This lesson plan will work quite well for all grades depending on the complexity of the pictures used:

Objective:
1. The student will be expected to look at a picture of a deserted island and verbally tell the teacher what they would do if they were stranded on the island. This would include what they used for survival, for entertainment, for shelter and for ways that they might escape the island. Sounds like “Gilligan’s Island, “doesn’t it?

2. After the student relates the story to the teacher, he will then write his story using Microsoft Word.

Materials:
A picture of a deserted island is needed to get the student’s creative juices flowing. The pictures may be found on the internet. Art.com is a particularly good sight that allows you to copy a small version of the picture. A recording of the music of waves would be most helpful to help the student to set the scene.

Student materials:
The teacher and access to the computer lab.

Follow up:

Transition:
Both teacher and student sit comfortably in chairs. If the music of waves is available, turn in on. Have the student to close his eyes long enough to set the scene. Begin building the story:
Family on vacation
Terrible storm
Boat tossed about on angry ocean
Realize the boat is going to sink
Everyone panics
Only you know that there is a little island 20 miles away.   
You find life jackets.
Force all of your family to jump overboard.
Tell others to follow
Jump off ship
Hit your head
Knocked unconscious
Wake up family with your family there – a miracle!
You find only a large piece of wood, a tarp, some netting, and a box

Now show the picture. This  is your new home. How are you and your family going to survive? The important fact is that you and your family have survived. I want you to tell me in your own words what you would do to survive. What are you going to use for shelter, for food, for entertainment, etc. You may find some supplies from the ship.

Allow the student to tell you his story. Remind him to look at the picture for help. You may jot down notes as he relates the story. After he tells you the story, Allow him to go to the computer and to also read the few notes that you took for him. Have him type his final copy. Attach the picture to the copy for him.

Closure:
Read his story to others if he feels uncomfortable reading it himself. Ask how and where they got all of their great ideas. Ask: “If you were really stranded, would you like it?”