Why number the events in order?

Putting four or five events in order shows how each part of the story leads to the next (RL.3.5). The events on each sheet are mixed up, so your child has to find each one in the story first.

What are the stories about?

Each sheet has a one page original story of about 200 words about an everyday problem: a lost tooth thrown away at lunch, a snowman knocked over by the wind, a birdhouse built with Grandpa and a yard sale for an animal shelter.

Is there an answer key for each worksheet?

Yes. All eight story map sheets have an answer key, with the event numbers, the multiple choice answer and sample answers for each box and the written question.

What story elements do 3rd graders work on?

Third graders describe characters, including their traits, wants and feelings, and explain how their actions move the story along (CCSS RL.3.3). They also name the characters, setting, problem and solution and put the main events in order. This topic has character analysis sheets for the first part and story map sheets for the second.

How can I help my child describe a character?

Ask what the character did or said, then ask what kind of person would do that. Many charts give the quote and its paragraph number, so your child can focus on choosing a trait word like careful, patient or kind. For the last question, have your child point to two sentences in the story before writing.

What is the difference between a story map and a beginning, middle and end chart?

A story map has four boxes for the characters, setting, problem and solution. A beginning, middle and end chart asks what happens in each part of the story. Both kinds of sheets then have children number four or five events in story order.

Do the 3rd grade story elements worksheets have answer keys?

Yes. All 24 sheets have an answer key, with a sample answer for each box and for the written question. The key also lists other answers to accept, since more than one trait word or detail can fit.

3rd Grade Story Maps Worksheets

Ages 8-9 · Free previews · Print-ready PDFs

Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher

These story map worksheets for 3rd grade help children lay out how a story is built (CCSS RL.3.3, RL.3.5). Each sheet has an original story on page one, like Pip the class hamster hiding in a box of paper towels, a red mitten lost on a snowy walk, a wagon wheel that snaps on the way to a pumpkin contest or birthday pizza that comes an hour late. Four sheets have a story map with the characters, setting, problem and solution, and four have a beginning, middle and end chart. Children then number four or five events in story order, answer a multiple choice question about why the problem happens or what comes next, and explain the ending with a detail. Eight original sheets, each with an answer key.