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Story Structure Activities
A lot of stories have the same parts. These parts have names like climax, rising action, inciting incident and so forth. We study these parts to gain an appreciation for how stories are told. We hope that students emulate these structures in their own writings.
How great would it be to read a narrative essay that had a climax? Before students can write those in their stories consistently, they have to learn about turning points. This page contains free activities to help students master story structure.
Story Structure Lesson 1
Here is a PowerPoint slideshow on Story Structure. Students read a short story called "Gertrude the Great." Then they are introduced to story structure terms like rising action, climax, resolution.
Story Structure Lesson 2
Here is another slideshow lesson on Story Structure. Students read a short story called "The Breakaway," a motivational story about an athlete who sustains an injury and has to find another way to succeed. Then they will analyze and identify structural elements of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
Story Structure Quiz 1 | "Unto Others"
This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called "Unto Others." Students read the story, which is about acceptance and redemption, and then they answer multiple choice questions about the structure of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.
Story Structure Quiz 2 | "Blood is Thicker"
This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called Blood is Thicker. It is about two sisters who are complete opposites. They must learn to work together to achieve their goals. Students read the short story and answer multiple choice questions about the structure of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.
Story Structure Quiz 3 | "Time Warriors"
This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called Time Warriors. Alex is dismayed when his mother forces him to take his little brother with him to a friend's house. He learns to appreciate him by the end of the story. Students read the short story and complete multiple choice questions about the structure of the narrative. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.
Story Structure Handout
Here's a nice overview of narrative structure for students. This story structure handout includes information about exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This is great for introducing or reviewing story structure.
Story Structure Graphic Organizer 1
Are you looking for a graphic organizer to help your students learn story structure? Here's a blank story structure graphic organizer. You can use it to analyze the structure of any story that has a turning point.
Story Structure Graphic Organizer 2
Here's another nice overview of narrative structure for students. This story structure graphic organizer includes information about exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Illustrate Elements of Fiction
Here's a fun, student-centered activity to help students review the elements of fictions. In this assignment students will define terms related to the elements of fiction (setting, plot, rising action, etc.), create an example, and then illustrate the examples.
Fact and Opinion Lesson
Here is a short PowerPoint slideshow teaching students to distinguish between facts and opinions. It also includes a 10 question practice activity at the end of the lesson.
I hope these activities help your students master story structure. Also check out these free story structure worksheets:
Click Here For MORE Story Structure Worksheets
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