6th grade character, plot and theme videos

Grades 6–7 (ages 11–13) · 17 videos · Checked and refreshed daily

Quick answer

In 6th grade (ages 11–12), students follow how a plot unfolds, how characters respond and change, and how a theme develops. This playlist starts with Khan Academy on the elements of a story, adds Learn Bright and TED-Ed on heroes and suspense, then covers theme and summaries. Repeat one explanation with an A–B loop.

Play all on repeat

Videos in this playlist

  1. 1The elements of a story | Reading | Khan AcademyThe elements of a story | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  2. 2What Is an Antagonist? | Learn all about the antagonist character and how to spot them in storiesWhat Is an Antagonist? | Learn all about the antagonist character and how to spot them in storiesLearn BrightPlay from here Loop
  3. 3Character actions in stories | Reading | Khan AcademyCharacter actions in stories | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  4. 4Characters' thoughts and feelings | Reading | Khan AcademyCharacters' thoughts and feelings | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  5. 5Character change | Reading | Khan AcademyCharacter change | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  6. 6What makes a hero? - Matthew WinklerWhat makes a hero? - Matthew WinklerTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  7. 7How to make your writing suspenseful - Victoria SmithHow to make your writing suspenseful - Victoria SmithTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  8. 8How to build a fictional world - Kate MessnerHow to build a fictional world - Kate MessnerTED-EdPlay from here Loop
  9. 9Understanding theme | Reading | Khan AcademyUnderstanding theme | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  10. 10Developing themes | Reading | Khan AcademyDeveloping themes | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  11. 11Messages and morals | Reading | Khan AcademyMessages and morals | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  12. 12Comparing and contrasting themes in myths and traditional stories | Reading | Khan AcademyComparing and contrasting themes in myths and traditional stories | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  13. 13Making objective summaries of literary texts | Reading | Khan AcademyMaking objective summaries of literary texts | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  14. 14Summarizing stories | Reading | Khan AcademySummarizing stories | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  15. 15Summarizing a story with SWBST | Reading | Khan AcademySummarizing a story with SWBST | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  16. 16A story's point of view | Reading | Khan AcademyA story's point of view | Reading | Khan AcademyKhan AcademyPlay from here Loop
  17. 17First person vs. Second person vs. Third person - Rebekah BergmanFirst person vs. Second person vs. Third person - Rebekah BergmanTED-EdPlay from here Loop

What should a 6th grader be able to do after this unit?

Describe how a plot unfolds in episodes, explain how characters respond and change as the story moves toward a resolution, find a theme and show how details develop it, and write an objective summary. Grade levels vary by country and school.

How does RepeatWatch help with literary analysis?

Loop the part of a lesson that models how to find a theme, then try it on a book you are reading. Slow a fast talker to 0.75×, save each lesson part on keys 1–9, and use Stop after N loops for short sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a theme and a topic?

A topic is what a story is about in a word or two, such as friendship. A theme is the message about it, such as true friends tell hard truths. The Khan Academy videos on understanding and developing themes explain this.

Why are there TED-Ed videos about writing stories?

Seeing how writers build heroes, suspense and fictional worlds helps students notice those choices when they read. The TED-Ed lessons introduce the hero’s journey, plot tension and setting in a few minutes each.