“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/fish-in-a-tree-by-lynda-mullaly-hunt/cause-and-effect
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
A cause and effect activity asks students to examine how the sequence of an event can lead to specific consequences or results. Students should be able to understand and explain the relationship between the two. For this activity, students will complete a cause and effect analysis for Fish In a Tree. They will not only define the event and the consequences, but outline the logical reasons for why the consequences occur. Teachers can modify and customize the worksheets to add as little or as much information as they would like. The worksheets can be completed digitally or printed out and completed by hand.
For additional templates to customize and add to this activity, check out our cause and effect worksheet templates!
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Determine the cause and effect of a key part in Fish in a Tree.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Fill in the 6 causes.
- Fill in the effect.
- Add any illustrations as desired
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Worksheet Rubric
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Lesson Plan Overview
A cause and effect activity asks students to examine how the sequence of an event can lead to specific consequences or results. Students should be able to understand and explain the relationship between the two. For this activity, students will complete a cause and effect analysis for Fish In a Tree. They will not only define the event and the consequences, but outline the logical reasons for why the consequences occur. Teachers can modify and customize the worksheets to add as little or as much information as they would like. The worksheets can be completed digitally or printed out and completed by hand.
For additional templates to customize and add to this activity, check out our cause and effect worksheet templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Determine the cause and effect of a key part in Fish in a Tree.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment"
- Fill in the 6 causes.
- Fill in the effect.
- Add any illustrations as desired
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Worksheet Rubric
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Cause and Effect in Fish in a Tree
1
Engage students with cause and effect anchor charts
Create a visual anchor chart on your classroom board with columns for 'Cause' and 'Effect.' Involve students by asking them to contribute examples from Fish in a Tree or their own experiences. This shared chart helps reinforce the concept all year.
2
Model cause and effect thinking aloud
Think aloud while reading a chapter from Fish in a Tree. Pause to identify events and their effects, explaining your thought process as you connect them. This models analytical thinking for students and encourages participation.
3
Incorporate pair-share discussions
Have students pair up to discuss a scene and identify the cause and effect together. Encourage partners to explain their reasoning before sharing with the class. This builds confidence and collaboration.
4
Use exit tickets to reinforce understanding
Ask students to write a quick cause and effect example from the day's reading on a sticky note or digital form before leaving class. Review responses to check comprehension and adjust future lessons as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cause and Effect in Fish in a Tree
What is a cause and effect activity for Fish in a Tree?
A cause and effect activity for Fish in a Tree helps students analyze how events in the story lead to specific outcomes. Students identify key events, their causes, and the resulting effects, deepening comprehension of the plot and character actions.
How do I teach cause and effect using Fish in a Tree?
To teach cause and effect with Fish in a Tree, have students read a chosen scene, identify what happened (effect), and list possible reasons (causes). Use worksheets or digital tools to organize their findings and discuss as a class to reinforce understanding.
Why is cause and effect important in middle school literature lessons?
Understanding cause and effect is vital in middle school literature because it helps students grasp plot development, character motivation, and the logical flow of stories. This skill strengthens critical thinking and reading comprehension.
What are some examples of cause and effect from Fish in a Tree?
Examples of cause and effect in Fish in a Tree include Ally hiding her dyslexia (cause) leading to misbehavior and misunderstandings (effect), or Mr. Daniels' support (cause) helping Ally gain confidence (effect).
Can I customize cause and effect worksheets for Fish in a Tree?
Yes, teachers can customize cause and effect worksheets for Fish in a Tree by adjusting the number of causes, adding illustration sections, or tailoring prompts to fit students' needs. Both printable and digital templates are available for flexibility.
More Storyboard That Activities
Fish in a Tree
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/fish-in-a-tree-by-lynda-mullaly-hunt/cause-and-effect
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
