Exploring Story Elements

Lesson Overview

This Year 2 English lesson focuses on helping students identify and explore the key elements of stories: characters, setting, and events. The lesson is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: English (Version 9.0) and specifically addresses the Content Descriptor AC9E2LE03: "Identify imaginative ideas, characters, settings, and events in multimodal texts." This 40-minute interactive and creative lesson will build students’ comprehension and ability to discuss these components in a fun and age-appropriate manner.

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the characters, setting, and events in imaginative texts.
• Engage in discussion, providing examples from the story they read.
• Use descriptive language to articulate their understanding.

---

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success by:

1. Naming the characters, setting, and key events in the story.
2. Actively participating in a group activity to explore story elements.
3. Creating a simple “story map” to summarise the text.

---

Preparation and Materials

• A copy of an Australian picture book (suggestion: The Magic Hat by Mem Fox or Possum Magic by Mem Fox).
• A large sheet of butcher’s paper for group work.
• Markers, paper, and pencils for students to create story maps.
• A timer or stopwatch.
• Student whiteboards and markers for brainstorming.

---

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

Activity: Brainstorm

1. Begin by gathering students on the mat or carpet area.
2. Write the words “characters,” “setting,” and “events” on the whiteboard.
3. Ask students if they can explain what each word means. Guide them by asking questions such as:
   • "What does ‘characters’ mean in a story?"
   • "Can you think of a setting in a book we’ve read recently?"
   • "What happens when we talk about the story’s events?"
4. Record their ideas on the whiteboard, validating and building on their suggestions.

Purpose: Activate prior understanding and introduce the focus of the lesson.

---

Main Lesson Activities

Part 1: Shared Reading (10 minutes)

1. Choose an engaging Australian picture book that has strong characters, settings, and events.
2. Read the story aloud to the class, pausing purposefully at key moments to highlight:
   • Who the characters are (e.g. “Who is the main character here? Is there more than one?”).
   • The setting (e.g. “Where does the story take place? Does it change?”).
   • The sequence of events (e.g. “What happens first? What problem do the characters face?”).
3. Use different voices for characters and vary your tone to bring the story to life.

Differentiation Tip: Encourage struggling readers to focus on illustrations as clues for characters and settings.

---

Part 2: Group Exploration (10 minutes)

Activity: "Story Detective Teams"

1. Divide the class into 4 groups (6 students per group). Assign each group one focus:
   • Group 1: Identify all characters (main and supporting).
   • Group 2: Describe the setting(s).
   • Group 3: Identify and summarise the key events.
   • Group 4: Discuss the problem and resolution in the story.
2. Provide each group with a section of butcher’s paper. Ask them to jot down or draw their ideas. Encourage collaboration by sharing markers and asking questions.

Purpose: Deepen understanding and encourage teamwork.
Teacher’s Role: Circulate between groups and provide prompts for deeper thinking.

---

Part 3: Creative Response (10 minutes)

Activity: Story Maps

1. Ask each student to create their own “story map” on a blank sheet of paper. A story map includes:
   • Title of the story.
   • Main characters (drawings or words).
   • Description or drawing of the setting.
   • Events summarised in 3 to 5 steps using words or pictures.
2. Provide model examples on the board, showing simple ways to represent each element.

---

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Activity: Reflection and Share

1. Ask a few students to share their story maps with the class.
2. Reflect on the process:
   • "What did you enjoy about today’s story?"
   • "Why is it important to understand characters, setting, and events in a story?"
3. End with positive reinforcement and encouragement to notice story elements in other books they read.

---

Assessment

• Formative Observations:
  • Monitor group discussions to assess understanding of story elements.
  • Observe individual participation in the story map exercise.
• Student Work Samples: Collect and review story maps for evidence of comprehension.

---

Adjustments for Student Diversity

• Extension: Students who finish early can add details to their story maps (e.g. dialogue for characters or a second setting).
• Support: Pair struggling writers with peers for collaborative map-making, or allow them to dictate their ideas.
• Inclusion: Ensure diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds are respected in text selection and group assignments.

---

Reflection for Teacher

After the lesson, reflect on:

• Did all students understand characters, setting, and events? How do you know?
• Were the group activities effective for collaboration?
• What adjustments might be needed for next time?