• Story map templates at different complexity levels
• Familiar folktale texts (e.g., 'The Three Little Pigs,' 'Stone Soup')
• Chart of story elements with icons
• Character trait word bank with illustrations
• Colored pencils/markers
• Sample completed story map
• Sticky notes for sequencing practice
• Story element sorting cards

Select a familiar folktale to model story mapping. Create differentiated story map templates with sections for characters, setting, problem, events, and resolution. Prepare a chart showing each story element with simple icons. Develop a word bank of character traits with child-friendly definitions and illustrations. Gather several folktales that clearly demonstrate traditional narrative structure.

1. Story elements introduction (8-10 minutes):
2. Introduce the concept that stories have common elements
3. Present each element with a simple definition and icon:
4. Characters: Who is in the story
5. Setting: Where and when the story happens
6. Problem: What goes wrong or what the character wants
7. Events: What happens (usually 3-5 main events)
8. Resolution: How the problem is solved
9. Connect to students' favorite stories: 'Who can name the problem in The Three Little Pigs?'
2. Model story mapping (10-12 minutes):
3. Read aloud a short, familiar folktale
4. Model creating a story map using think-aloud:
5. Identify and record characters with simple traits
6. Draw/describe the setting
7. State the main problem clearly
8. Sequence 3-5 main events in order
9. Explain how the problem was resolved
10. Show how visual elements enhance the map
3. Guided practice with a new folktale (15 minutes):
4. Read a new folktale aloud to the class
5. As a class, complete a story map together on chart paper
6. Focus on identifying key events versus minor details
7. Practice using sequence words (first, next, then, finally)
8. Emphasize connections between problem and resolution
4. Independent/partner mapping (15-20 minutes):
5. Provide students with appropriately leveled story map templates
6. Distribute short folktales (students may work individually or in pairs)
7. Students read/review their folktale
8. Complete story maps with both words and illustrations
9. Teacher circulates to provide support
5. Story map sharing (7-8 minutes):
6. Students present story maps to small groups
7. Listeners practice asking questions about story elements
8. Compare similarities and differences between different folktales
6. Story element connections (5 minutes):
7. Discuss how story elements connect to each other
8. Explore how character traits influence how problems are solved
9. Look for patterns across different folktales (e.g., rule of three, talking animals)
7. Extension: Students use blank story maps to plan their own simple folktales.

For beginning readers, use heavily illustrated story maps with minimal writing requirements. For English learners, provide native language support and emphasize visual elements. For advanced students, add sections for theme, character development, or comparison to other versions of the same folktale.

Review completed story maps for accurate identification of story elements and logical sequencing of events. Listen to student explanations for understanding of connections between elements. Note which students can independently identify abstract elements like themes versus those who need support with concrete elements.