Aligned with K.RL.5: This lesson helps students meet K.RL.5 in ELA by focusing on understanding characters and setting in stories.
Understanding Characters and Setting in Stories
Understanding Characters and Setting in Stories Objective: Students will be able to identify characters and describe the setting in a story, meeting the K.RL.5 standard by asking and answering questions about key details.
Learning Objectives
- Identify characters in a story by name and description.
- Describe the setting using simple words.
- Ask and answer questions about the characters and setting.
Materials Needed
- A simple picture book appropriate for Kindergarten (e.g., ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?’)
- Paper and crayons or markers
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Sticky notes
Key Vocabulary
- Character
- The people, animals, or creatures in a story.
- Setting
- Where and when the story happens.
- Story
- A made-up or real tale told to entertain or teach.
Detailed Activities
Read Aloud and Discuss
- Read the picture book aloud to your child, showing the pictures clearly.
- Pause after reading to ask, ‘Who are the characters in this story?’ and ‘Where is the story taking place?’
- Write down their answers on chart paper or a whiteboard.
Draw the Characters and Setting
- Give your child paper and crayons or markers.
- Ask them to draw their favorite character from the story.
- Next, ask them to draw where the story takes place.
- Encourage them to talk about their drawings as they work.
Question and Answer Game
- Write simple questions about the story’s characters and setting on sticky notes.
- Take turns asking and answering these questions with your child.
- Praise their answers and gently guide them if they need help.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- Keep the tone positive and encouraging to build your child’s confidence.
- Use simple language and repeat key vocabulary during activities.
- Allow your child plenty of time to respond and express their ideas.
Assessment Questions
- Who is one character in the story?
- Where does the story happen?
- Can you tell me something about the character you drew?
Extension Ideas
- Read another short story and compare the characters and settings with the first story.
- Create a simple puppet show using drawings of the characters and setting.
- Have your child tell their own story using the characters and setting they drew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try asking simpler questions or give choices to help guide their answers. Re-read sections of the story to reinforce understanding.
Use expressive voices and gestures when reading, and involve your child in interactive activities like drawing and games.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may confuse characters with the setting or other story elements.
- Some students might answer questions with yes/no instead of detailed responses.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide one-on-one support and use more visual aids.
- Break questions into smaller parts and give examples.
For Advanced Students:
- Encourage them to describe characters’ feelings or why a setting is important.
- Ask them to predict what might happen next in the story.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes on reading and discussing the story.
- Allow 15 minutes for drawing and describing characters and setting.
- Use the remaining 15 minutes for the question and answer game and review.
Standards
- K.RL.5 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
Downloadable Lesson Plan
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