Zoom In Lesson Plan Guide Instructional Guide
Zoom In! Storytelling
Tier 2 Small Group
5th Grade ELA
Why This Matters
Learning to zoom in on "small moments" helps students develop strong narrative writing skills, allowing them to craft engaging and detailed stories that resonate with readers. It transforms generic "list stories" into vivid, sensory-rich experiences.
Pacing
3 Sessions
30 minutes each
Audience
Tier 2 Small Group
Preparation Checklist
Review the Small Moment Slides and Graphic Organizer .
Print copies of the Small Moment Graphic Organizer and Drafting Journal for each student.
Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up for the slide deck presentation.
Gather student notebooks or separate writing paper and pencils.
Materials & Objectives
Required Materials
Whiteboard or Projector
Markers/Pens
Small Moment Slide Deck
Small Moment Graphic Organizer
Narrative Draft Journal pages
Pencils
Learning Objective
"Students will be able to identify a 'small moment' for narrative writing, use a graphic organizer to plan their story with sensory details and feelings, and draft a narrative based on their plan."
S1
Unpacking Small Moments
5 MIN
Warm-Up
Begin with a discussion: "What makes a story interesting to read?" Guide students to think about details, characters, and events.
10 MIN
Introduction: Big Events vs. Small Moments
Use the Slide Deck (Slides 1-3) to introduce the concept of a "small moment"—a single, focused event, often lasting only a few minutes, that can be expanded with rich detail.
10 MIN
Brainstorming Personal Small Moments
Guide students in brainstorming 2-3 "small moments" from their own lives (e.g., losing a tooth, a specific moment on a swing, finding a lost item). Encourage them to think about everyday events. (Slide 4)
5 MIN
Cool-Down
Ask each student to share one "small moment" idea they brainstormed. Teacher Note: Emphasize that these are small, single events, not entire vacations or holidays.
S2
Mapping Your Moment
5 MIN
Warm-Up
Review the concept of a "small moment" and have students recall their brainstormed ideas.
10 MIN
Introduction to Graphic Organizer
Introduce the Small Moment Graphic Organizer . Explain how it helps to plan the beginning, middle, and end of their chosen small moment. (Slide 5)
10 MIN
Guided Practice: Filling the Organizer
Guide students in selecting one brainstormed small moment and beginning to fill out their organizer. Focus on adding sensory details and feelings associated with each part of the moment. (Slides 6-7)
5 MIN
Cool-Down
Ask students to share one new detail or feeling they added. Teacher Note: Circulate and provide individualized support, prompting students for more details.
S3
Crafting Your Story
5 MIN
Warm-Up
Have students briefly review their completed Small Moment Graphic Organizer .
10 MIN
Introduction: From Plan to Narrative
Discuss how to use details from the organizer to write. Introduce "Show, don't tell" with a simple example. (Slides 8-9)
10 MIN
Independent Work: Drafting Your Narrative
Students begin drafting their narrative in their Narrative Draft Journal , using their organizer as a guide. Focus on ideas and descriptive language.
5 MIN
Cool-Down
Ask students to share one or two sentences from their draft. Teacher Note: Remind students that first drafts are about getting ideas down.
Zoom In Slides Zoom In!
Storytelling Small Moments
Master Storyteller Series
Session 1 Introduction
What Makes a Story Amazing?
Think about your favorite stories:
What makes them exciting?
What details do you remember?
How do they make you feel?
Teacher Note: Ask students for specific examples of details that grab their attention.
Big Event vs. Small Moment
Big Event
Covers a long time or many different things.
Example: My summer vacation at the beach.
Small Moment
A single, focused event, like a snapshot! It lasts just a few minutes.
Example: The moment I felt a crab pinch my toe at the beach!
Brainstorm Your Small Moments!
What are some small moments from YOUR life?
Think about something that lasted only a few minutes .
What did you do? What did you feel?
