What instructional strategy can be helpful for teaching narrative structure?

Using story maps to visualize components like setting, characters, and plot is an effective instructional strategy for teaching narrative structure because it provides a graphic representation of the essential elements of a story. By breaking down narratives into their core components, students can better understand how stories are organized and how different parts interrelate. Story maps help learners identify the key elements that make up a narrative, facilitating comprehension and retention.

Visual tools like story maps allow students to see the overall structure of a narrative at a glance, supporting their ability to summarize and analyze texts. This strategy actively engages students in the learning process, encouraging them to think critically about the structure of stories and how it impacts both understanding and storytelling. It also aids in the development of their own narrative writing skills, as they can refer back to the visual aids when constructing their own stories.