Case File 1 Lesson Plan Case File: Session 1
First Clues: Sequencing & Perspectives
Top Secret
Why This Matters
Sequencing strengthens comprehension by clarifying story structure, and perspective taking builds empathy and critical-thinking—key skills for reading success.
Quick Facts
Audience: 7th & 8th Grade SpEdTime: 30 MinutesApproach: Interactive Analysis
Preparation & Materials
To Do (10 mins)
Print & enlarge Sequencing Worksheet and Perspective Chart.
Prepare Sequence Puzzle Game Cards and Detective Badges.
Queue Film Clip: The Present.
Lay out Movement Break Cards in activity area.
Materials Needed
Slide Deck & Film Clip
Sequencing Worksheet (Enlarged)
Perspective Chart (Enlarged)
Detective Badges & Game Cards
Movement Break Cards & Quiz
Target: Students will sequence three key events from an animated short film and begin to identify character perspectives by naming feelings and motivations.
Instructional Steps
01
Detective Briefing (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
Greet students wearing Story Detective Badges .
Turn-and-Talk: Name a favorite movie moment in order (First, Next, Last).Show definition of sequencing on the Slide Deck.
02
Gathering Evidence (Introduction)
7 MIN
Play first half of The Present (~2 min).
Class Poll: What happened first, next, and last?
Record responses on chart paper or board for visual support.
Field Break (Movement)
3 MIN
Distribute Movement Break Cards . Students perform a quick stretch, spin, or shake based on their card to reset focus.
03
Clue Sorting (Activity)
5 MIN
Hand out Sequencing Worksheet .
In pairs, students order three picture cards from the film.
Teacher circulates to assist with physical card manipulation and confirmation.
04
Inside the Mind (Perspective)
5 MIN
"How did the boy feel when he received the gift?"
Display the Perspective Chart .
Fill chart as a group with emotions and brief visual evidence from the film.
05
Case Wrap-Up (Quiz)
5 MIN
Students complete the Session 1 Quiz (3 sequencing, 2 perspective).
Review answers together and celebrate detective successes.
Case File 1 Slides CASE OPEN • CASE OPEN • CASE OPEN
Animated Story Detectives
Session 1: First Clues
Sequencing & Perspective Taking
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome Story Detectives! Today we’ll learn how to put events in order and start thinking about how characters feel. Explain that sequencing helps us understand story structure and perspective boosts empathy.
Warm-Up
Turn-and-talk with a partner:
Name a favorite movie moment in order:
Step 1 First...
Step 2 Next...
Step 3 Last...
TEACHER NOTES: Warm-Up (5 min): Have students turn to a partner and share a favorite movie moment, naming what happened first, next, and last. Circulate and prompt with “What happened first?” if needed.
What Is Sequencing?
Putting story events in order
Uses words:
First, Next, Last
TEACHER NOTES: Define sequencing. Read the slide aloud and point to each bullet. Check for comprehension by asking “Why do we say first, next, last?”
Watch: “The Present”
Embedded media
Watch carefully! We will put these events in order soon.
TEACHER NOTES: Play the first half (~2 min) of the animated short film “The Present.” Ask students to watch carefully because they will sequence what they see.
Your Turn: Sequence Events
What happened?
FIRST
NEXT
LAST
TEACHER NOTES: After the clip, ask volunteers to share what happened first, next, and last. Record responses on board or chart paper.
Movement Break
Grab a card and do the action:
Stretch & Reach
Spin in Place
Shake It Out
TEACHER NOTES: Movement Break (3 min): Distribute movement break cards. Encourage students to stand and do the action on their card. Use this to refocus before work.
Sequencing Activity
1
In pairs, order the three picture cards from the film.
2
Write First, Next, and Last under each picture.
3
Raise your hand when you’re done!
TEACHER NOTES: Sequencing Activity (5 min): Hand out enlarged sequencing worksheets and picture cards. Pair students. They place cards in order and write First/Next/Last. Provide support as needed.
