Mini-Lesson

Story Structure

Grades 4-6

Students will examine story structure in a sports article.

1. After reading the timeforkids.com news story A Historic Win, direct students' attention to story structure.

Point out that in the first part of the article the writer gives the news. She tells readers that Danica Patrick became the first woman ever to win an IndyCar race. Ask: What else do you learn in this section?

In the next part of the article, The Long Haul, the writer gives readers background information about Danica Patrick. Have students give examples of what they learned about Danica Patrick from reading this section of the article.

Finally, look at the last section of the article, Leading Ladies. In this section, the writer gives readers some history about women race-car drivers. Again, ask students for examples of what they learned from this section of the article.

2. Wrap up the mini lesson by explaining to students that it's important to pay attention to story structure when writing a non-fiction story. The structure helps the writer to organize ideas. Story structure also helps the reader. It helps the reader to better understand the information presented in the article. Encourage students to use this timeforkids.com story as an example text for their own writing.