CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3
The Standard
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Literature
What This Standard Means
Students need to name who the story is about, where and when it happens, and what big things happen. They also need to point back to words or pictures that prove their answer, not just guess or retell everything.
Mastery looks like a first grader saying, “The girl is brave because she goes into the dark woods,” or “The story happens at school because I see desks.” Students often mix up small details with major events, describe feelings without evidence, or forget the setting after focusing on characters.
Ways to Teach It
- Give students three picture cards labeled character, setting, event, and have them sort story details after a read aloud.
- Ask, “Which event changed the story the most, and what detail helped you know?”
- After reading, have students draw one character, one setting, and one major event, then label each with a detail.
- Use a familiar classroom problem, like a lost pencil, to identify the people, place, and big events like a story.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.3
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.7
Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3
Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K.3
With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.