Student Work Samples with Rationale

Story Squares

The idea to use story squares arose from reading R.S. Waldheim's "Story Techniques for Young Readers." Students learn to analyze a story according to its plot, setting, and characters.

This activity promotes the development of

  • memory
  • reading skills and
  • writing.
The story square pictured was generated by a student who later created a new story from it.
 Story Squares
Comparative Literature Review

Gingerbread comparison by Tiffany
Gingerbread comparison by Tiffany

Students read three stories involving the theme of gingerbread and then analyzed each with regard to plot. Exercises such as these are good at improving memory, reading skills, and critical thinking.

This activity of comparing stories culminated in a week's worth of reading and other activities surrounding the gingerbread stories. At the end of the week students made and decorated their own gingerbread men. My students really enjoyed this set of lessons.

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