Thinking sheet · Stories and words

Draw a Story Map

Draw a map of where a story happens, with a dotted path showing the character’s journey.

Grades
1–5
Time
about 30 minutes
Kids practice
setting, maps and keys, planning a journey

What kids do

“Every adventure needs a map. Draw the land where your story happens.”

  1. Character:
  2. They are looking for:
  3. Draw the map. Mark START, the dangers and the treasure. Join them with a dotted path.
  4. On the way, they had to…

How to run it

  • Show a map from a picture book or a game.
  • Add a key: what does each symbol mean?
  • Use the map to tell the story to a partner.

Talk about it

  • Which place on your map is most dangerous?
  • Why do some books start with a map?
  • What would you add to a sequel map?

Take it further

Write the story, one paragraph per place on the map.

Pairs well with

Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.

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