Children’s Story Analysis
Presentation
Objective: We will begin Unit 1 by analyzing the components of plot, conflict, and theme found within a number of children’s stories.
Doing so will help us better understand how these elements function within a story, thus preparing us to analyze the plot, conflict, and
themes of more complex stories later in this unit. Presenting this material to the class in a creative format will also help us become more
comfortable with speaking in front of an audience.
Task: In groups of 5 (one group of 4), it is your job to read through an assigned children’s story and create a presentation which highlights
its plot, conflict(s), and important theme(s). Use the notes we took in class as well as your group’s brain power to create a thorough,
engaging, and creatively presented analysis! You should go about doing so by following the process below.
Step 1: Assign each group member a task:
 Reader 1: reads half of the story
 Reader 2: reads half of the story
 Plot note-taker: takes notes about the story’s plot (use plot line as a reference)
 Conflict note-taker: takes notes about the story’s major conflict(s)
 Theme note-taker: takes notes about the story’s potential theme(s)
Note: **Group of 4 should only have one reader**
Step 2: Plot Diagram: Should be created on poster paper or a PowerPoint slide
 Use the plot note-taker’s notes as well as those we took in class to create a plot diagram for your story.
 Your group should create a large, colorful plot diagram that accurately lists the following in bullet points or short sentences:
o Exposition
o Rising actions
o Climax
o Falling actions
o Resolution
 Plot diagram should also be illustrated: Include at least one image or drawing for each of the 5 plot components.
 You are being graded on the accuracy, creativity, and level of organization employed in constructing your plot diagram
Step 3: Conflict(s): Can be labeled directly on plot diagram or separate poster/PowerPoint slide, but must be clearly identified
 Use the conflict note-taker’s notes as well as those we took in class to identify the conflict(s) found within your story.
 You need to clearly identify the central conflict (and minor conflicts, if applicable),and be able to explain how they develop
throughout the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of your story.
 Be sure to correctly label them according to the 6 universal conflicts in your notes:
o Man vs. Man
o Man vs. Nature
o Man vs. Society
o Man vs. Technology
o Man vs. Self
**Note: You won’t find ALL of these conflicts within your story, so don’t stress out! Focus on 1 or 2 major conflicts.**
Step 4: Theme(s): Can be written on poster, plot diagram, or PowerPoint slide, but must be clearly identified AND explained
 Use the theme note-taker’s notes as well as those we took in class to identify the central theme(s) found within your story.
o Analyze the actions/conflicts, characters’ feelings, what the character(s) learn, and thoughts/conversations
o Examine the plot diagram you constructed to identify the broad idea/message about life that the story is telling
 You will most likely only find one major theme. That is perfectly fine! Focus on the theme you believe is the most prevalent
within the story. This should be the BIG message that the author wants us to know.
 Remember that theme is written as a STATEMENT, not simply a word/topic.
 Offer an EXPLANATION about why your group believes that this is the story’s theme—be analytical and use specific details!
Your Presentation: You will be graded on the following components. Please see the rubric for more details.
1.) Read your story: You will begin your presentation by reading your story to the class. Be loud, clear, and maintain a good pace.
2.) Present your analysis
 Every group member must speak in order to earn credit!
 Each component (plot, conflict, & theme) should be discussed thoroughly
 Adjust your volume and pace so the class can both hear and understand you

Presentation should take ~10 minutes (~5 minutes to read the story, ~5 minutes to explain your analysis)
Children’s Story Analysis Rubric
I. Story Analysis:
____ /20
Plot Diagram
___/10 All 5 components of the plot diagram are thoroughly and accurately explained in bullet points or sentences
___/5 Appropriate illustrations are included which add depth to the analysis
___/5 Significant amount of organization and creativity are used in the creation of the plot diagram. Parts are clearly
labeled. Plot diagram is large, clear, and easy for the audience to read and understand.
____ /15
Conflict(s)
___/5 All major conflict(s) are clearly identified
___/5 Conflict(s) are labeled in accordance with the 6 Universal Conflicts
___/5 A clear explanation is given concerning how the conflict(s) develop throughout the rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution of the story
____ /15
Theme(s)
___/5 All major theme(s) are clearly identified and written as a theme statement (should be written somewhere on
your presentation—on poster paper, plot diagram, or PowerPoint slide)
___/10 A clear explanation is given concerning why this is the story’s theme. Explanations should be analytical and
draw on the story’s plot diagram and major conflicts in order to prove why this is the theme.
I. Presentation:
____ /15
Reading of Story
___/5 Story is read with appropriate volume and clarity
___/5 Proper pacing is employed so audience members can follow the story
___/5 Illustrations are shown to the class during reading
____ /15
Delivery of Analysis
___/5 All group members participate
___/5 Delivery given with appropriate volume and clarity
___/5 Strong enthusiasm demonstrated throughout entire presentation
____/80
Comments:
Total Points