Write+about+the+plot,+character+and+setting+of+story+that+has+been+read+together+with+classmate,+read+independently+or+read+with+adult3.

First grade spends a great deal of time talking about the plot, characters and setting of a story. We begin with the characters and think about stories we already know or movies we have seen. We talk about what kinds of characters (real and make-believe) are in the story and how good and bad characters affect the story. Then we do activities about the characters, possibly play charades or a matching game. After we have mastered characters, we talk about the setting of a story. The setting can be real and imagined places. I will name many different places and the children must decide if it may be a good setting for the story and what kind of story might take place there and what kinds of characters might be in a story at that particular place. Finally, we talk about the plot. Some first graders have great imaginations and some have trouble thinking of a good place for a story to happen. Sometimes I will give a story idea and the children will supply the characters and setting. In this way some of the more reluctant writers will pick up an idea. By the end of the year, most of the children will not find writng as such a chore.