Examples to get you started
A time you laughed really hard • A moment you were surprised • A quick interaction with an animal • Winning a specific point in a game • Opening a gift.
Planning Your Story
Our Graphic Organizer will help us plan!
Graphic Organizer Preview
Mapping Your Moment
Think about your chosen small moment:
Beginning
What was happening right before the moment started?
Middle
What was the main action or event of the moment?
End
What happened right after the moment finished?
"It's not a whole novel, just a tiny slice of time."
Make Your Story Come Alive!
The 5 Senses
What did you SEE?
What did you HEAR?
What did you SMELL?
What did you TASTE?
What did you FEEL?
Heart Power
How did you feel at each part of your moment?
Instead of "I saw a dog," try: "The shaggy, brown dog barked a happy hello, its tail thumping like a drum."
Your Plan is Your Treasure Map!
Small Moment Graphic Organizer My Small Moment Story Planner
Narrative Blueprint: Stage 1 Planning
Name:
Date:
My Chosen Small Moment
What is the single, focused event you want to write about? (Lasts 1-5 minutes!)
1. The Beginning
What was happening right before your small moment started? Set the scene!
Sensory Details
I saw...
I heard...
Senses & Emotions
I felt (physical sensations)...
My Emotion (Happy, Scared, Excited...)
2
The Middle (The Heart)
Main Action & Intensity
What was the heart of the moment? Describe exactly what happened in slow motion.
Vivid Sight
Specific Sound
Physical Touch
Internal Feeling
3
The End (Resolution)
Resolution & Reaction
What happened right after? How did the moment resolve or change?
Lasting Sounds/Smells
Final Feelings
Narrative Power Check
Master Strategy
Instead of telling me you were happy, show me your smile and your bubbling laugh!
Quick Draft Box
Try one "Showing" sentence here:
Narrative Draft Journal Pages Small Moment Draft
Narrative Blueprint: Construction Phase
Name:
Date:
Use your Small Moment Graphic Organizer to build your story. Remember to "show, don't tell" by using sensory details and feelings to make your reader feel like they are right there with you!
2
Behavior Blueprint Lesson Guide Instructional Strategy
Your Behavior Blueprint
Tier 3 Individual Support
5th Grade Behavioral
Purpose
Understanding and following clear behavioral expectations helps individual students learn to self-regulate, communicate effectively, and participate successfully in their learning environment. This plan provides a structured roadmap for managing feelings and actions.
Duration
30 Minutes
Goal
Mastery of self-regulation tools and communication protocols.
Preparation Checklist
Review the Behavior Blueprint Slide Deck .
Print and laminate the Tally Card Template .
Prepare Break Cards (Green, Yellow, Red).
Prepare a copy of the Blueprint Handout for the student.
Facilitation Guide
1. Warm-Up: What Helps You Learn Best? (5 min)
Begin with a quick discussion: "What helps you focus and do your best work?" Guide them to think about respect, safety, and clear expectations. Introduce the idea of "Your Behavior Blueprint" to help them succeed. (Slide 1)
2. Introduction to Your Behavior Blueprint (5 min)
Present Slides 2-3 . Explain that this system is a tool to help them manage feelings and actions. Emphasize that it's about building their skills and autonomy, not just compliance.
3. Positive Incentive & Skill Replacement (10 min)
Introduce Target Replacement Behaviors: Safe Communication and Acceptance of Directive . (Slide 4)
Explain the token system using the Tally Card . Show how tokens are earned for skills/calmness. (Slide 5)
Discuss rewards at 6, 12, and 18 tokens. Highlight student choice. (Slide 6)
4. Color-Coded Break Card System (5 min)
Introduce Break Cards (Slides 7-10) . Explain function and response for each (Green, Yellow, Red). Role-play placing a card quietly on the desk.
5. Consequences & Learning (5 min)
Explain that choices lead to predictable steps for learning/repair. (Slides 11-13)
Low-level behaviors: Mandatory practice + loss of free time.
