How do you identify the problem in a story?

1. How do you identify the problem in a story? Hmm…What is the problem?

2. In this lesson, you will learn how track the main character’s problem by asking “What is the main character struggling with?”

3. Let’s Review Let’s Review 3rd Person, an outside narrator is telling the story Main Characters: Dyamonde and Free

4. Identifying a minor problem as a major problem. Is this really the biggest issue?

5. Pause after reading the first chapter.

6. What is Dyamonde struggling with?

7. What is Dyamonde struggling with? Page 3 One morning, in her third grade homeroom, Dyamonde was feeling down. If I’m so smart, thought Dyamonde, how come I’ve been in this new school three whole weeks and I still don’t have a new best friend?

8. Dyamondemight be struggling to make friends

9. Pause after reading the first chapter. 1 2 • Ask: “What is the main character struggling with?” Jot down your ideas on a sticky note. 3

10. In this lesson, you have learned how to identify the main character’s problemby asking “What is the main character struggling with?”

11. Read a section of your book. • Pause after reading the first chapter of your book. • Ask yourself: “What is the main character struggling with?” • Jot your ideas on a sticky note.

12. In your reader’s notebook, brainstorm the struggles and problems you’ve seen characters have in books that you’ve read. • With a partner or small group, make a list of common struggles. • Share your list with the class. Compare the similarities and differences across different texts.

13. What question can you ask after reading the first chapter to help you identify the problem in a story?