π― Learning Objectives
- π Students will be able to identify the five key elements of a story: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
- βοΈ Students will plan a simple story using the 'Who, What, When, Where, Why' framework.
- π£οΈ Students will articulate the importance of each story element in creating a complete narrative.
π οΈ Materials Needed
- π Whiteboard or large chart paper and markers.
- π Story planning graphic organizers (printable or drawn).
- βοΈ Pencils and paper for each student.
- πΌοΈ Pictures or short story prompts (optional).
- βοΈ Index cards or sticky notes.
β° Warm-up (5 minutes)
Begin by asking students to share their favorite story and what they loved about it. Guide them to think about the characters, what happened, and where it took place.
- π Ask: "What makes a story really good?"
- π Encourage: "Think about the people, the action, and the place."
- π Introduce: "Today, we're going to learn a secret to planning amazing stories!"
π Main Instruction: The 5 W's of Story Planning
Explain that every great story has five important parts, like ingredients in a recipe. These are the "Who, What, When, Where, and Why."
π€ Who: The Characters
Every story needs a 'Who' β the characters! These are the people or animals the story is about.
- π€ Discuss: "Who are the main people or animals in your story?"
- π¦Έ Brainstorm: "Are they brave, silly, clever, or shy?"
- π§βπ€βπ§ Consider: "Are there any other important characters?"
β What: The Plot & Events
The 'What' is what happens in the story. It's the main event or problem the characters face.
- 𧩠Explain: "What is the big thing that happens or the problem the characters need to solve?"
- πͺοΈ Imagine: "What adventure do they go on?"
- π‘ Suggest: "What makes the story interesting?"
ποΈ When: The Time
The 'When' tells us when the story takes place. Is it morning, night, last summer, or in the future?
- βοΈ Ask: "When does your story happen? Is it during the day or night?"
- π°οΈ Consider: "Does it happen a long time ago, or today, or even tomorrow?"
- π Connect: "What season is it? Fall, winter, spring, or summer?"
π Where: The Setting
The 'Where' is the place or places where the story happens. It could be a house, a forest, space, or underwater!
- π‘ Discuss: "Where does most of your story take place?"
- πΊοΈ Explore: "Do the characters travel to different places?"
- π³ Describe: "What does the setting look like and feel like?"
π‘ Why: The Motivation & Problem
The 'Why' explains why things happen or why a character does something. It's often the character's motivation or the reason for the main problem.
- β Ponder: "Why does the main character do what they do?"
- π§ Uncover: "Why is there a problem in the story?"
- π Reveal: "What is the reason behind the events?"
π Putting It All Together: Story Planning Activity
Guide students through planning a simple story using a graphic organizer or index cards for each 'W'.
- π Provide: Distribute story planning graphic organizers.
- π£οΈ Model: Plan a very simple story together as a class, filling in each 'W'.
- π€ Practice: Have students work individually or in pairs to plan their own story using the framework.
- π Share: Invite students to share their 'Who, What, When, Where, Why' ideas with a partner or the class.
β
Assessment
Students will demonstrate understanding by completing their story planning organizer and orally explaining their choices.
- π Review: Collect story planning organizers to check for completeness and logical connections.
- π€ Observe: Listen as students explain their story elements, noting their ability to articulate each 'W'.
- π Provide: Offer constructive feedback on their story ideas and planning.