Story mountain

This post is is directed towards how to teach plot through an activity called a Story Mountain. This activity shouldn't be done the first few weeks of school just because many of the elements need review. Kids should understand all parts of a story in order to successfully Colette this activity.

First, introduce the book you plan on reading and let them glance through the pictures. Once they've done that go over what a story mountain is and explain its a way to analyze a fictional story. As you read the book you should stop at each point on the mountain and on a sticky note write down what happens at each part. When you get to the problem, explain that when the problem is solved the resolution should connect back to the problem. Also, don't forget to explain that the resolution is NOT the end to a story.

Once you have modeled how to work through a story mountain then the next step would be for groups to complete one on another book you read aloud.