Inference
In the story, Mia grabbed her umbrella and rain boots when she saw dark clouds.
What can you infer about the weather?
It is going to rain.
A word that describes what a character is like on the inside (for example: kind, brave, selfish).
Character trait.
This is the lesson or message the author wants you to learn from the story.
Theme.
Explain SWBST.
Somebody, wanted, but, so, then.
The people, animals, or creatures in a story are called this.
Characters
Ben slammed his notebook shut and crossed his arms when the group didn’t listen to his idea. What can you infer about how Ben is feeling?
He is upset/frustrated.
Carlos always shares his snacks and lets others go first in line.
What is one character trait that describes Carlos?
kind/generous.
A story where a character keeps trying, even after losing several games, and finally improves.
What is a possible theme?
never give up/keep trying.
This is a short retelling of the most important parts of a story in your own words.
Summary.
This story element tells you when and where the story takes place.
Setting
The hallway was silent. Desks were empty, and the clock said 3:30 p.m.
What can you infer about what time of day it is for school?
School is over/the end of the school day.
Lilly practiced her speech every night even though she was scared to present.
What is one character trait that describes Lilly?
Brave/determined.
A story shows friends apologizing and forgiving each other after a big argument.
What is a possible theme?
forgiveness is important/true friends forgive each other.
Which should not be in a summary?
A. Important events
B. Every tiny detail
C. The main problem
D. How the problem is solved
B: every tiny detail
This is the main problem or challenge the character faces.
What is the conflict?
Rosa stared at the menu for a long time, biting her lip. When the server came, she said, “Can you give me just one more minute?”
What can you infer about Rosa?
She is unsure/indecisive about what to choose.
In a story, a character is described as “stomping around the room, yelling at everyone, and refusing to listen.”
angry/rude/bad-tempered.
A story about a boy who lies to get attention, but then no one believes him when there is a real problem.
What is a possible theme?
always tell the truth/lying has consequences.
Liam loved playing video games after school. One day, his grades started to drop, and his parents told him he could only play after his homework was finished. At first, Liam was upset, but he started doing his homework right away so he’d still have time to play. Soon, his grades improved, and he felt proud of himself.
Liam wanted to play video games all the time, but his grades dropped, so his parents made him finish his homework first, and then his grades improved and he felt proud.
This is the series of important events that happen in the story, from beginning to end.
Plot
In the story, no one clapped when the magician finished his trick. A baby yawned, and a boy whispered, “Is it over yet?”
What can you infer about how the audience feels about the show?
They are bored/not impressed.
Explain the meaning of F.A.S.T.
Feelings, Actions, Speech, Thoughts.
Explain why “Dogs are better than cats” is not a theme, but “Be kind to animals” is a theme.
Because a theme is a message about life that can apply to many situations, not just an opinion about which pet is better.
Emma was nervous about joining the school choir, but she loved to sing at home. Her friend encouraged her to try out anyway. At the audition, Emma’s voice shook at first, but she kept going and finished her song. A few days later, she saw her name on the list and realized taking a chance was worth it.
Emma wanted to join the school choir but felt nervous, so she tried out anyway, and then she made the choir and realized taking a chance was worth it.
After dinner, Marcus and his mom walked to the park near their house. The sun was setting, and the playground lights were just turning on as kids played on the swings and slides.
What is the setting of this story?
At the park near Marcus’s house in the evening, after dinner