When children are very young and they ask to read stories with the adults in their lives, they are truly interested in the plot of the stories, but they are probably not aware of the interwoven literary elements behind the story. They are simply enjoying the quality time they are spending with people they adore, creating images of the stories in their own creative minds. It is only later, when
. they begin formal schooling that they are asked to begin to pick apart stories to identify the parts that make up the whole. In this day and age of standardized testing, being able to identify the parts of a story are even more important. State-mandated tests ask children to identify the different parts of a story and to make inferences and synthesize information based upon their ability to correctly understand these literary elements. There are many resources available online to help parents and teachers assist students as they learn these important skills. The benefit of finding and using online resources are that there are many different skill levels represented. There are printable worksheets for very young, elementary students as well as complex literary analysis worksheets for older students who might be looking to supplement the lessons they are receiving in school. Students should be able to understand how a basic plot of a story is structured before they are asked to dissect the parts and meaning. A worksheet detailing the elements of plot structure is a perfect place to begin. Once students master the elements of plot, they can begin looking into more detailed aspects of story. Examining setting, character and theme helps students create connections and builds a foundation of prior knowledge to access as they move through schooling. This foundation will be beneficial to students as they are asked to demonstrate their knowledge on formal state tests. http://worksheetplace.com/index.php?function=DisplayCategory&showCategory=Y&links=3&id=358&link1=43&link2=261&link3=358 or http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/free-reading-worksheets/story-structure/story-structure-worksheets/elements-of-fiction-worksheet/
