Story Pyramid

We need students to not just read accurately, but to also read comprehensively. Filling out story maps, writing summary paragraphs, and answering text questions are all techniques for students to demonstrate understanding of texts, but the next time you are in need of a quick and engaging way for students to show what they know, try a story pyramid. The story pyramid strategy is easily adaptable dependent on grade level, reading level, text genre, or teacher discretion. Below are the directions for the example provided.

Story Pyramid Directions

• line 1 - Use one word to tell who is the main character.
• line 2 - Use two words to describe the character's age or grade level.
• line 3 - Use three words to tell the setting.
• line 4 - Use four words to describe the story's problem.
• line 5 - Use five words to explain an important event.
• line 6 - Use six words to explain a second important event.
• line 7 - Use seven words to explain a last important event.
• line 8 - Use eight words to describe the solution to the problem.

Story Pyramid Examples

Number the Stars
By: Lowis Lowry

Annemarie
10 years
Nazi occupied Copenhagen
Jewish families need safety
Nazi soldiers hunt Jewish families
Ellen pretends to be Annemarie’s sister
Annemarie’s family risk lives to help Jews
Ellen’s family makes a successful escape to Sweden

Thank You, Mr. Falker
By: Patricia Polacco

Trisha

5th grader

Girl struggles to read

Trisha begins to feel dumb

Trisha’s family move to new town

Mr. Falker sees she feels very different

The observant teacher teaches Trisha to read himself