Mountain Mission SlidesMountain Mission Mastering the Rising Action Warm-Up: Brainstorm Blitz In 2 minutes, how many problems can a character face? A lost pet... A thunderstorm... A broken toy... What else? Video: Plot Mountain Focus: 0:38 - 1:08 Embedded media "Here starts the plot; there's a conflict in the story..." The Rising Action Conflict "A character has a problem to work through..." The Climb The obstacles that make the story longer and more exciting! YOU ARE HERE The path is going up! The Obstacle Course 1 Pick a Goal Where are you trying to go? 2 Add 3 Hurdles What stops you from getting there? 3 Act it Out Perform your Rising Action! Remember: If there are no obstacles, there is no story! Story Debrief How did the obstacles make your story more interesting? What would the story be like if the character got to the shop instantly? EXTENSION: Write a paragraph using your 3 obstacles!
Obstacle Architect WorksheetObstacle Architect Mission: Build the Rising Action Explorer: Date: The Mission Goal What is your character trying to do or where are they trying to go? The 3 Obstacles (Rising Action) 1 Problem #1 2 Problem #2 3 Problem #3 Mission Report: The Story Combine your goal and your 3 obstacles into a thrilling paragraph! Show how each problem makes the story more exciting.
Mission Briefing CardsMission Briefing Cards Role-Play Scenarios for the Obstacle Course Activity Mission 01 The Cold Treat You are trying to get to the Ice Cream Shop before it closes at sunset! Create 3 obstacles that slow you down. Mission 02 The Secret Letter You must deliver a Top Secret Message to the King at the castle summit. Create 3 obstacles that block your path. Mission 03 The Lost Kitten You followed a lost kitten into a giant, confusing forest maze. Create 3 obstacles you find in the woods. Mission 04 Blast Off You need to reach your Rocket Ship before the countdown reaches zero! Create 3 obstacles at the space station. Mission 05 Birthday Rescue You are carrying a giant birthday cake across a busy, crowded city park. Create 3 obstacles that might trip you up. Mission 06 Sunken Gold You are diving to the bottom of the ocean to find a chest of gold. Create 3 obstacles found underwater. Cut out these cards to distribute to groups for the Rising Action Role-Play.
Trail Guide Teacher ResourceTrail Guide Teacher Resource • Mountain Mission Lesson Lesson Timing 45 Minutes Total Learning Objective Students will analyze how conflict and obstacles drive the Rising Action of a story by designing and acting out a three-part narrative sequence. Materials Checklist MOUNTAIN MISSION SLIDES OBSTACLE ARCHITECT WORKSHEET MISSION BRIEFING CARDS PROPS (SCARVES, BOXES, CHAIRS) The Big Idea Rising Action isn't just "things happening"—it's the build-up of tension caused by problems. No problem = No plot! Lesson Expedition 01 Brainstorm Blitz (5 MIN) Use Slide 2. Rapid-fire brainstorm problems a character might face. Focus on everyday problems (lost keys) vs. epic problems (dragon attack). 02 Video Deep Dive (5 MIN) Play the Scratch Garden video (0:38-1:08). Discuss: Why does the song say "there's a conflict in the story"? How does the visual of climbing a mountain match the story getting more intense? 03 The Obstacle Course (20 MIN) Divide students into groups. Hand out Mission Briefing Cards and Worksheets. They must plan 3 hurdles that block their goal. Tip: Encourage them to use "Slow Motion" or simple gestures to act out their obstacles without needing complex props. 04 Debrief & Extension (15 MIN) Ask: "What would the story be like without the obstacles?" (Answer: Boredom!). Students complete the writing paragraph on their worksheet as an exit ticket. Key Discussion Anchors "Why is the Rising Action the longest part of most stories?" "What happens to the story if the problem is solved too easily?" "Can the setting (like a storm) be an obstacle, or does it have to be a person?"
