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Story Map Graphic Organizer

Most people have read a book, and then went to see the movie. Or, saw the movie and then went back and read the book, right? Chances are, that is a book that you can recall with more detail that other books you have read. Because it was a multisensory approach to the content.

The Orton Gillingham approach is around 100 years old and the philosophy is still valid today. We know that reading comprehension goes far beyond reading a book or story. Presenting the content in visual, audio and tactile content greatly increases reading comprehension.

story map graphic organizer (1)

Graphic organizers help students visualize written concepts. A story map is a literacy strategy that uses a graphic organizer to help students learn the elements of a book or story. By identifying story characters, plot, setting, problem and solution, students read carefully to learn the details. The graphic organizer helps them better understand the different parts and how they relate to each other.

Research indicates that students who struggle significantly with reading comprehension benefit from story mapping.

Will story mapping help my child?

Parents and teachers are busy people. We all have to make the most of our time, right? So we don’t want to add on extra steps or interventions if they don’t work.

The only real way to determine if this will work is to try it. I always recommend trying it with preferred content first.

But, the good news is–the graphic organizers for story maps that I have provided here are very basic and simple to use.

Many teachers use these in their classrooms and curricula already. I’d email your child’s teacher(s) and ask.

Dyslexia and Story Mapping Graphic Organizers

Story maps are really beneficial for so many students. And putting it in a visual format such as a graphic organizer can be really helpful.

But, it’s important to remember that for some reading disabilities, no one single intervention is going to fill the gaps for needs. Always make sure that comprehensive evaluations have been done and that all the needed appropriate interventions are being implemented.

We have a separate and comprehensive post on developing a meaningful IEP for dyslexia.

child looking at a graphic organizer

A story map presented visually can help many students improve their reading comprehension. But comprehension is just one part of reading. And, if the child hasn’t gotten past being able to decode…a story map won’t help. Make sense?

Components of a Story Map

This printable 6 page graphic organizer has several components of a story map. It is not necessarily intended that you use all 6 every time. Pick and choose only the skills or concepts you are trying to reinforce.

boys doing school work
  1. Story Map: This is a basic framework for a student to create a story map for what they have just read. It has only 4 components to keep it simple.
  2. Character Profile: A student can profile one or all of the characters in the story.
  3. Reading Questions: While these are page 3 in the graphic organizer, I would use this component last. Use it to check comprehension, working memory and recall.
  4. Compare and Contrast: I left this simple for a reason–so that the adult can have the student compare and contrast anything in the story. Before/after, two different characters, etc.
  5. Sequencing Worksheet: Good for comprehension and recall.
  6. Clues and Inferences: Great for kids who struggle with inference skills. To assist, you can list the clues on another sheet of paper and then explain the possible inferences.

Printable Story Map Graphic Organizer

Here you go, another great freebie from this site!

printable-story-map-graphic-organizer

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  • Fine Motor Skills-Games, crafts and coloring activities are a great way to use and practice a child’s fine motor skills.
  • Speech and Language– Many parents seek out a language-rich environment for their child. Any activity can be an opportunity to use and repeat new words and language, mimicking sounds, new vocalizations and articulations.
  • Executive Functioning Skills– Depending on the game or activity, it can be an opportunity to practice executive functions such as working memory, sequencing, following directions, task initiation and more.
  • Handwriting and Fluency- This piggybacks onto the language skills a child needs, but with worksheets, coloring pages and games, they can be a low-risk opportunity to practice handwriting and fluency.
  • Practicing Previously Acquired Skills-Applying already acquired skills across all environments, bring the classroom teaching into the real world.
  • Sensory-Textures, sounds, taste, vestibular, interoception, anything!
  • Social Awareness-Practice traditional social skills in a safe environment, such as: joint attention, taking turns, reciprocating conversation, waiting politely, and more.
  • Gross Motor-If you’re in a new place, practice walking across uneven surfaces, new surfaces, inclines & declines, stairs, or increasing endurance.