Title of Lesson: Elements of a Story
Topic: Learning the elements of a story with When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle.
Time Period: 40-45 minutes
Grade Level(s): 1-3
Objective(s): This lesson is designed to help students identify the elements of a story. Using the e-book When Turtle
Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle, students will identify and detail the elements of a story. This lesson can also be used as an
introduction to studying the elements of a story.
Materials and Resources Needed:
- e-book When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle
- computer/laptop
- screen
- Elements of a Story graphic organizer (one per student)
- enlarged version of the Elements of a Story graphic organizer
- scrap paper cut into small squares (one per student)
- pencil (one per student)
- eraser (one per student)
- Elements of a Story Self-assessment sheet (one per student)
Type of Assessment:
● Diagnostic
○ Formative
○ Summative
Possible Strategies and Tools to Assess Students:
● Student work Samples
● Oral Statement
○ Peer-assessment
● Self-assessment
● Observation
● Teacher notes
○ One-to-one Interview
○ Checklist
○ Rubric
○ Other
Procedure of the Lesson:
Part 1
1. Explain to the students that a story is composed of certain elements. Show the students a copy of the Elements of a
Story graphic organizer with the names of each element covered. Tell the students that the different parts of the story
can be categorized into five major parts, and that this graphic organizer will help them to visually distinguish the
elements of the story. Ask the students to take a moment and think to themselves about one possible category. After a
moment has passed ask for a few volunteers to share their ideas.
2. Small group investigation: Give each student a coloured scrap sheet of paper. The colour the students receive
corresponds to a colour somewhere in the classroom. Students are to find their colour and work there with their groups.
In their groups of three the students are to brainstorm what elements of the story they think would belong on the
graphic organizer. Tell them that they must be prepared to defend their ideas and explain why they think it belongs.
3. When the students are done, ask them to return to the large group.
4. Ask for volunteers to offer their ideas and their justifications as to why they believe their ideas to be correct. Record
the students’ ideas. Explain to the students what each of the parts refers to.
5. Share with students the objective of the lesson. Tell them that they will be identifying the elements of a story using
the e-book When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle.
Part 2
1. Play the e-book When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle once through without pausing.
2. Play the e-book again a second time. Pause at various points to allow the students to complete the Elements of a Story
graphic organizer.
3. On the enlarged version of the Elements of a Story graphic organizer, fill in some of the sections with the students (for
example, characters and setting).
4. Have the students work in pairs or independently to complete the remainder of the graphic organizer.
Part 3
1. When students have completed filling in the Elements of a Story graphic organizer, have them sit with the students
they worked with during the small group investigation. In their groups the students are to share and discuss the ideas
they recorded on the Elements of a Story graphic organizer. Give them 10 minutes to do so. When the time has elapsed
have them sit in a circle.
2. In a whole class discussion, have the students share their ideas for the remainder of the Elements of a Story graphic
organizer.
Extension and Practice (optional): Have the students use the Elements of a Story graphic organizer for another story
that they are currently reading independently.
Closure
Administer an Elements of a Story Self-assessment sheet to each student. Give the students a moment to fill it out.
Collect these from the students when they have filled them out.
*If this is the first time that your students complete a self-assessment form of this nature, you may first want to model
completing one. In the Comments section, model thinking aloud and then recording how you understand the elements of
a story.
Name: _________________________
Date: __________________________
Elements of a Story Self-assessment
Please highlight or circle the number that corresponds to your understanding of the elements
of a story.
1 = Novice: I do not have a clear understanding of the elements of a story
and I need more practice.
2 = Semi-Pro: I have a good understanding of the elements of a story, some
more practice wouldn’t hurt.
3 = Expert: I have a superb understanding of the elements of a story and I’m
ready for the next challenge!
Comments: (i.e. Something that was a challenge for me was…? Something I liked was…? A question I
Comments: (i.e. Something that was a challenge for me was…? Something I liked was…? A question I
still have is…? Something I will change for next time is …?)
still have is…? Something I will change for next time is …?)
Name: ________________________________
Date: __________________________
Elements of a Story
Main Characters
Problem
Supporting Characters
Title and Author
Setting
Theme
Solution