Overview: Story maps are a beneficial tool for any young writer. Below, you will find several to choose from. Each one offers various fields to account for important information related to a story (read or to be written).
What is a Story Map?
A story map, also known as a story web, is a graphic organizer that can be used in the areas of both reading and writing. As a reading tool, story maps can aid students in their description and organization of the elements of a story--the setting, main characters, minor characters, the problem, and the solution. In addition to these elements, a story map can also be used to sequence the events that occurred in the story at the beginning, middle, and end, which is also known as the story's plot.
As a writing tool, students can use a story map to organize their ideas as part of the pre-writing process. This type of graphic organizer can be used when writing about a variety of genres and topics.
Recommended Grade Level(s): First, Second, Third
Materials:
The following story map templates can be used for the purpose of either reading or writing:
Story Map Graphic Organizer 1: Provides space for the title, author, setting, main characters, minor characters, problem, and solution. In landscape form.
Story Map Graphic Organizer 2: Provides space for the title, author, setting, main characters, minor characters, problem, and solution. In portrait form.
Story Map Graphic Organizer 3: Provides space for the title, author, setting, main characters, supporting characters, problem, and solution. In landscape form.
Story Map Graphic Organizer 4: Provides space for the title, setting, and a description of what happened in the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the story. In portrait form.
Story Map Graphic Organizer 5: Provides space for the title, setting, and a description of what happened in the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the story as well as space for a picture of each. In landscape form.
Wh-Questions Story Map Graphic Organizer: Provides a space to answer wh-questions about a story read or a story that one is writing about. Questions include: when, where, what, why, and how.
