1. Introducing “Plot” to First Graders

2. MAP TAP 2003-042 Teacher Page Content: Reading/Writing Comprehension Grade Level: 1 st-2nd Creator: Marge Humphrey Curriculum Objective:IB, IIA MAP Goal 1.5; CA 2, CA3 Other Information: Print off the last page for the children to use as a planning page for their own story.

3. MAP TAP 2003-043 An author has a plan for a story. That is the plot. Often there is a main character. She/He has a problem and the story is about how he or she solves it.

4. MAP TAP 2003-044 Have you read The Little Red Hen? Who is the main character? That’s right! Little Red Hen

5. MAP TAP 2003-045 The Little Red Hen What is the setting? What is the problem? List the three main events. The author had to think of all that before he wrote the story. That was the story plan which we call the plot.

6. MAP TAP 2003-046 The author has to put it in a sequence. He/she needs to have a beginning, middle and an ending. Beginning The little red hen found some seeds. Middle The friends would not help her with any chores. Ending The little red hen and her chicks eat the bread.

7. MAP TAP 2003-047 Could you write a story with a plot? Sure you can! Let’s get started! First let’s think of a problem… It’s your birthday and you do not have a cake. Or It has just snowed ten feet of snow!

8. MAP TAP 2003-048 1. Think of a main character 2.Think of interesting ideas to help your character solve the problem. 3.End the story with a “feeling” sentence: : They were really happy! She would never want it to snow again! She loved her birthday party! He really liked all the snow! Feeling sentences could be like:

9. MAP TAP 2003-049 Here’s a paper to help you write a story: 1st Grade Story Map Character:___________________________ Setting_____________________________ Problem____________________________ ___________________________________ Feeling at the end___________________

10. MAP TAP 2003-0410 Now go and write a story!