The Building Blocks of Stories: What Makes a Good Book?
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about stories and writing.
- Talk about books you like and the stories they tell.
- Read a mystery story.
- Listen to an author talk about their writing.
- Write your own short story.
Key Words:
- Plot: The events that happen in a story.
- Setting: The place and time where a story happens.
- Character: A person (or sometimes an animal) in a story.
- Theme: The main idea or message of the story.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some of the things that make a story interesting? (Exciting plot, interesting characters, a new place, an important message.)
- Think about your favorite book. What was the setting? Who were the characters?
- Why do you think writers tell stories? (To entertain, to teach, to make us think.)
Let’s Read!
Detective Laura arrived at the old mansion. All the doors were locked, but someone had been murdered inside! How did they do it? Laura looked for clues, interviewed the suspects, and finally figured out the mystery.
Questions About the Story:
- Where did the story take place? (The setting)
- Who are the main characters?
- What was the main problem or mystery in the story? (The plot)
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of an author talking about how they choose a setting for their books. Focus on the words “place,” “atmosphere,” and “mood.”)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is an author. The other is interviewing the author about their new book.
Example:
- Interviewer: “What is your new book about?”
- Author: “It’s a mystery about a stolen diamond. The main character is a young detective.”
- Interviewer: “Where does the story take place?”
Homework:
Write a short story! It can be any genre you like – mystery, adventure, comedy, etc. Just make sure it has a plot, setting, and characters.
Extra Fun:
If you can, find a book that has been made into a movie. Read the book first, then watch the movie. How are they the same? How are they different?
