WebQuest

Story Structure

Process

How to be an excellent Story Structure Detective:

1. A good detective learns everything he/she can about the topic. (You must learn about story structure!)

2. A good detective uses his/her resources. (You have classmates, make a group and work together. If you get stuck, as the teacher.)

3. A good detective isn't afraid to ask questions.

4. A good detective always practices. (Find two classmates - read a story together. Work together to find the character, setting, and plot).

Now that you know what you must do to become a Story Structure Detective, continue on beginning with Step 1:

Story Structure Detective: Step 1:

1. A good detective learns everything he/she can about the topic. (You must learn about story structure!)

What are the parts of Story Structure (elements of a story)?

Character(s): Who/What is in the story?

Setting: Where/When does the story take place?

Plot: Events of the story (what happens?) in order - Beginning, Middle, and End.

Watch the YouTube video, "The Elements of a Story" at the bottom of the page (it is okay to sing-along as long as you whisper).
Practice your "Story Structure skills" using the following link: Story Sequence Game - Cinderella
Watch the YouTube video, "Five Parts of Story Structure" at the bottom of the page to learn even more elements of a story!

Story Structure Detective: Step 2:

2. A good detective uses his/her resources. (You have classmates, make a group and work together. If you get stuck, as the teacher.)

If you have a question or aren't sure about story structure, find your shoulder partner and ask them. If they can't help you, then you may ask the teacher for help.

Story Structure Detective: Step 3:

3. A good detective isn't afraid to ask questions.

Never, ever be afraid to ask for help!

Story Structure Detective: Step 4:

4. A good detective always practices. (Find two classmates - read a story together. Work together to find the character, setting, and plot).

In this step, you will be reading with your group. You may select a book from the classroom library, or you may click on the link to open up a book that will be read to you online:

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

Stellaluna by Janell Canon

Now that you know what Story Structure is:
Find two classmates from a DIFFERENT guided reading group than yours.
The oldest person in your group gets to pick a picture book.
Take turns reading the book (Switch readers after EVERY page).
When you've finished the story, CLOSE THE BOOK!
The youngest person in your group gets to get your materials (a pencil, crayons, and a piece of paper).
The person whose age is in the middle gets to write (EVERYONE needs to help with ideas).
Make three columns on the paper using crayons to write the titles for each (Green - Setting; Red - Character; Blue - Plot) *** For an example of what this chart should look like, see "Example Group Story Structure Chart" at the bottom of this page.
Fill in as much as you can for all three columns (using a pencil) without opening the book.
When you can't think of anything more to add to your paper, open the book and check your work!
After you've checked it (and added anything you forgot), please turn your paper in. Make sure all members of your group have written their name on it!