The basic elements of a story are the major, or most important, characters, the minor characters who reveal things about the major characters and help move the story along: the setting, which is the time and place in which a story happens, and the plot, which is usually a series of events that include a conflict, or problem, and a resolution stating how the problem was solved. Readers understand what they read with more accuracy when they properly identify these elements.
Use a visual map with the students. An important scene from the story should be drawn by the teacher or a very capable student. Key items should be labeled with one of the elements like Characters, Setting, Events, Problem, and Resolution, but do not fill in these details until the story has been read by or to the students. This map is to be done as a class assignment, therefore, the Visual chart must be large and should be placed where all could see. For those who don't wish to draw a Visual, I have a Basic Story Map included in this unit to be copied.
Next, have the students read the first case in You Be the Jury. They must complete a story map based on this case. Compare the maps of at least three students.
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*See example below
Finally, having mastered this activity, read the entire mystery song and map a story map of it.
Are you any closer to solving the (What Is It) mystery?
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*Example- Name The Case of the Dangerous Golf Ball
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Characters Jason Compson-plaintiff, Green Acres Development Corp, defendant
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Setting Green Acres Homes and Golf Course surrounded by the development
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Problem Mr. Compson was upset because when he purchased his home his patio overlooked wooden land, now trees were cleared and he was promised that all golf shots would point away from his property. He could see the sixth hole from his patio.
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Events Tried to get them to move the sixth tee, he got hit in the head by a golf balll shot through his window, as he was hanging an expensive mirror which he dropped.
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Resolution By looking at Exhibit A and B we see Mr. Compson had a bandage on his forehead but when the supposedly came through the window his back was to the window. He faked the whole thing.