Perspective Taking
Sequencing Worksheet Enlarged Font Evidence Log
Case 1: Sequencing Clues
Detective Name:
Date:
Task 1: Putting the Story in Order
Look at your picture cards. Put them in the order they happened in the film. Then, write FIRST , NEXT , and LAST below each box.
Paste Picture 1 Here
Order:
Paste Picture 2 Here
Order:
Paste Picture 3 Here
Order:
Detective Tip:
Think about what the boy was doing at the very beginning of the clip!
Perspective Chart Enlarged Font Detective Perspective Chart
Case File: The Present
The Character: The Boy
"How did the boy feel when he first opened the box?"
1
The Feeling (Emotion)
2
The Proof (Evidence)
How do you know? What did you see?
Detectives use their EYES to see expressions and their EARS to hear what characters say!
Story Detective Badges Story Detective Official Badges
Official Badge
Detective
Member since Session 1
Story Detective Unit
Official Badge
Detective
Member since Session 1
Story Detective Unit
Official Badge
Detective
Member since Session 1
Story Detective Unit
Official Badge
Detective
Member since Session 1
Story Detective Unit
Teacher: Cut along the black borders and laminate for multiple uses!
Sequence Puzzle Game Cards Enlarged Font Sequence Puzzle Cards
Case File: The Present
?
Teacher: Attach Image 1 Here
The Box
The boy is playing a video game when his mother brings in a cardboard box.
?
Teacher: Attach Image 2 Here
The Puppy
The boy opens the box and sees a playful puppy with three legs inside.
?
Teacher: Attach Image 3 Here
The Decision
The boy stands up with crutches and decides to go outside to play with the puppy.
Movement Break Cards Movement Break Cards
Stretch & Reach
Stand up tall! Reach for the ceiling like you're trying to grab a cloud. Hold for 10 seconds.
Spin in Place
Step away from your desk. Slowly spin around 3 times. Don't get too dizzy!
Shake It Out
Shake your hands! Shake your legs! Shake your whole body for 15 seconds.
Detective Breath
Take a deep breath in through your nose... and let it out like a long whistle. Do it twice.
Cut cards along the black borders. Laminate for reuse across all 5 sessions.
Session 1 Quiz Sequencing & Perspectives Session 1 Quiz
Sequencing & Perspectives
Score
/ 5
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Order (Sequencing)
Read the events from the film. Number them 1, 2, and 3 in the correct order.
The boy gets up to play outside with the puppy.
The mother brings home a box with a surprise.
The boy sees that the puppy has three legs.
Part 2: The Character (Perspective)
4. How did the boy feel when he first saw the puppy?
Angry
Happy and Surprised
Scared
5. Why did the boy change his mind and go outside?
Case 1: Investigated!
Case File 2 Lesson Plan Case File: Session 2
Reading the Lines: Inference & Motivation
Level 2 Analysis
Why This Matters
Developing inference skills strengthens reading comprehension by helping students read between the lines and understand characters’ unspoken thoughts—key for critical thinking and empathy.
Quick Facts
Audience: 7th & 8th Grade SpEdTime: 30 MinutesApproach: Guided Inference Chart
Preparation & Materials
To Do (10 mins)
Print & enlarge Inference Worksheet and Inference Chart.
Prepare Inference Card Game Cards.
Queue Film Clip: Feast.
Set out Detective Badges and Movement Cards.
Materials Needed
Session 2 Slide Deck
Film Clip: Feast
Inference Worksheet & Chart
Inference Card Game Cards
Session 2 Quiz
Target: Students will infer characters’ deeper motivations and emotions from an animated film clip and explain their reasoning with evidence.
Instructional Steps
01
Inference Briefing (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
Welcome detectives; swap badges with a partner for a "security check."
Turn-and-Talk: Recall a time you guessed how someone felt without words.Define "inference" using Slide 1.
02
Reading Unspoken Clues (Introduction)
7 MIN
Play first 2 minutes of Feast.
Ask: "What do you notice that characters don't say out loud?"
Teacher models filling one row of the Inference Chart on the board.
Field Break
3 MIN
Quick movement break using cards from Session 1.
03
The Great Inference Game (Activity)
8 MIN
Pairs draw an Inference Card and read the scene description.
