Story Structure Rollercoaster

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Display a copy of the Story Rollercoaster worksheet and explain that you will read aloud a picture book and model how to fill out the graphic organizer. Make a connection between riding a rollercoaster and reading a book, such as: "When you ride a rollercoaster, it starts out slow and simple, and when you go up and you’re at the highest point, it’s really exciting. As you go down to the end of the rollercoaster, the ride is wrapping up and it is over. This is like a book because the beginning of the book introduces the story, and it gets really exciting in the middle when all the action is. The story slows down at the end when the problem is solved."
• Share definitions for key terms by pointing out where that information is recorded on the worksheet. The characters are the important people, animals, or creatures the story is about. The setting is where and when the story takes place. In a story, characters come across a problem that they need to solve. The problem is something the characters have to deal with and fix. The solution is reached when they have solved the problem.
• Point out the labels on the rollercoaster: Beginning, Middle, and End. Explain that a story can be broken into sections. Certain story elements are introduced or present in each section.
• Read aloud a fiction picture book, such as Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. Model completing the story map by pointing to the text evidence in the picture book that answers each question on the graphic organizer.
• Explain that the completed graphic organizer serves as a visual of the story, highlighting the important story elements.

Guided Practice

• Divide students into groups of three to four students. Give each student a copy of the Story Rollercoaster worksheet.
• Give each group a copy of a fiction picture book to read while completing the graphic organizer together. Remind groups to go back to the book to find text evidence that answers each of the story map questions.
• Circulate and provide feedback to groups.
• Have students present their graphic organizers to the rest of the class. Instruct students to explain the information on the story map, using key terms reviewed earlier in the lesson.

Independent working time

• Distribute a copy of the Story Rollercoaster worksheet and the Sugar and Spice text to each student.
• Instruct the class to read the story and complete the Story Rollercoaster. Remind them to go back to the text to find the evidence that answers the questions on the graphic organizer.