Minds On

Identify the different elements

In this learning activity, we will learn to identify the different elements that make up a story.

Exploring a story

In the story, Scribble, some shape friends are surprised when a new friend appears.

Explore this video to find out more about these friends.

Once you have explored the video, consider the following questions:

  • What happens in the beginning, middle, and end of the story?
  • What other elements does the story have?

Action

Characters, setting, problem, and solution

In addition to the beginning, middle, and end, every fiction story has four elements:

Who is in the story? The characters are the people or animals that the story is about.

Where and when does the story take place? For example, “Long, long ago in a canoe on the French River paddled Brother Bear and Sister Bear.”
  • Where? On the French River.
  • When? Long, long ago.

What is the conflict that the characters face or run into?

  • The resolution usually happens at the end, but not every problem has a solution.
  • Stretch your thinking: Every story has a conclusion or ending. Sometimes the conclusion is also a solution.

Exploring Scribble

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

Let’s return to the story Scribble by Ruth Ohi. If possible, with a partner, think about the story’s four elements (characters, setting, problem, and solution). Hint: Use the questions from the section we previously explored.

Complete the Elements of a Story chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document. If you prefer, you can use another method to record your ideas.

Elements of a Story

Title:(Blank)

Author:(Blank)

Characters

Setting

Problem

Solution

Elements of a Story Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Elements of a Story. Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Check your work

Was it easy or hard to identify the four elements? To check your work, press ‘Scribble: Elements of the Story.’

Title: Scribble

Author: Ruth Ohi

Characters

Setting
  • Circle
  • Triangle
  • Square
  • Scribble

In their playground

Problem

Solution

Scribble is not a shape like circle, triangle, or square. When Scribble asks to play, Triangle and Square do not want to play.

Circle and Scribble play together and have fun learning all of the exciting things that Scribble can do.

You pick the story…

Picking a book

Select a book or an audiobook that you like. You will identify its characters, setting, problem, and solution.

Student Tips

Consider rereading

You might want to pick a story that you’ve read before by yourself or with an adult.

Complete the Elements of a Story chart in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document. You can draw pictures or write words in the boxes. If you prefer, use another method of your choice to record your ideas.

Elements of a Story

Title: (Blank)

Author: (Blank)

Characters

Setting

Problem

Solution

Elements of a Story Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Elements of a Story. Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Consolidation

Identifying elements

Student Success

Think-Pair-Share

When you’ve completed your Elements of a Story chart, reflect on your story’s characters, setting, problem, and solution. Consider:

  • How are the story elements in this story similar to other stories you have read?
  • How are they different?

If possible, with a partner, share your story elements.

Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity?  Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.

Pick one of these two options:

  • Return to the story Scribble, and come up with another possible ending. Use any method you like to record your new ending.
  • Return to a story of your choice that has an ending, but not a solution. Draw a picture of or describe a possible solution.