Students infer feelings/motivation and write it on their worksheet.
Share one "hidden clue" with the class.
04
Hidden Perspectives (Discussion)
4 MIN
"Why do you think the main character chose that action?" Record group evidence on the chart.
05
Inference Check (Quiz)
3 MIN
Students answer 3 inference questions on the Session 2 Quiz.
Case File 2 Slides EVIDENCE LOG • LEVEL 2 • EVIDENCE LOG
Reading the Lines
Session 2: Mastering Inference
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome back, Detectives! Today we are looking for "invisible" clues. We call this inference. It's when we use what we see and what we already know to figure out what the story isn't saying out loud.
Warm-Up
Turn-and-talk with a partner:
Recall a time you guessed how someone felt without them saying a word .
Example: Your friend crossed their arms and frowned. Did you guess they were angry?
TEACHER NOTES: Warm-Up (5 min): Have students share a time they made an "everyday inference." This builds the connection between real-life skills and story skills.
What is Inference?
Formula:
What I See
What I Know
Inference
"Reading between the lines to find hidden meanings."
TEACHER NOTES: Introduce the formula. Explain that clues + background knowledge = inference.
Watch: “Feast”
Embedded media
Pay attention to what the dog is thinking! He doesn't talk, but we can guess.
TEACHER NOTES: Play the first 2 minutes of "Feast."
Your Turn: Hidden Clues
The Clue:
The dog leaves his food to chase the character.
The Inference:
The dog cares about the person more than the food.
TEACHER NOTES: Discuss this example. Model how we move from the physical action to the character's internal motivation.
Inference Check
Time to show your skills!
Complete the 3 questions on your Case File Quiz.
TEACHER NOTES: Distribute Session 2 Quiz. Allow 3-5 minutes for completion.
Inference Worksheet Enlarged Font Level 2 Inference
Case 2: Reading the Lines
Detective Name:
Date:
The Hidden Clue Challenge
Draw a card and read the clue. Then, figure out what the character is thinking or feeling!
1
The Scene (Evidence):
The character slowly walks away with their head down.
?
The Inference (Feeling/Thought):
2
The Scene (Evidence):
The dog leaves his favorite bacon to chase his owner.
?
The Inference (Feeling/Thought):
Remember: An inference is like a puzzle. You have the pieces (evidence) and you have to find the picture (meaning)!
Inference Chart Enlarged Font Detective Inference Chart
Case File: Reading Between the Lines
How to Investigate:
Watch the character. Use the clues (what you see) and your brain (what you know) to solve the mystery of their feelings.
Clues (What I See)
Inference (What It Means)
Example Clue:
The dog whimpers when the person leaves.
The dog is lonely and misses his friend.
Clue 1:
Inference 1:
Clue 2:
Inference 2:
Mystery Solved by Evidence!
Inference Card Game Cards Enlarged Font Inference Game Cards
Case File: Feast
Evidence Card A
"The dog stops eating his yummy meat to watch his owner's face."
What is the dog thinking?
Evidence Card B
"The owner pushes away his plate and looks out the window."
How does the owner feel?
Evidence Card C
"The dog waits by the door for hours until he hears a key in the lock."
What is the dog hoping for?
Evidence Card D
"The person shares a tiny piece of food and pats the dog's head."
How do they feel about each other?
Teacher: Cut along the black borders and shuffle for pair work.
Session 2 Quiz Inference & Perspective Session 2 Quiz
Inference & Perspectives
Score
/ 3
Name:
Date:
Question 1: The Hidden Clue
In the film "Feast," the dog stops eating to follow the person. What can we infer about the dog?
The dog is not hungry anymore.
The dog loves the person and wants to be near them.
The dog is scared of the food.
Question 2: Making Connections
When a character sighs and looks out the window, I can infer that they feel:
Question 3: Using Proof
Pick one action from the film. What did it tell you about how the character was feeling?
Detective Inference Skills: Verified!
Case File 3 Lesson Plan Case File: Session 3
Double Vision: Comparing Viewpoints
Two-Way Analysis
Why This Matters
Analyzing multiple viewpoints fosters critical thinking and empathy by showing how different characters’ experiences shape story understanding.
