Story Elements Worksheet

Name: _____________________________

Directions: Read the short story below. Then, identify the key story elements.

The Hungry Squirrel

One chilly autumn morning, deep within Whispering Woods, a little squirrel named Squeaky woke up feeling very hungry. Winter was coming, and his pantry was almost empty! He remembered seeing a huge oak tree on the other side of the gurgling creek, full of acorns. Squeaky knew it would be a dangerous journey; the creek was wide, and a grumpy old badger often patrolled the path.

Squeaky took a deep breath and set off. He carefully crossed the creek by leaping from stone to stone, his heart thumping with each jump. Just as he reached the other side, a shadow fell over him. It was Bartholomew, the badger! Bartholomew grumbled, "What are you doing on my side of the woods, little one?"

Squeaky, trembling, explained his predicament. Bartholomew, surprisingly, softened. He pointed to a hidden grove filled with even more acorns than the oak tree. "Take what you need, little squirrel," he said. "But be quick!"

Squeaky gathered a huge pile of acorns, thanked Bartholomew profusely, and hurried back to his home, his pantry now full for the winter.

Identify the Story Elements:

1. Characters: Who are the main characters in the story?
   
   
   
   

2. Setting: Where and when does the story take place?
   
   
   
   

3. Plot (What happens?):

   • Beginning:
     
     
     
     
   • Middle:
     
     
     
     
   • End:
     
     
     
     

4. Conflict: What problem does Squeaky face?
   
   
   
   

5. Resolution: How is the problem solved?
   
   
   
   

My Story Idea Journal

Name: _____________________________

Directions: Use this journal to brainstorm ideas for your own amazing story!

1. Characters

• Who is your main character? Describe them! What do they look like? What is their personality? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Who are other important characters? (Friends, family, villains, helpers)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Setting

• Where does your story take place? (A fantastical land, a bustling city, a quiet neighborhood, space?)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• When does your story take place? (Long ago, today, in the future, a specific time of year?)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Conflict

• What is the main problem or challenge your character will face? (Nature, another character, themselves?)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Plot (Quick Outline)

• Beginning: How does your story start? What introduces the characters and setting?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Middle: What events happen to make the story exciting? How does the conflict develop?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• End: How is the problem solved? What happens to the characters at the end?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. My Story Title Idea:

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Story Scramble Activity

Directions: In your small groups, you will receive a set of cards with different characters, settings, and conflicts. Your task is to mix and match these cards to create a brand new, unique (and maybe silly!) story idea!

Once you have your combination, discuss the following:

1. What is your chosen character, setting, and conflict?
   
   
   
   

2. What could be the beginning of your story? (How do the character and setting lead to the conflict?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What might happen in the middle? (How does the character try to solve the problem? What obstacles do they face?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How could your story end? (What is the resolution? How is the problem solved?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Come up with a creative title for your Story Scramble!
   
   
   
   

Teacher Notes:

• Preparation: Create sets of cards with various characters (e.g.,

Grief & Friendship Workbook: My Journey Through Change

This workbook is designed to help you explore your feelings about grief and strengthen your friendships. Take your time with each section and be honest with yourself.

Section 1: My Grief Journey

Sometimes, when we experience loss, it can bring up a lot of different feelings. Loss isn't just about someone passing away; it can be about changes like moving, losing a pet, or even friendships changing.

1. What kind of loss or changes have you experienced recently that have been difficult?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Grief can bring many emotions. Circle or list the feelings you've experienced:
   • Sadness
   • Anger
   • Confusion
   • Guilt
   • Frustration
   • Loneliness
   • Numbness
   • Anxiety
   • (Add your own here if not listed):
     
     
     
     
3. Where do you feel these emotions in your body? (e.g., a heavy heart, a knot in your stomach, tense shoulders)
   
   
   
   

Section 2: My Coping Toolbox

Coping strategies are healthy ways to deal with difficult feelings. It's like having a toolbox full of different tools for different situations.

1. What are some things you already do when you feel sad or upset?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Let's explore some new coping strategies. Check off any that you might be willing to try:
   • Talking to a trusted adult or friend
   • Writing in a journal
   • Listening to music
   • Drawing or creating art
   • Exercising or playing a sport
   • Spending time in nature
   • Practicing deep breathing or mindfulness
   • (Add your own ideas):
     
     
     
     
3. Pick one new coping strategy from the list above and describe how you would use it the next time you feel overwhelmed.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: Expressing Myself

It can be hard to tell others how you're feeling, especially friends. But sharing can help them understand and support you.

1. Imagine you want to tell a friend how your grief is affecting you. What might you say? Practice writing it out below:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one thing you would like your friends to know about what you're going through?
   
   
   
   
3. What is one way your friends could support you that would be helpful?
   
   
   
   

Section 4: Friendship Builders

Friendships are important, especially when you're going through a tough time. Healthy friendships make us feel supported, understood, and happy.

1. List three qualities you value most in a friend:
   a.
   b.
   c.
   
   
   
   
2. List three ways you can be a supportive friend to others:
   a.
   b.
   c.
   
   
   
   
3. Think about a friend who has supported you well. What did they do or say that made a difference?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 5: My Journey Forward

This journey takes time, and it's okay to have good days and bad days. Remember how much you've already learned and grown.

1. What is one important thing you've learned about grief and your emotions during these sessions?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one important thing you've learned about your friendships or how to communicate with friends?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What is one goal you have for yourself in the next few weeks regarding managing your feelings or nurturing your friendships?