3. First, let’s review. Setting is where the story takes place
First, let’s review. Setting is where the story takes place. This could be a park , a house, school, or another place.

4. Missing when the setting changes.
Sometimes readers don’t even notice when the setting changes. Many stories have different settings- characters move from school, to home, and other places. Readers must always know where their characters are.

5. Let me show you one strategy for tracking the setting.
First, you will pause after beginning a new chapter, or when you are not sure where the characters are.

6. Where are they? How do I know?
One Tuesday-it was chicken nugget day, to be exact- Dyamonde was sitting with the three T’s when Free stomped into the lunchroom, fists clenched, not looking where he was going-again.
So, let’s try this. Here is the beginning of chapter 4 of Dyamonde Daniel. I will pause and ask myself: Where are they? And how do I know?

7. Now that I know where the characters are, I will continue to track the setting as I read.

8. Where are they? How do I know?
Later that week, Dyamonde’s mother sent her across the avenue for some Chinese takeout. On the way back, Dyamonde found Free sitting on the stoop of the building on her corner.
As I continue reading this chapter, I come across this part of the story. I am going to pause and make sure I ask myself: where are they and how do I know? In this part, it says that Dyamonde found Free sitting on the stoop of her building. So, now I know they are outside of the building on the corner of the street Dyamonde lives on. They are talking outside by the stairs.

11. Dyamonde turned the key in the front door of her apartment building
Dyamonde turned the key in the front door of her apartment building. She was supposed to go straight to the neighbor’s on the second floor and wait there till her mom came home from work. Instead she slipped into the tiny apartment she shared with her mom.

14. Dyamonde wanted to do something about it, but she didn’t know what.
Maybe Mrs. Cordell can help, thought Dyamonde.
One afternoon, she hung around after the last bell so she could talk to her teacher in private.