An important part of any story is the cause and effect relationships that drive the plot. Students can enhance prediction and problem-solving, by demonstrating their understanding of chain reactions in the novel. Creating a T-Chart graph that shows the cause and effect in events will increase their understanding of these relationships.
For this activity, create a storyboard template with the "causes" of events already filled in, and ask students to depict the "effect". Alternatively, have students complete both cause and effect for a given event or series of events. When you click "Use This Assignment", both the example above and a blank template will copy into your account for you to customize as desired!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows cause and effect relationships in Holes. Each cause and effect pair will be shown in the same row.
Students can understand cause and effect most easily if you demonstrate in the classroom. If you put a book on the very edge of a desk, for instance, it could fall over. Once students understand these physical examples, it will be easier for them to understand more abstract examples.
Students will need time, explanations, and scaffolding as you explain the terms cause and effect and help them make predictions. Use the book Holes, as there are many moments that lead to other moments, and they can practice making predictions about what happens next.
A T-chart is a great way to visually represent cause and effect in a story. The cause goes on left, the effect on the right. Students can also explain the relation between the two.
Characters do not do things in a vacuum. Each action in a story causes an effect, and this continues on throughout the story. The causes and effects build on each other as the story progresses.
When students are careful readers, they can anticipate what kind of effect a cause might lead to, and they will be able to make a prediction in their reading. Students who make predictions are more careful readers.
A chain reaction in literature has to do with cause and effect. One thing happens, and then another thing happens as a result, and then another. Because of one event, so many others unfold.