The Foolish Tortoise

As a part of our study on author and illustrator Eric Carle, we read The Foolish Tortoise. As we read, we discussed and charted the characters, setting, problem, and solution. The students then created their own Story Maps on construction paper to identify and write about the information.

The next day we read the story again but this time we focused on retelling the story from beginning, middle, and end. The students then created a three-flap foldable to retell the story.

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

On Wednesday and Thursday we read Merry Christmas, Strega Nona. As we read, the students identified and discussed how the various characters were feeling and how those feelings changed over time. They also discussed with their knee-neighbors about the characters, setting, problem, and solution in the story. After discussing, we created a class Story Map. The students then created their own Story Maps to identify the story elements.

Too Many Tamales

On Tuesday we read Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto to discuss character traits and to identify the elements of a story. First we watched the video on Discovery Education and then we read the book. After reading, we discussed the different emotions that the main character had throughout the story. We then created a class Story Map to identify the characters, the setting, the problem, and the solution. The students then created their own Story Maps. Parents, as you are reading with your children, ask them questions such as these:

• Who are the characters in the story? (use specific names)
• What is the setting of the story? (use specific places and times)
• Is there a problem in the story? What is it?
• How do you think the problem will be solved?
• How was the problem solved in the story?
• How did the characters feel in this story?
• Why do the characters feel that way?
• What made the character's feelings change?

The Memory String

As a way to analyze character's feelings and make connections, we read The Memory String by Eve Bunting. The story is about a little girl whose mother had passed away and reflects on the relationship between a daughter and step-mother during a conflict. After reading, the students verbally identified the characters, setting, problem, and solution in the story and made connections to the story. They then wrote the story elements on a four-part chart. You can download this story elements chart for FREE at my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

The Goat in the Garden

Last week we read the read-aloud The Goat in the Garden. The Goat in the Garden is a tale from Mexico about a couple who can not get a mischevious goat from eating all the vegetables in their garden so they recruit other animals to help them. After reading the story, the students created a Flow Map together on the dry erase board to retell the story. They then completed story element maps individually to describe the characters, setting, problem, and solution.

Story Elements

As a way to help your child with their comprehension, you can use this story elements chart to help them understand the key characteristics of a fiction story: characters, setting, problem, and solution. The students can draw the pictures and/or write notes about each part. As students work on these, encourage your student to look back at the text to find answers. Also encourage them to use specific details such as the proper names of the characters rather than "the boy" or "the girl" and the specific setting such as "a farm in the winter" rather than "outside."

                                         

Too Many Tamales and Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

This week we read and compared two books: Too Many Tamales and Merry Christmas, Strega Nona. On Monday, we read Too Many Tamales and created a story map as a group. The next day we read Merry Christmas, Strega Nona. We also created a story map for this book. On Wednesday, we discussed how the two books are similiar and different. As a part of this discussion, we created a Venn Diagram. After our three charts were completed the students worked in small groups to create their own story maps using their own words.

The Monkeys and The Hat

Yesterday we read a story called The Monkeys and The Hat. The story is very similar to the book Caps for Sale which led to the students making connections and comparisons about the story elements. After reading the new book, the students shared with their neighbor what the book reminded them of. The students then divided into small groups and wrote and illustrated the story elements: characters, setting, problem, and solution. They then shared their charts with the class.