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How Does Math Shape Our Story?

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Lesson Plan

Patterns in Prose Lesson Plan

Students will explore narrative patterns in literature and apply mathematical reasoning by identifying sequences and translating plot elements into equations, strengthening cross-curricular skills in math and language arts.

This lesson highlights real-world connections between math and storytelling, boosting engagement and critical thinking as students see how patterns shape narratives and equations.

Audience

6th Grade Class

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Slides, hands-on challenges, and reflective writing blend math and ELA.

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Plot Number Hunt

10 minutes

  • Organize students into pairs and distribute the Plot Number Hunt sheet.
  • Instruct pairs to read a short story excerpt and highlight numerical patterns (e.g., repeated motifs, event counts).
  • Have pairs share one pattern they found and discuss its significance in the story.

Step 2

Explore Patterns in Storytelling

10 minutes

  • Project the Math Meets Story Slides and introduce the concept of patterns in narratives (e.g., three-act structure, recurring symbols).
  • Relate each narrative pattern to a math concept (sequences, symmetry, ratios).
  • Ask students to identify a pattern from a familiar story and name its math counterpart.

Step 3

Activity: Story Equation Challenge

15 minutes

  • Form small groups and hand out the Story Equation Challenge.
  • Groups choose a story element (character appearances, events) and represent it as a math equation or expression.
  • Groups solve each other’s equations and explain how the math reflects the story’s structure.
  • Invite one group to present their equation and literary connection to the class.

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection Poem Prompt

10 minutes

  • Provide each student with the Reflection Poem Prompt.
  • Ask students to write a short poem that weaves together a math pattern and a narrative theme from today’s lesson.
  • Volunteers may share their poems, highlighting how math shaped their story.
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Slide Deck

Math Meets Story

Exploring how mathematical patterns shape narratives
– Sequences & Series
– Symmetry & Ratios
– From Three-Act to Equations

Welcome students! Today, we’ll explore how common story structures mirror mathematical patterns. Describe our lesson goal: connect narrative design with math concepts.

Today’s Agenda

  1. Recap: Plot Number Hunt findings
  2. Narrative Patterns in Literature
  3. Matching Math Concepts
  4. Student Exploration Prompt

Review the warm-up briefly and set expectations for this segment. Let students know we’ll dive into specific patterns and then apply them.

Narrative Pattern: Three-Act Structure

• Act I (Setup)
• Act II (Confrontation)
• Act III (Resolution)

Example: "The Lion King"
– Act I: Simba’s childhood
– Act II: Exile & growth
– Act III: Return & victory

Introduce the Three-Act structure: setup, confrontation, resolution. Emphasize its repeated use across stories.

Math Concept: Sequences

• Sequence: an ordered list of numbers (a₁, a₂, a₃, …)
• Three-Term Example: 1, 2, 3

Mapping:
– a₁ = Act I
– a₂ = Act II
– a₃ = Act III

Connect the three acts to a simple sequence (1, 2, 3). Explain how each act can be represented as a term in a sequence or series.

Math Concept: Symmetry & Motifs

• Symmetry: balanced, mirrored patterns
• Literary Motifs: recurring images or ideas

Example:
"Cinderella" – Ball at start ↔ Ball at end

Discuss how stories often mirror themselves: the beginning echoes the end. Use symmetry to describe framing devices like bookends.

Math Concept: Ratios in Pacing

• Ratio: compares parts of a whole
• Story Pacing Example: 1 : 2 : 1
– Rising Action (25%)
– Climax (50%)
– Falling Action (25%)

Show how pacing in stories can be expressed as ratios. Use a simple 1:2:1 ratio for rising action, climax, and falling action.

Your Turn: Identify & Match

Think of a story you know well (book, movie, myth).

  1. Name its narrative pattern (e.g., Three-Act, circular).
  2. Choose a math concept that matches (sequence, symmetry, ratio).
  3. Be ready to share your example!

Invite students to apply what they’ve learned. Encourage them to pick a familiar story and identify its narrative pattern and math counterpart.

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Warm Up

Plot Number Hunt

Read the short excerpt below. Then answer the questions that follow by writing in the spaces provided.

"Last Friday, Emma visited the old library 3 times before noon. She borrowed 2 books from the history section, then 4 mystery novels. When she returned, she found 1 new friend reading in the corner. Together, they searched through 5 dusty shelves until they discovered a hidden map."

  1. List all the numbers you found in the excerpt and write them here:



  2. What pattern or relationship do you notice among these numbers?






  3. How might this numerical pattern reflect the structure or pacing of the story events?






  4. Extension: Write one sentence that adds another event to Emma’s adventure, continuing the number pattern you observed.



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Activity

Story Equation Challenge

Activity Directions

  1. Form small groups of 3–4 students.
  2. Select a story you know well (book, movie, myth) and choose one narrative element to model (e.g., character appearances, key events, chapters).
  3. Decide how you will assign numerical values (for example: each appearance = x, each event = y).
  4. Write an equation or mathematical expression that represents your chosen element. Be prepared to explain how your math model reflects the story structure.
  5. Exchange your sheet with another group. Solve their equation and discuss how the math connects to the narrative.
  6. Reflect on how turning a story into an equation deepened your understanding of its pattern.

Part A: Your Group’s Model

Story Title: ____________________________________


Narrative Element Modeled: ________________________

Equation or Expression:


______________________________________________

Explanation of Your Math Model:





Part B: Peer Group’s Equation

Peer Story Title: _________________________________


Peer’s Narrative Element: ___________________________

Peer’s Equation/Expression:


______________________________________________

Your Solution:


______________________________________________

Explanation of Your Solution:





Part C: Reflection

  • How did creating or solving the equation help you see the story’s structure in a new way?





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Cool Down

Reflection Poem Prompt

Reflect on today’s lesson by weaving together a mathematical pattern and a narrative theme into a short poem.

1. Narrative Pattern Chosen: ____________________________


2. Math Concept Chosen: ________________________________


Your Poem

Write a poem that blends your selected story structure with the math idea. Be as creative as you like!











Optional Sharing:

  • If you’d like, volunteer to share your poem with the class and explain how math shaped your story.
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