Identify the Cause and Effect of an Event using a Graphic Organizer
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JAY BEAN AND THE DREAMERS' CIRCUS PDF available at www.jaybean.com - Copyright © 2011
Cause and Effect
Purpose
To identify the cause and effect of an event, within a story, and assist the student in understanding why the event occurred and how it ultimately affects the rest of the story.
Objective
The student will determine the cause and effect of a particular event, within a story, using a sequence chart (graphic organizer).
Materials
- Jay Bean and the Dreamers' Circus (iPad App) or another short story
Note: Pages 1-19 of Jay Bean and the Dreamers' Circus are available online. (requires Flash) - Sequence Chart photocopied or displayed for students (included in PDF)
- Completed Short Story Map from Lesson I (not necessary but will help reinforce the concept)
Procedures
- Review a short story with the student, recalling major events. The student may use the completed Short Story Map from lesson1 to review.
- Explain to the student how a singular event in a story is often a link in a chain of events. The Short Story Map (from lesson1) can be used to illustrate how one event affects another.
- Then explain to the student that they will be determining the cause and effect of one particular event from the story.
- The Student can use photocopies of the Sequence chart or draw their own.
- The Student may choose a particular event or the teacher/parent may determine one event for the student to concentrate on.
- Begin with box 2. Instruct the student to write a description of the chosen event in box 2.(e.g.-Jay runs away from Dr. Gordon's office.)
- To determine the causes of the chosen event use the clarification questions provided to fill in box 1.
- To determine the effects of the chosen event use clarification questions provided to fill in box 3.
JAY BEAN AND THE DREAMERS' CIRCUS PDF available at www.jaybean.com - Copyright © 2011
Cause and Effect
Sample Questions
To Determine Causes:
- What is (are) the reason(s) that Jay runs away from Dr. Gordon's office (event in box 2 happens)?
- What factor/Who causes Jay to run away (event in box 2 to happen)?
To Determine Effects:
- What effect does Jay running from Dr. Gordon (event in box 2) have on the story?
- What happens because Jay runs away from the doctor (event in box 2)?
- Jay meets Madame Tutu (event in box 3) because he runs away from Dr. Gordon (event in box 2)
Optional:
- Have the student write a 1-4 sentence explanation of the sequence of events (all 3 boxes), beginning with box 1. The words Cause and Effect must be used.
Sample format:
Dr. Gordon wanted to give Jay a sedative to calm him (event in box 1). This caused Jay to get scared and run away (event in box 2). The effect that Jay's running away (event in box 2) had on the story was important (descriptive word) because he finds Madame Tutu and begins his search for other dreamers after running from Dr. Gordon (event in box 3).
Suggestions:
- Have students work in pairs or small groups to complete the chart. Each student would be responsible for a different section of the chart.
- Pause the story occasionally to let students work on the chart and to make any necessary clarifications.
JAY BEAN AND THE DREAMERS' CIRCUS PDF available at www.jaybean.com - Copyright © 2011
JAY BEAN AND THE DREAMERS' CIRCUS PDF available at www.jaybean.com - Copyright © 2011
< Return to Learning Matters Download Lesson Plan (PDF) >
