finally, I will describe the tension in the conflict. The child is angry that he yelled at his parent. I can say that this is a Character vs. Self plot conflict. I will explain that although more than one plot conflictor all four plot conflictscan exist in any book, we will be focusing on Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self for our Realistic Fiction Genre, and for Maniac Magee. Now, I will look for Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self Plot conflicts in the beginning of Maniac Magee. When I come across a conflict, I will record it on Plot Conflicts Chart 1. For each conflict, I will answer the following questions: Who is the conflict between? What is the cause of the conflict? Describe the tension in the conflict. First, I will look at Chapter 1. I see that Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan hated each other. This conflict is between two characters, so that makes it a Character vs. Character conflict. I will write this down on Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and fill in some details about this conflict. The tension in this conflict is that while they do not like each other, they will not get a divorce because they are strict Catholics. It causes them to have two of everything, live in the same house, and live separate lives. As I skim Chapter 2, I see that the plot conflicts of Character vs. Character or Character vs. Self do not exist in this chapter. I will move to the next chapter. In Chapter 3, Amanda and Jeffrey have a conflict. I will answer the questions for this conflict: This conflict is between two characters who are arguing over the usage of Amandas books. Jeffrey wants to borrow one of Amandas books, but Amanda does not want to loan her books out to him. Ill add this information to Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and fill in the details for the conflict.

LESSONS & UNITS: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Identifying Plot Conflicts

him. Ill add this information to Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and fill in the details for the conflict. Chapter 4 gives an account of Arnold Jones and the high school students at the Finsterwald house. This is a Character vs. Character conflict because it is between one character and additional characters. The high school students want to pick on Arnold and throw him into the yard. Arnold is scared of both the students and being on the Finsterwald property because Finsterwald has a reputation of scaring others. I will record this on Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and fill in the details about this conflict. In Chapter 7, I come across a conflict with John McNab and Maniac playing baseball. I know this is a Character vs. Character conflict because its between two people. Maniac wants to try and play in the game, but McNab doesnt want him to. Maniac sneaks in and winds up hitting every pitch McNab throws. This causes McNab to get angry because he felt Maniac was embarrassing him and ruining his no hit game. I will record this on Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and add details about the conflict. In Chapter 9, I see that John McNab had a personal problem because he is unable to strike out Maniac. The first paragraph of this chapter shows us that John was thinking about this event and concluded that he couldnt stand having this blemish on his record. This points to a conflict within the character, or an internal conflict. This is a Character vs. Self conflict. I will record this on Plot Conflicts Chart 1 and fill in the details about this conflict.

THINK CHECK
Ask: "How can I identify a plot conflict in a text?" Students should respond that you can look at conflicts in a text and figure out details about the conflict, such as who is involved in the conflict and what the conflict is about, to decide what kind of conflict is presented in the story.

GUIDED PRACTICE
will divide the class in half. Half the class will find Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self plot conflicts in Chapters 10 to 15. The other half will find Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self plot conflicts in Chapters 16 to 20. Each member of the group will scan their assigned chapters. As each member comes across a plot conflict, he or she will record it on the Guided Practice Plot Conflicts Worksheet. As a group, discuss the conflict, making sure to answer the following questions on your Chart: Who is the conflict between? What is the cause of the conflict? Describe the tension in the conflict. When we have finished reviewing our chapters, we will come back together to discuss the conflicts that we have identified. Each group will present and identify the conflicts they found. As a group, we will record the conflicts on Plot Conflicts Chart 2. As a class, we will discuss each conflicts importance or impact on the storys plot. Note: Examples are included on Plot Conflicts Chart 2. Recreate this chart on chart paper and record responses as each group presents the conflicts they have identified. Save this chart for use with Lesson 5.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
will work with a partner and quickly reread Chapters 21 to 32 to look for Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self conflicts in the story. When you come across a conflict, you and your partner will record the type of conflict on the Plot Conflicts Worksheet. (See pages 26-27 in the Student Packet.) Together, you will identify who the conflict is between and what the details are about the conflict.

REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
will come together to discuss the plot conflicts we have identified. (You may want to ask student pairs or groups to read a set number of conflicts aloud to the class, so that each conflict and description is only read once and the exercise moves quickly.) Each group will identify the type of conflict, who the conflict was between, and the details for each conflict. As a class, we will decide whether the conflict is important or not very important to the story. Choose one Character vs. Self and one Character vs. Character conflict from Chapters 21 to 32. Engage students in a predicting lesson to spiral back to their predicting skills covered in Lesson 2. Ask, "What can this conflict tell the reader about whats coming up next in the text?" Encourage students to support their opinion with text evidence.

