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A story map is a strategy than be used by students to help learn about the elements of a text using a graphic organizer. By identifying the plot, setting, characters, problem and solution, readers can learn about the details needed to understand the story best. Story maps can come in many different forms.

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During reading

After reading

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They  improve a readers’ comprehension

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Discuss the main components of a text:

 Characters

 Setting

 Plot

 Theme

 Chronological order of events (beginning, middle, and end)

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This is a chronological story map used by a student to organize what was discussed or what events took place in the beginning, middle, and end of a reading passage.

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Give each student a blank story map organizer and explain how to complete it through modeling.

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As students read the text, they should be pausing to complete the story map. Once they are done reading, they should complete any missing parts by filling it.

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In this video, you'll learn how to create a story map to help become an informed reader.

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How to Create a Story Map for Kids - Planning Your Narrative Writing

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They help to guide students as they identify the elements of a text

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They assist students with various abilities to organize information and ideas.

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This student used a story map as he read and then added any additional information after. Using it during and after reading helps a reader comprehend the text efficiently and effectively.

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We are starting our unit on Bears! Last week we read many versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Part of our work on the story included this story map. It is made for kindergarten students, but would be appropriate for first grade too. They drew pictures to show their ideas and then I labeled the drawing or wrote the dictation about what what happening in each part of the story.

First, the kiddos worked on the setting and characters. I love this colorful busy picture that includes all sorts of details. She put the beds outside the house because she wanted to include some of the items from inside the house in the picture.

This little boy drew just the house, but added the different sized bowls and had me label them.

This was a great characters picture. So darn cute!

Then on another day, students did pictures for the beginning, middle, and end of the story. First, we did an activity together where we ordered picture cards and talked about different parts of the story. It was great to hear the kids verbally retelling the story in their own words. That is one of the things that is great about doing an activity like this - a great way to really listen carefully to the oral language of students.

I love the picture of Goldilocks in this one. Her hair is great!

I was so excited when this little sweetie used the word "discovered" in her dictation to me. Woo hoo! Great language!

I thought my sweet little students did a great job with this activity! And I was happy with how much they were enjoying the many versions of the 3 bears stories. And, now that they have done a complete story map with a very familiar story, I can start doing these with more challenging literature.

OK, here is your freebie, just click on the link under this image to go grab it in my TpT store:

I hope it is a big help in your classroom!

Please leave some love in the comments if you are using it with your class.

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We are starting our unit on Bears! Last week we read many versions of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Part of our work on the story included this story map. It is made for kindergarten students, but would be appropriate for first grade too.

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No printer? No problem! Use this digital resource to explore and practice using 2 different types of story maps!

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Check out this video to see how these students use story maps to better connect with a text!

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Retelling Glove: The Five Elements of a Good Story Retell