Comprehension: Story Mapping

Comprehension: 
Story Mapping
Objective:
The students will identify key parts of the text’s content.
Materials:
•  Reading material at the students’ instructional reading level
•  One piece of paper for each student
•  Markers
Lesson:
This activity begins after students have already read through a story or passage at their instructional level. Then,
1.  Discuss what happened in the story or reading passage and the students’ reaction
to it. Discuss the setting, names of the characters, the story problem, and the
solution.
2.  After reading the entire book/passage, give each student a piece of paper.
3.  Have the students fold the paper in half lengthwise, then twice widthwise, to make
eight symmetrical rectangles.
4.  In the first rectangle, have the students write the title and author of the story.
5.  In the following rectangles, have the students write/draw the characters, setting,
plot, and solution. A story element may take more than one rectangle. Continue
work for more than one day if necessary.
Adaptations:
To emphasize particular story elements, highlight one element per day, having the students
write/draw the characters one day, the plot another, story problem on another day, etc.
Have  students  create  their  own  versions  of  the  stories  by  creating  and  publishing  larger
books.
Compare these story maps with story maps from similar stories (e.g., if the story is a folktale,
compare it to other folktales) or stories by the same author in order to compare and contrast
story elements.
For English language learners, review any unfamiliar vocabulary. Stop at intervals throughout
the activity to review story elements and to reinforce comprehension.