Here’s a story about Jenny and Aunt Mo that introduces “story elements” to lower elementary students.
“Wow, it is so beautiful, Auntie! I’ve never see the ocean except on TV!” said Jenny.
“I’m happy you’re spending the summer with me,” said Aunt Mo. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Chocolate chip ice cream! Yum, my favorite!” said Jenny, licking the ice cream cone.
“Let’s put our feet in the water,” said Aunt Mo.
Jenny jumped up and down and up and down. “I like the feel of the wet sand between my toes,” she said. But then, splash, she dropped her ice cream cone. “Oooh,” Jenny said sadly. “It was such good ice cream!”
“Don’t worry,” answered Aunt Mo. “Now you can use both hands to swim!”
“You’re right,” said Jenny. “Watch me swim!”
Jenny spent the rest of the morning splashing in the salty ocean. Then Aunt Mo wrapped her up in a towel.
“Auntie, I was just thinking,” said Jenny.
“Thinking what?” asked Aunt Mo.
“I sure hope fish like ice cream!”
“I hope so too!” laughed Aunt Mo.
Then they walked home holding hands.
Here are some questions to ask about the story:
What were the names of the characters in the story?
Where does the story take place?
What did Aunt Mo do to surprise Jenny?
Why did Jenny’s ice cream cone fall into the ocean?
What made Jenny feel better about dropping her ice cream cone?
How does the story end?