A story map is a graphic organizer with space for students to record information from a story. They may record the beginning, middle, and end of what happens in The Three Little Pigs, or they may record the details and themes as they read Because of Winn-Dixie. Whatever the story, students are thinking through how the author organizes information to tell a story and communicate a message.
We’ve created six different story maps that will take students from a basic understanding of stories (beginning, middle, end) to a complex understanding of how chapters come together to organize a full story. Just fill out the form on this landing page to grab them for free.
Why should I use story maps?
Story maps teach story grammar or the elements of narrative. Each story map will have, in some way, space to record the events in the story, characters, setting, problem, and solution. Story maps may also include space to reflect on the theme or message of the story. They help students identify the most important information from a story and keep their ideas organized.
Story maps are an important part of reading comprehension. They:
- Improve students’ understanding of narrative
- Help students focus on important information
- Use information from a story in discussion
- Help students understand how stories work so they can write their own narratives
How do I use story maps?
Story maps have a place in reading instruction starting in kindergarten. To move students to independent analysis:
- Model story maps during read-aloud.
- Show students how to complete the story map using a read-aloud.
- Choose a text that is similar to the read-aloud in terms of structure. For example, if you model with The Three Little Pigs, choose a similar story, like The Three Billy Goats Gruff, for students’ first independent practice.
- Provide story maps for students to use during independent practice or assignments.
Story Map Bundle
Our six printable story maps help students pull important information from stories that range from simple to complex.
Get your free Story Map printables!
Just fill out the form on this landing page to get instant access to all six Story Map printables.
Do you love story maps? Come share your experience in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out Active Reading Strategies for Comprehension.
