Explore Common Story Settings with a Mini Book

Archetype story settings are the familiar backdrops we see again and again in literature: think the enchanted forest, the deserted island or the futuristic dystopia. These settings play a fundamental role in shaping the mood and direction of a story.

Recognizing these common story settings and their role in shaping the literary landscape can provide students with a deeper understanding of how stories are constructed and developed. To help your students explore some of the most common story settings found in children’s literature, Teach Starter has created this 8-page mini book. The book guides students through the process of analyzing a setting from a book they have recently read in the context of setting archetypes, with each page featuring a different prompt or activity. These include:

• A title page
• Book information
• Archetype identification
• Text evidence
• Setting map
• Character and setting
• Setting and mood
• Reflection

The booklet contains space for both written and visual information. By the end of the activity, students will have a mini booklet that not only demonstrates their understanding of setting archetypes but also serves as a reference tool they can revisit in future lessons. 

Explore Settings for Stories Across the Curriculum 

This resource works beautifully as part of a literacy unit or a novel study, but you could extend it into other areas of the curriculum as well! Here are some ideas from our experienced team that you might like to consider: 

• Geography – Have students use the information about their chosen setting to create a detailed map of this imaginary location, including map features such as legends, scales and grid references. 
• Visual Art – Have students use the information about their chosen setting as a springboard to inspire a detailed artwork of the archetypal setting, featuring visual arts elements such as colour, texture and line.
• History – Connect archetypal settings to historical contexts, such as castles in the Middle Ages, marketplaces in ancient cities or notable time periods. Students can analyze the accuracy of the literary setting in comparison with reality.

Download and Create This Narrative Settings Booklet

Use the dropdown menu on the Download button above to access either the quick-print PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this resource. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template before accessing it.)

To assemble the mini book, follow these simple steps.

1. Download the PDF version of the reader by clicking the Download button.
2. On your printer, select double-sided printing. Be sure to flip on the short edge.
3. Compile the pages, making sure the first page is at the bottom of your pile. 
4. Fold your collection of pages in half to make a book.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Complement This Setting of a Story Resource

Looking for more activities to help your students explore literary elements such as character, plot, setting and theme? We have more great teacher-created resources at your fingertips!

[resource:5169103] [resource:2089214] [resource:5169142]