Quick Facts
Audience: 7th & 8th Grade SpEdTime: 30 MinutesApproach: Collaborative Sorting
Preparation & Materials
To Do (10 mins)
Print & enlarge Perspective Comparison Chart.
Prepare Perspective Sorting Cards.
Queue Film Clip: The Present - Part 2.
Prepare Detective Badges and Movement Cards.
Materials Needed
Session 3 Slide Deck
Perspective Comparison Chart
Perspective Sorting Cards
Detective Badges & Movement Cards
Session 3 Quiz
Target: Students will compare and contrast two characters’ perspectives from an animated short, citing emotions, motivations, and evidence to deepen comprehension.
Instructional Steps
01
Two Sides to Every Story (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
Greet detectives; tap badges. Turn-and-Talk: Recall a time two people saw the same event differently. Introduce "multiple perspectives" using Slide 1.
02
The Boy vs. The Father (Introduction)
7 MIN
Play The Present - Part 2 (~3 min).
Ask: "What did the boy see? What did the father see?"
Model filling one row each on the Comparison Chart .
Field Break
3 MIN
Stretch and spin using movement cards.
03
Detective Sorting Unit (Activity)
8 MIN
Small groups: Sort Perspective Sorting Cards under Character A or Character B.
Use the Comparison Chart to record findings and evidence.
Assist groups with matching visual clues to specific characters.
04
Case Briefing (Discussion)
5 MIN
Review chart entries. Discuss: "How did each character’s feelings differ? Why?"
05
Double Check (Quiz)
2 MIN
Quick 2-question quiz comparing feelings and evidence.
Case File 3 Slides EYE WITNESS • EYE WITNESS • EYE WITNESS
Double Vision
Session 3: Comparing Viewpoints
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome back! Today we are looking at how TWO different people see the SAME event. Just like two detectives might have different ideas about a case, characters have different perspectives.
Warm-Up
Turn-and-talk with a partner:
Recall a time when you and a friend saw the same thing, but felt differently about it.
Friend A:
"That roller coaster was so scary!"
Friend B:
"That was so much fun! Let's go again!"
Double Perspective
Character A
VERSUS
Character B
"They see the same event, but have different feelings and reasons."
Watch: “The Present - Part 2”
Embedded media
Compare the Boy's perspective and the Mother's perspective.
Sorting Perspective
In your groups, sort the cards under Character A or Character B .
Cards: Feelings, Thoughts, Actions
Case Checked!
YOU SAW BOTH SIDES
Complete your quiz before you go.
Perspective Comparison Chart Enlarged Font Double Vision Log
Case 3: Comparing Viewpoints
Detective Name:
Date:
Character A
The Boy
Character B
The Mother
How they felt:
How they felt:
What they wanted:
What they wanted:
Proof from film:
Proof from film:
Detectives look at the same event through different eyes. Why did the mother bring the gift? Why was the boy frustrated?
Perspective Sorting Cards Enlarged Font Perspective Sorting Cards
Case File: The Present - Viewpoints
1
"I wanted to see my son go outside and be active."
Whose Perspective?
2
"I felt annoyed when she interrupted my video game."
Whose Perspective?
3
"I smiled when I put the box down on the table."
Whose Perspective?
4
"I was surprised when the puppy started playing."
Whose Perspective?
Teacher: Cut cards and have students sort them into the Comparison Chart.
Session 3 Quiz Compare Perspectives Session 3 Quiz
Double Vision
Score
/ 2
Detective Name:
Date:
Question 1: Different Feelings
How did the mother's feeling differ from the boy's feeling when she brought the gift?
The Mother felt:
The Boy felt:
Question 2: Detective Proof
Choose ONE character. How do you know they felt that way? What did they DO or SAY?
Case 3: Viewpoints Clarified!
Case File 4 Lesson Plan Case File: Session 4
Cracking the Case: Complex Narratives
Master Investigator
Why This Matters
Sequencing complex narratives and drawing conclusions deepen comprehension and inference skills, essential for critical thinking and reading success.
