Elements of a Story Worksheets for the Early Years 

Fables are a great choice when it comes to introducing story elements to young learners. Our students are often familiar with these traditional tales, which means they have prior knowledge to draw on when discussing characters, settings and events. 

This set of two cut-and-paste worksheets has been based on the well-known fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Each worksheet focuses on a specific narrative element, allowing your students to become more familiar with these features as they identify them in the text. The focus of each worksheet is as follows:

• Worksheet 1 – After reading the text, students cut, sort and glue the pictures to show the beginning, middle and end of the story.
• Worksheet 2 – Students cut, sort and glue the characters and setting pictures into the correct column of the table provided. 

Complete the worksheets as a whole-class activity (via smartboard), a targeted group activity (for students requiring support), individual practice (for more-confident readers) or as a read-at-home activity.

Added Bonus: Develop Your Students’ Fine Motor Skills

Did you know that cutting works multiple muscle groups in the hands and fingers?

This cut-and-paste worksheet provides the added benefit of allowing your little ones to develop and fine-tune their scissor skills. Cutting activities improve hand-eye coordination and assist in the development of sustained focus and attention. All of these skills are necessary to use a pencil, handle a fork, button a shirt and tie shoes – tasks our students must master in their everyday lives!

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This resource was created by Samantha Rose, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Don’t stop yet! We have more time-saving resources to enhance your story elements lessons!

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Explore story characters, settings and main events with this set of cut-and-paste worksheets based on a well-known fairy tale.

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Explore the difference between characters and non-characters with this digital learning activity.

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Story Setting or Not? - Sorting Activity

Explore the difference between story settings and non-settings with this hands-on sorting activity.