To navigate through this tutorial, simply put your mouse over the buttons on the screen to perform the following actions: To return to the beginning, click on the HOME button To return to the previous page, click on the BACK arrow To move to the next page, click on the NEXT arrow To view videos, click the VIDEO button To engage on the interactive website, lick on the I button To take a quiz about the key components, click on the QUESTION MARK To create a Kidspiration cluster web, click on the DOCUMENT button

After completion of this tutorial the learner will be able to: 1)Describe key details of the story 2)Identify the setting, characters, problems (events), and solutions from the story 3)Create a cluster web using Kidspiration

To help assist you, the five finger retelling tool is a great way to memorize what you are looking for in order to create a story.

The key components, sometimes called story elements, of a story includes the setting, characters, problems (events), and solutions. A helpful way to demonstrate understanding of a story is by using key details from the story to retell the events that happened.

According to Wiki (2013), setting is defined as: In works of narrative (especially fictional), the setting includes the historical moment in time and geographic location in which a story takes place, and helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story. Setting has been referred to as story world or milieu to include a context (especially society) beyond the immediate surroundings of the story. Elements of setting may include culture, historical period, geography, and hour.

According to Wiki (2013), character is defined as: A character is a person in a narrative work of arts (such as a novel, play, television show/series, or film). Character, particularly when enacted by an actor in the theatre or cinema, involves "the illusion of being a human person.” In literature, characters guide readers through their stories, helping them to understand plots and ponder themes.

According to Wiki (2013) a problem is defined as: A problem is an obstacle, impediment, difficulty or challenge, or any situation that invites resolution; the resolution of which is recognized as a solution or contribution toward a known purpose or goal. A problem implies a desired outcome coupled with an apparent deficiency, doubt or inconsistency that prevents the outcome from taking place. A problem can also be known as an issue with someone or something.

According to Wiki Answers (2013) a solution is defined as: How the problem is solved in a story. The solution involves what is the central problem of the story? How is it solved?

1)“The story takes place in a school during the 20 th century.” This is an example of what story element? 2)“Alexander went to bed with gum in is mouth and woke up with gum in his hair.” Who is the character based on this sentence? 3)When there is a ________, there is usually a ________ to fix it. a)solution, problem b)problem, solution c)setting, character

1)Setting 2)Alexander 3)problem, solution

This link will direct you to an interactive website that reinforces some of the story elements we discussed. At the end of the presentation, you will take a short quiz about the story elements. Once completed with the quiz, make sure to type your name in the box at the end and you will be given a choice to print off your results. This option allows you to take home the feedback and practice on what you missed. ml

To view the PDF of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, simply put your mouse over the link and click. You will be directed to a Reader’s Theater version of the book. oads/files/25/copy_of_alexander_and_the_terri ble_readers_theatre_activity.pdf

To begin the activity, Kidspiration software must be downloaded to your computer. You are able to access it for a FREE trial version. The link below will direct you to Kidspiration. Once the software is downloaded, you can begin creating your own cluster map based on the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. In this cluster map you will identify the: 1)Setting 2)Characters 3)Problems/events 4)Solutions Make sure to save your document on the computer with your first and last name as your title.

Put your mouse over the link for each video and click. The links will direct you to a video about story elements and a reading of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. U

Click on the link below to take a short quiz about the story elements from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Story Jumper is a website that allows you to create your own story book with the help of their 7 step Story Starter. Once you are finished you can share your book online and even have your book printed out for you at a small cost. KidsCom is a website that gives you the character, prop, and setting and then you create your own story based on those 3 things. If you post your story, you may be chose to be put in the Ballet Box of Write Me a Story or chosen as one of the Best of the Week story by other KidsCom kids! Dot’s Story Factory is a website by PBS Kids that allows you to write your own story and illustrations. Your story is submitted to PBS Kids and could be used on PBS Kids on TV, the web, or in print! Zoo Burst is an amazing tool to create your own 3D Pop Up books.

WikiDictionary. (2013). Retrieved from: Kidspiration