Story Elements Alive!

Overview

Featured Resources

From Theory to Practice

 

OVERVIEW

What are the elements of narrative writing? How do authors describe people and places in their writing? From exposure to this lesson, students will gain a clear understanding of setting, characters, problem/solution, and plot. Each day students listen to a read-aloud of a story and are guided by discussions related to the focus story element for the lesson. After working collaboratively, students engage in independent activities such as completing a character map; a setting illustration; a problem/solution chart; a beginning, middle, and ending activity; and a story map. Activities can be modified for early readers by allowing them to work with partners.

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FEATURED RESOURCES

Story Map: Students can use this interactive to complete a story map for the narratives they explore in this lesson.

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FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

Fisher, D., Flood, J., Lapp, D., & Frey, N. (2004). Interactive read-alouds: Is there a common set of implementation practices? The Reading Teacher, 58, 8–17.

A study determined the components of a read-aloud by observing expert teachers. The researchers concluded that all of the following findings are vital for a read-aloud:

• Children should be read aloud to everyday.
  
  
• Teachers should select books based on the needs and interests of the students.
  
  
• Teachers should preview and practice reading the book before reading aloud to students.
  
  
• There should be a clear purpose of every read-aloud, and students should understand this purpose.
  
  
• While reading, teachers should be animated, use gestures, and show expression.
  
  
• Teachers should model strategies and conduct discussions before, during, and after the read-aloud.
  
  
• Teacher should allow time after the read-aloud for the students to make connections to reading and writing.

 

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