Story Mapping Magic

Grade Level

Kindergarten (Special Education, Autism-Friendly)

Duration

15 minutes

---

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify and use the 5 Wh- questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to recall key details from a story.
• Complete a simple story map using the 5 Wh- questions as prompts.
• Retell the story in their own words using sentence starters based on the 5 Wh- questions.

---

Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.2
With prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3
Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.4
Describe familiar people, places, things, and events with prompting and support, adding drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as needed.

---

Materials

• A short picture book with a clear, simple story (e.g., "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" or a similar repetitive pattern story)
• Large laminated 5 Wh- question cards with icons (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
• Story map template with 5 sections labeled for each Wh- question
• Velcro or magnets for pictures/key words on story map
• Visual sentence starters chart (e.g., "Who is the ...?", "What did they ...?", "Where did it happen?")
• Fidget tools for sensory support if needed
• Interactive whiteboard or easel for group work

---

Lesson Procedure

1. Engagement & Introduction (3 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle with the book. Use visual aids and engaging voices to read the story aloud.
• Show the 5 Wh- question cards and briefly explain each using simple language and icons. For example:
  • Who: The people or animals in the story
  • What: What happened?
  • Where: The place or setting
  • When: Time of day or sequence
  • Why: Reason something happened

Autism-friendly tip: Use clear, consistent visuals and speak slowly with positive, encouraging tone.

---

2. Guided Practice: Story Mapping (7 minutes)

• After reading, display the story map template on the board or table.
• Use one Wh- question card at a time, ask the class the question related to the story. For example, "Who is in the story?"
• Encourage students to answer verbally or point to pictures on the story map. Use sentence starters to scaffold responses:
  • “Who is the ___?”
  • “What did ___ do?”
  • Use simple yes/no or choice options if needed.
• Place corresponding pictures or words on the story map with student input.
• Provide fidget tools or breaks as needed to support focus.

---

3. Student Retelling with Support (4 minutes)

• Using the completed story map and sentence starters, invite each student to retell one part of the story using a Wh- question prompt.
• Model the first example:
  • “Who was the brown bear?” (Student answers or points)
  • “What did the brown bear see?”
• Use simple, direct praise to encourage each student. Visual sentence starters can be held up for students who need more support.
• Keep turn-taking short and sensory breaks available as needed.

---

Assessment

• Observe students’ participation and ability to answer Wh- questions with prompting.
• Check completion of story map with accurate matching of story elements to Wh- questions.
• Monitor student retell ability through sentence starter use and verbal expression.
• Document notes on each student’s engagement level and comprehension for future planning.

---

Extensions / Adaptations

• Use tactile story elements (felt animals or objects) for hands-on story mapping.
• Pair students with communication devices or PECS cards for Wh- question responses.
• For advanced learners, introduce “How” questions to deepen story understanding.
• Conduct a sensory storytelling session with props or sounds to reinforce setting and events.

---

Reflection for Teacher

• Did the students respond best to visual, verbal, or tactile prompts?
• Which Wh- question was most challenging? Adapt future lessons to scaffold those areas more.
• How did sensory supports affect student engagement? Modify based on individual needs.

---

This lesson blends repetition, visual supports, and sensory-friendly strategies rooted in Common Core standards to build foundational story comprehension and expressive language skills in a small, special education kindergarten setting.