Story Maps
Story Maps are sets of questions on reading selections. The first set of questions consists of about
ten questions that follow the progression of the selection. In narratives, these questions deal with the
major events of the story. With expository selections, these questions deal with the
major topics or points made in the text. Both factual and inferential
questions are included. Student's answers demonstrate that they have a
basic understanding of the text.
The second set of questions, included in most but not all story maps, consists
of two or three questions that ask students to go beyond the selection itself.
These are called "extension questions." They typically ask students to relate the
selection to thier lives or other selections they have read, make judgments about
the text or its author, or deal with literary aspects of the selection.
Sample Story Map
Story Map for "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
1. At the beginning of the story, the children are anxiously awaiting
the end of the rain. Why is this ending of the rain such a big deal?
2. Where and when does this story take place?
3. According to the story, what is Venus like?
4. Sometimes we get a feeling about a character and what they are like
as they are first introduced. What do you sense about Margot right away?
5. Why does Margot's remembrance and experience with the sun differ from
that of the other children?
6. How do the other children treat her? Why do you think they react to
her as they do?
7. What do the children do to Margot just before the sun comes out?
8. How do the children react to the sun when the sun begins to shine?
How does this reaction change when it starts to rain? Does this seem like
a likely reaction?
9. When do the children remember that Margot is in the closet?
10. How do the children feel as they release Margot from the closet?
Did they purposely leave her there? What evidence can you give?
11. What do you think will become of Margot now?
Extension Questions
1. When Margot is released from the closet, she has missed seeing the
sun that she had desperately awaited. What do you think Margot would say
to these classmates? What would you say if you were Margot?
2. Think of a time when someone has been marked as "different"
either by circumstance or by choice. Why do others tease that person, and
what can we do to stop it?
Written by Sherry L. Johnson
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