Activity
Step Inside the Story!
If your young reader has trouble remembering the details of a book they just read, or if you just have a disinterested reader, try this activity to jog their memory and keep their interest! Next time your child begins a new book, start a "diary" of important details from the story, like that character's name and the setting, to put your child in the shoes of the character. It will help them become more interested in reading and help boost their memory skills! Use this fun twist on reading so the next time a book report is due they'll have (and remember!) all the information they need to complete it!
Grade
Subject
Reading & WritingReadingReading Comprehension StrategiesAnalyzing Story StructureAnalyzing CharacterWritingNonfiction WritingNarrative Writing
Thank you for your input.
View aligned standards
Which set of standards are you looking for?
What You Need:
- A book that your child recently read
- A few sheets of paper
- A pencil or pen
What You Do:
- As your child reads the book, encourage them to remember details about a favorite character's life.
- When they're finished with the book, invite them to imagine that they're one of the main characters from the book. Then, on the sheet of paper, have your child answer the following questions:
- What is your name?
- How old are you?
- What is today's date (in the story)?
- Who are your friends?
- Where do you live?
- Do you go to school?
- What makes you sad or upset?
- What makes you happy?
- On another sheet of paper, ask your child to describe a significant event that happened to the character. Have them answer and explain the following:
- Describe what happened during the event.
- How did it make you feel?
- How did you solve the problem?
- Was anyone else involved?
- If so, who? What role did they play?
- Finally, discuss the significant event together. Ask your child if they would have reacted in the same way or differently, and why. Not only will this help them remember the story, but they'll gain insight into another person's life...even if that person is just a character in a book!
Related learning resources
The Story of Rapunzel
Worksheet
The Story of Rapunzel
Your kid may have seen the movie, but has he ever read the story of Rapunzel? Here, the story of Rapunzel is told in its entirety with two different endings.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Story Mountain
Worksheet
Story Mountain
Use this awesome story mountain template to help young readers understand the different elements of a story.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Story Rollercoaster
Worksheet
Story Rollercoaster
Use this fun story rollercoaster template to help young readers understand the different elements of a story.
2nd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Bigfoot Story
Worksheet
Bigfoot Story
Students will read the Bigfoot story and then answer questions about the reading.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 3
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 3
Continue the illustrated story of The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Sort the Story Elements
Worksheet
Sort the Story Elements
Use this resource to help your students identify story elements in two similar fictional passages.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 9
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 9
Continue with page 9 of the illustrated story of The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Signal the Story Structure
Worksheet
Signal the Story Structure
Use this resource to teach your students how to use signal words as they explain the beginning, middle, and end of a fictional story.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 11
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 11
Read this final page of The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen. Be sure to color in the illustration to complete the story!
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 4
Worksheet
The Nightingale Story: Page 4
What will happen next in The Nightingale by Hans Christian Andersen? Find out with page 4 of this illustrated story set.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Pinocchio’s Side of the Story
Worksheet
Pinocchio’s Side of the Story
Use this creative writing exercise with your students to tell a story from another character’s point of view.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Story Map
Worksheet
Story Map
Use this graphic organizer to have students write words or draw pictures to complete the story map.
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
See this activity in a set:
Reading Comprehension Activities for Third Graders