LESSONS & UNITS: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Identifying Plot Conflicts

Build Student Vocabulary preposterous
Tier 2 Word: preposterous Contextualize the word as it is used in the story Explain the meaning studentfriendly definition) Students repeat the word Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts Students provide examples Students repeat the word again. Additional Vocabulary Words Grayson went to the band shell where Maniac was staying. After they ate dinner, Maniac said to Grayson,Why dont you stay overnight? Its late. While he groused about so preposterous an idea, the kid laid down the mat he never used, bulldogged him down to it, pulled off his shoes and draped a blanket over him. Preposterous means totally unlikely, unbelievable, or senseless. Maniacs idea that Grayson stay the night with him in the band shell was preposterous because Grayson always went back to the Y to sleep. It was unlikely that that Grayson would stay the night in the band shell. Say the word preposterous with me: preposterous. It was a preposterous idea to go swimming in the ocean when it was snowing. It was a preposterous idea to think that people could walk on the moon, but they did it anyway. What is something that is preposterous? Why? Start by saying, Something that is preposterous is ________________________. It is preposterous because _______________. What word are we talking about? preposterous

languished, throng, ornery, dispersed, stoic

CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Activation and Motivation and Direct Teaching Passage

Role-Play Scenario
Directions: Read the following interaction between two characters. Parent: Did you do your homework yet? Child: Why do I have to do my homework the minute I get home from school? Parent: Because Im free to help you now, plus I just think it will be easier if you get it out of the way. This way, you can go hang out with your friends when youre done. Can you start on your homework please? Child (in a loud voice): Quit bugging me about my homework! You cant make me do it right now! Parent (sounding upset): Ok, but you dont have to get so angry. Child (with regret): Im sorry. I didnt mean to yell at you and I feel really bad about it. I had a rough day at school. Im sorry for taking it out on you. Parent: Apology accepted. Lets have a snack and talk about it.

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Direct Teaching Handout

Types of Plot Conflicts

Character vs. Self The main character(s) in the story has an inner conflict with himself or herself. The character may be struggling to make the right decision, or struggling with an opinion or idea, or something in his or her mind that causes the character emotional pain or distress.

Character vs. Character The main character(s) has a conflict with one or more characters (the character may be a person, animal, or creature). The characters may have a physical or verbal argument, or an emotional conflict.

Character vs. Society The character(s) has a conflict with a group, such as a community, a larger society, or even with the culture within a place. The character may be struggling with a group of loggers who are trying to destroy the rainforest.

Character vs. Nature The character(s) faces conflict with forces of nature. The character may face a horrible storm at sea or fight against the ripping winds of a tornado.

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Direct Teaching Chart

Plot Conflicts Chart 1

Plot Conflicts in the Role-Play Scenario Conflict 1 Who is the conflict between? A parent and a child. (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? The parent and child are arguing about the childs homework. Describe the tension: The child uses a loud voice to tell the parent to stop bothering him about doing the homework. The parent tells the child not to yell. Conflict 2 Who is the conflict between? Juan has a conflict with himself. (Character vs. Self) What is the cause of the conflict? The child is upset that he argued with his parent and took his anger out on his parent. Describe the tension: The child is angry that he yelled at his parent.

Chapter 1: Who is the conflict between? Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan hate each other and are married.

Plot Conflicts in Maniac Magee Chapter 3: Who is the conflict between? Amanda and Jeffrey (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? They are arguing over how Amandas books are used. Describe the tension: Jeffrey wants to borrow one of Amandas books, but Amanda does not want to loan her books out to him.

Describe the tension: While they do not like each other, they will not get a divorce because they are strict Catholics. It causes them to have two of everything, live in the same house, and live separate lives.