Quick Facts
Audience: 7th & 8th Grade SpEdTime: 30 MinutesApproach: Timeline Mapping
Preparation & Materials
To Do (10 mins)
Print & enlarge Complex Sequencing Map.
Prepare Sequence Mapping Cards (cut out).
Queue Film Clip: Piper.
Layout badges and movement cards.
Materials Needed
Session 4 Slide Deck
Complex Sequencing Map
Conclusion Chart
Sequence Mapping Cards
Session 4 Quiz
Target: Students will sequence multiple events from a complex animated short film and draw conclusions about characters’ choices using evidence.
Instructional Steps
01
The Big Decision (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
"What's your favorite scene where a character makes a big decision?"
Turn-and-Talk; share responses using badge markers.
02
Advanced Investigations (Introduction)
7 MIN
Play Piper (~3 min).
Ask students to list major events.
Introduce Complex Sequencing Map and model the first event.
Field Break
3 MIN
Quick movement break to re-focus for detailed work.
03
Mapping the Timeline (Activity)
8 MIN
Pairs use Sequence Mapping Cards .
Sequence 5 events on the Map and write brief descriptions.
Assist students with identifying transitions between events.
04
Final Verdict (Discussion)
5 MIN
"Why did Piper choose that action?" Record group conclusions and supporting evidence on the chart.
05
Evidence Check (Quiz)
2 MIN
Quick quiz on sequencing and conclusion. Share one insight.
Case File 4 Slides CRACKING THE CASE • CRACKING THE CASE
Cracking the Case
Session 4: Complex Sequencing
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome back, Master Detectives! Today the cases get harder. We aren't just looking at first, next, and last. We are looking at a WHOLE TIMELINE of events to see how a character makes a big decision.
Warm-Up
"What's your favorite scene where a character makes a big decision ?"
Think about a time someone chose to be brave or try something new.
Narrative Mapping
1
Identify multiple key events.
2
Link events to character choices.
3
Draw a final conclusion.
Watch: “Piper”
Embedded media
Watch how many small steps it takes for Piper to find food!
TEACHER NOTES: Play "Piper" (approx 3 min).
Case Mapping
Event 1
Event 2
Event 3
Connect the dots to find the CONCLUSION!
Master Evidence Check
PROVE YOUR FINDINGS
Complete your Session 4 Quiz and share one insight with the class.
Complex Sequencing Map Enlarged Font Complex Timeline
Case 4: Narrative Mapping
Detective Name:
Date:
1
Event 1:
2
Event 2:
3
Event 3:
4
Event 4:
The Conclusion (Final Event):
Conclusion Chart Printout Enlarged Font Detective Conclusion Chart
Case File: Piper's Big Choice
Final Verdict
The Big Mystery:
Why did the main character (Piper) choose to go back into the water after getting scared?
1
Evidence Seen:
2
Conclusion Drawn:
A Case is Closed when the Evidence matches the Verdict!
Sequence Mapping Cards Enlarged Font Sequence Mapping Cards
Case File: Piper's Journey
?
Piper goes to the shore for the first time with her mother to find food.
?
A giant wave crashes over Piper and makes her very scared of the water.
?
Piper watches a small crab dig into the sand when a wave comes.
?
Piper tries digging like the crab and sees beautiful shells under the water.
?
Piper isn't scared anymore and happily gathers food for the whole flock.
Teacher: Cut along the black borders and have students map them onto the Timeline Map.
Session 4 Quiz Sequencing & Conclusions Session 4 Quiz
Complex Narratives
Score
/ 2
Name:
Date:
Question 1: The Timeline
What happened right AFTER Piper saw the small crab dig into the sand?
She ran away back to her mother.
She tried digging like the crab under the wave.
She decided to stop eating food forever.
Question 2: Final Verdict
Piper changed from being scared to being brave. What is one piece of evidence from the film that proves she was brave at the end?
Case 4: Narrative Cracked!
Case File 5 Lesson Plan Case File: Session 5
Case Closed: Storyboard Project
Final Mission
Why This Matters
This culminating session synthesizes sequencing and perspective skills into creative expression, reinforcing comprehension, communication, and confidence.