High-level behaviors: Red Card Protocol + Reflection & Repair.
Behavior Blueprint Slides Behavior Strategy
Your Blueprint for Success!
Building skills to help you thrive every day.
Safety
Respect
Growth
What is Your Blueprint?
It's your personalized guide to success in the classroom!
Helps you learn and grow every day.
Gives you tools to manage big feelings.
Shows how to communicate effectively.
Creates a safe space for you to learn.
Your Super Skills!
1
Safe Communication
Expressing what you need or feel without upsetting others.
2
Accepting Directives
Following adult instructions calmly and quickly .
These skills help you get exactly what you need!
Earning Your Tokens!
An adult will check in with you every 15-20 minutes .
Earn a token by using your Super Skills or staying calm .
S
U
C
C
!
Every token is a step toward a reward!
Milestone 1: 6 Tokens
Role of Responsibility!
You get to choose a quick, fun classroom job that shows you are a leader.
Examples:
Passing out papers • Organizing a shelf • Leading a quick task • Tech support helper
Milestone 2: 12 Tokens
Choice of Seat or Task!
You get to decide where you work or which order you do things.
Your Options:
Choice of seating (desk, floor, corner) • Choice of task order (Math first or Reading first?)
Milestone 3: 18 Tokens
Preferred Relationship Time!
5-10 minutes of special conversation with a staff member you choose.
Who will you pick?
Your Teacher • Ed Tech • Counselor • Principal • Social Worker
Your Break Card System
Sometimes we need a moment to reset. These cards are your tools to take a break before feelings get too big!
Tally Card Template My Success Tally
Behavior Blueprint: Positive Incentive Tracking
5th Grade Tracker
Student:
Date:
Safe Communication
Accepting Directives
Check-in every 15-20 minutes
01
02
03
04
05
06
Reward 1: Role of Responsibility
Teacher signature: ______________________ Choice: ______________________
07
08
09
10
11
12
Reward 2: Choice of Academic Order/Setting
Teacher signature: ______________________ Choice: ______________________
13
14
15
16
17
18
Reward 3: Preferred Relationship Time
Teacher signature: ______________________ Partner: ______________________
Growth Notes Break Cards Activity Green Card
I Need a Proactive Break
Before my feelings get big.
Student Action Quietly place on desk
Staff Response 3-minute movement
Yellow Card
I Need to Talk it Out
My anxiety/frustration is growing.
Student Action Quietly place on desk
Staff Response 5-minute verbal coach
Red Card
Crisis: I Need Space Now
High escalation or safety concern.
Student Action Raise card / Show staff
Staff Response Immediate escort to space
Print and laminate for daily use
Behavior Blueprint Handout Your Classroom Blueprint
Self-Regulation & Success Guide
This blueprint helps you have a safe, respectful, and focused learning experience where you can grow every day!
1
Your Super Skills & Tokens
Skills to Practice:
Safe Communication:
Expressing what you need without upsetting others.
Accepting Directives:
Following adult instructions calmly and quickly.
Token Milestone Rewards:
6 Role of Responsibility
12 Choice of Seating / Task
18 Preferred Relationship Time
2
Your Break Card System
Quietly place the card on your desk to signal you need a moment.
Green Card
Proactive 3-minute movement or sensory break.
Yellow Card
Talking break. 5-minute debrief outside the classroom.
Red Card
Crisis protocol. Escort to the therapeutic safe space.
3
Consequences & Learning
Low-Level Behaviors
Example: Disrespectful tone, non-compliance
Mandatory Practice: Practice the skill 2 times + Consequence: Loss of 5-10 minutes of free time.
High-Level Behaviors
Example: Intimidation, threats
Safety First: Immediate Red Card + Repair Plan: Behavior Reflection and Repair Plan with Counselor.
You've got this! We're on your team.