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Story

Story


Page Content:

Definition:

Text that tells a series of events providing a beginning, middle, and end.

Purposes:

  • To entertain
  • To enable reader to enjoy experiences vicariously
  • To stretch reader’s imagination
  • To enlarge reader’s life
  • To record experiences
  • To develop background knowledge

Characteristics:

  • Short narrative
  • Structures include cumulative, interlocking or chain (ab, bc, cd ...), common sequences (seasons, days, months), rhyme, repetition, time sequence
  • Identifiable problem or tension that gives shape to the plot
  • Often relies on sensory details for impact
  • Usually includes description and dialogue
  • May include refrains (repetitive words or phrases that invite children to share in the reading)
  • Language patterns aid in predicting the action
  • Setting, characters, events
  • Illustrations may convey and enhance the meaning behind the story

Author’s craft:

  • Narrative structure and elements
  • Logical, coherent organization
  • Voice/tone
  • Can be humorous or imaginative
  • Controlled and varied sentence structure for effect
  • Developing imagery, figurative language, and author’s style
  • Effective language
  • Narrative conventions

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPREHENDING the Genre and Text of Stories:

Grade K

Opportunities to Teach:

  • Purpose
  • Beginning, middle and end
  • Setting and characters
  • Narrative structure
  • Sequence of events
  • Concepts of print
  • Illustrations to support understanding of elements events
  • Time sequence words
  • Listening comprehension
  • Concept and vocabulary development
  • Mood/tone
  • Comprehension skills and strategies (connections to self and other texts, personal knowledge)
  • Personal response

Booklists:

Access to the Documents:

Complete K-8 Genre Project
From the Michigan Department of Education

Complete K-8 Genre Booklist
From Kent Intermediate School District


Page last modified on March 13, 2009, at 09:28 AM