Quick Facts
Audience: 7th & 8th Grade SpEdTime: 30 MinutesApproach: Student-Led Project
Preparation & Materials
To Do (10 mins)
Print & enlarge Storyboard Templates.
Prepare Storyboard Prompt Cards.
Prepare Peer Feedback Forms.
Final badge inspection.
Materials Needed
Session 5 Slide Deck
Storyboard Template (Enlarged)
Storyboard Prompt Cards
Peer Feedback Forms
Session 5 Reflection Quiz
Target: Students will apply sequencing and perspective-taking skills to create and present an original storyboard based on an animated scenario.
Instructional Steps
01
Final Briefing (Warm-Up)
5 MIN
"What’s a story moment you’d be proud to share?"
Turn-and-Talk using badge markers. Project overview on Slide 1.
02
Mission Planning (Prep)
7 MIN
Students select a Storyboard Card Prompt .
List 4–5 key events in sequence on their scratch pad.
Note main character’s perspective and motivation.
Field Break
3 MIN
Final movement break using cards from Session 1.
03
Creating the Evidence (Activity)
7 MIN
Distribute Storyboard Templates .
Draw scenes and write captions (First, Next, Last).
Include one perspective sentence per panel.
04
Peer Investigation (Feedback)
4 MIN
Pair up and swap storyboards. Use the Feedback Form to record two strengths and one suggestion.
05
The Grand Finale (Reflection)
4 MIN
Invite students to present. Complete Reflection Quiz. Award Master Detective Status!
Case File 5 Slides Case Closed
Session 5: The Final Mission
TEACHER NOTES: Congratulations, Story Detectives! You have completed 4 difficult cases. Today, YOU are the animator and the detective. You will create your own storyboard case file.
Your Final Mission
Sequence
Put 4 events in order (First, Next, Last).
Perspective
Show how your character feels in every scene.
Step-by-Step
1
Choose a Story Prompt card.
2
Plan your 4 main events .
3
Draw and write on your Storyboard Template .
4
Swap with a partner for Detective Review .
Case Fully Closed!
Master Story Detectives
"A story is just a sequence of clues waiting to be understood."
Storyboard Template Enlarged Font Final Case File
Storyboard Masterpiece
Animator Name:
Session 5 Date:
Scene 1: First
Character Feeling:
Caption:
Scene 2: Next
Character Feeling:
Caption:
Scene 3: Next
Character Feeling:
Caption:
Scene 4: Last
Character Feeling:
Caption:
Final Lesson: Why did your character choose their actions?
Storyboard Card Prompts Enlarged Font Storyboard Prompt Cards
Choose Your Mission
Mission A: The Brave Pet
A small pet is scared of a vacuum cleaner but has to save its favorite toy.
Show how the pet changes from SCARED to BRAVE!
Mission B: The New Student
A new student is lonely at lunch until someone invites them to play a game.
Show how the student changes from LONELY to HAPPY!
Mission C: The Lost Robot
A robot runs out of battery in the rain but gets help from a friendly bird.
Show how the robot changes from HELPLESS to THANKFUL!
Mission D: The Sports Star
A player misses a big goal but keeps trying until they help their team win.
Show how the player changes from FRUSTRATED to PROUD!
Peer Feedback Form Enlarged Font Detective Review
Peer Feedback Form
Reviewing Detective:
Storyboard Creator:
Two Great Clues (Strengths)
What did the animator do really well?
1
2
One New Insight (Suggestion)
How could they make the story or perspective even better?
Master Status:
Session 5 Quiz Storyboard Reflection Master Detective Final Reflection
Program Synthesis Quiz
Master Detective:
Mission Date:
Question 1: The Detective Tools
Which tool was most helpful to you: Sequencing (Order) or Perspective (Feelings)? Why?
Question 2: Case Strategy
How do you know what a character is thinking if they do not speak?
Question 3: Final Investigation
What was the most surprising thing you discovered about a character in any of the 4 films?
Place Official Detective Seal Here
Case Closed. Mission Accomplished.