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Direct Teaching Chart

Plot Conflicts Chart 1 (continued)

Plot Conflicts in Maniac Magee Chapter 4: Who is the conflict between? Arnold Jones and the high school students at the Finsterwald house. (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? The high school students want to pick on Arnold for sitting on the steps at the Finsterwald house and throw him into the yard. Describe the tension: Arnold is scared of both the students and being on the Finsterwald property because Finsterwald has a reputation of scaring others. Chapter 7: Who is the conflict between? John McNab and Maniac (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? Maniac wants to try and play in the baseball game, but McNab doesnt want him to. Maniac sneaks in and winds up hitting every pitch McNab throws. Describe the tension: McNab to get angry because he felt Maniac was embarrassing him and ruining his no hit game. Chapter 9: Who is the conflict between? John McNab has a conflict with himself. (Character vs. Self) What is the cause of the conflict? John McNab is mad at himself because he is unable to strike out Maniac. Describe the tension: John was thinking about this event and concluded that he couldnt stand having this blemish on his record.

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Guided Practice Worksheet

Plot Conflicts Name: _________________________________________________ Who is the conflict between? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ What is the cause of the conflict? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Date: _______________________ Directions: Write down the Plot Conflicts you encounter in Chapters 10-15 or 16-20. Answer the questions for each conflict. Describe the tension: ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Who is the conflict between? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ What is the cause of the conflict? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Describe the tension: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Guided Practice Chart

Plot Conflicts Chart 2

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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Guided Practice Chart

Plot Conflicts in Maniac Magee

Chapter 10: Who is the conflict between? Maniac and Mars Bar (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? Maniac, who is white, walks into Mars Bars neighborhood where black people live. White people usually do not go there. Describe the tension: Mars glares at Maniac. Mars teases Maniac with his candy and Maniac eats it. They argue over the book Maniac has. Chapter 13: Who is the conflict between? Amanda, Hester, and Lester (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? Amanda used to take a bath with her brothers, but when she entered the fourth grade, she decided she was too old to continue to do this and stopped. Describe the tension: Amandas brothers beg her to take a bath with them, but she wont. She locks the door when she is taking a bath so that they cant come in. The brothers decide they will never take a bath again unless Amanda bathes with them. Chapter 11: Who is the conflict between? Maniac and Amanda (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? The book that Amanda loaned to Maniac has a page that was ripped out. Describe the tension: When she sees the ripped book, Amanda accuses Mars Bar, rather than Maniac. Mars Bar runs away and some basketball players on the street laugh at him. Chapter 14: No conflicts in this chapter. Chapter 12: Who is the conflict between? Maniac has a conflict with himself. (Character vs. Self) What is the cause of the conflict? He does not say anything to Mrs. Beale and gets in her car when she says that it is time to take him home. Describe the tension: He wants to say something to Mrs. Beale, but does not know how to tell her he does not have a home. When he responds, Mr. Beale knows Maniac is not telling the truth. Maniacs lip begins to quiver. Chapter 15: Who is the conflict between? Maniac and Mrs. Beale (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? After Maniac moves in with the Beales, he spends time with kids that use trash talk and he starts to speak this way. Mrs. Beale is not happy about this. Describe the tension: Mrs. Beale does not like when Maniac uses trash talk and cannot believe he is speaking that way. She slaps his mouth.

Plot Conflicts Chart 2 (continued) (Guided Practice)

Plot Conflicts in Maniac Magee
Chapter 16: Chapter 17: Chapter 18:
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CONCEPTS OF COMPREHENSION: MANIAC MAGEE 5TH GRADE UNIT

Lesson 3: Guided Practice Chart Who is the conflict between? Maniac has a conflict with himself. (Character vs. Self) What is the cause of the conflict? He first tries to ignore the racial tension in the town, but then becomes aware of it. Describe the tension: He minds his own business and ignores the issues around him, until one day he is aware of what is happening around him. Who is the conflict between? Maniac and a man at the block party (Character vs. Character) What is the cause of the conflict? Maniac goes to the block party and all of the other people at the block party are black. Maniac is white and the man does not like this. Describe the tension: The man points at Maniac and calls him a name. Maniac just stands there, stunned. Everyone is silent. The man tells Maniac that he needs to move out of the neighborhood, but Maniac replies that he is already home. The Beales try to defend Maniac, but the man continues. The rest of the people at the block party start shouting. Chapter 20: No conflicts in this chapter. Who is the conflict between? Maniac and Amanda (Character vs. Character What is the cause of the conflict? Maniac decides that he is going to leave the Beales because of how the man at the block party acted toward him. Describe the tension: Amanda yells at Maniac, telling him he will starve and freeze. He tells her that he does not have to do anything. Maniac replies to her with smart alec answers. She tells him that if he leaves, do not expect to ever come back. Maniac leaves and Amanda cries and tears a magazine in half.

Chapter 19: No conflicts in this chapter.

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