Elements of a Story Posters

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What is an Elements of a Story Poster?

They are a fun and engaging way to teach the key aspects of a narrative or book to your class. Displaying the poster on the wall is an effective visual aid that can help learners understand the building blocks of any fiction stories. Whether reading short stories, novels, or picture books, identifying the characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution is an important part of comprehending what they read.

A story time poster that outlines key parts of the narrative provides kids with a reference they can look to throughout and after reading. A printable poster serves as an organizer to help children answer questions when teaching about the who, what, when, where, and why. A teacher can introduce new books by pointing out how these key aspects are presented on storytime posters. Kids can then keep an eye out for how each element unfolds.

What to Include in a Story Elements Poster

• Character: Who are the characters? Who is the protagonist and the antagonist? An effective poster highlights both main and supporting players.


• Setting: What is the time and place where the book takes place? Usually this information is found at the beginning, but as the narrative or book progresses, the setting might change. Clarifying setting is important because it gives the reader a sense of context.


• Plot: What is the sequence of events that make up the narrative? A poster can outline the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution.


• Conflict: What problem or struggle that needs resolving? Are there multiple conflicts? Which conflicts are internal, and which are external? This section of the poster reveals what challenges the protagonist faces.


• Theme: What is the underlying message being conveyed? Determining the theme often requires synthesizing information gathered about the other aspects of the story.

Displaying this information provides learners with a visual reference to look back to as they read. It also provides a framework for discussing what they absorbed from their reading. A teacher can use the poster as a questioning topic generator to gauge understanding. Kids can also refer to the poster when retelling or summarizing the text themselves. A story time poster for elementary age children doesn't need to simply list aspects of the book, but can also include pictures and engaging visuals.

For example, a setting poster could feature a map or images representing the time period. A theme poster could include overarching messages being communicated by the text, and even simple definitions of key words related to the theme. Including both words and images makes the poster more visually engaging for learners.

Those looking for a free printable story elements poster to download and use in their classrooms can easily find plenty of great teaching tools. Storyboard That offers downloadable templates and provides organizers of various levels to suit different teaching needs.

Creating a Poster for Classic Fiction

There are many well-known books to browse that work beautifully for teaching these plot and narrative devices to learners. Classics like fables, fairy tales, and children’s fiction provide simple but clear examples of who, what, where, when and why. Supplement learning with videos and games related to the books below!

For Young Learners (Kindergarten - 5th Grade):

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears: This classic fairy tale presents a clear sequence of events, making it an excellent choice for introducing the concept of beginnings.


• Little Red Riding Hood: Explore the well-defined characters, especially the protagonist, Little Red Riding Hood, and the cunning wolf, who is a clear example of a classic antagonist.


• Alice in Wonderland: Dive into the whimsical world of Wonderland with your class to discuss the importance of setting and its impact on the narrative.


• The Tortoise and the Hare: This classic tale’s simple plot makes for easy mapping. illustrate key components like conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution within a plot diagram.

For Advanced Learners (6th - 12th Grade):

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain: Explore the dynamics between Tom Sawyer and other characters, shedding light on the complexities of character relationships in a narrative.


• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Delve into the rich symbolism of the mockingbird and discuss the overarching themes of racial injustice and moral growth.


• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Analyze the vivid descriptions of the roaring twenties and how the setting contributes to the overall atmosphere and tone of the book.


• The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe: Unpack the unreliable narrator's perspective and discuss how it heightens the suspense in this classic tale, from beginning to end.


• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: Examine the symbolic significance of the sea and delve into the profound journey of Santiago, offering insights into character development and symbolism.

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