Narrative Drawing & Dictation: Story Elements

Free sample questions, a clear explanation, and 5 practice skills with an AI tutor that guides without giving the answer away.

Let's Be Story Superstars! 🌟

Wow, what amazing storytellers you are becoming! You've learned that every picture you draw can tell a fantastic story. It's like you have a superpower to share your ideas and memories with the world, just by using your crayons and your words.

Building a Story is Like Making a PB&J Sandwich!

Think about your favorite sandwich. It needs two slices of bread and something yummy in the middle, right? A story is just like that!

The Beginning is the top slice of bread. It tells us WHO is in the story and WHERE it happens.
The Middle is the yummy peanut butter and jelly! This is the exciting part where something happens.
The End is the bottom slice of bread. It holds everything together and tells us how the story finishes.

Your awesome drawings show us all the parts of your "story sandwich." When you tell a grown-up about your picture, you are sharing the recipe for your amazing story!

Your Story Star Ingredients ✨

🦸

WHO?

(Your Characters)

🏰

WHERE & WHEN?

(Your Setting)

🎉

WHAT HAPPENED?

(Beginning, Middle, End)

Let's Try It!

Think about a really fun day you had. Maybe it was a birthday party, a trip to the park, or playing with your favorite toy.

Draw it! Use lots of colors to show me who was there, where you were, and what you did.
Tell it! Point to your picture and tell a grown-up the story. You can start with...
- "First, my friend and I went to the playground."
- "Then, we went super high on the swings!"
- "Last, we had a yummy snack and went home."

Every picture you create holds a special story that only YOU can tell. Keep drawing, keep talking, and keep being the amazing storyteller that you are!

Sample questions

1. Maya wants to draw a story about a little bird. What should she draw first to show the *beginning* of her story?

✓ A. The bird hatching from its egg.

○ B. The bird flying high in the sky.

○ C. The bird eating a worm.

○ D. The bird sleeping in its nest.

Answer: A. The bird hatching from its egg. — The beginning of a story tells us what happens first or how the story starts.

2. Leo drew a picture of a puppy waking up (beginning) and then the puppy going to sleep (end). What picture is missing in the *middle* to make his story complete?

○ A. The puppy still sleeping.

✓ B. The puppy playing with a ball.

○ C. The puppy yawning.

○ D. The puppy looking out the window.

Answer: B. The puppy playing with a ball. — The middle of a story shows what happens next, the main event or problem.

3. Sara drew a boy going to the park (beginning) and playing on the swings (middle). What should she draw to show the *end* of his story?

○ A. The boy running to the park again.

○ B. The boy eating a snack at the park.

○ C. The boy playing with a friend.

✓ D. The boy waving goodbye and going home.

Answer: D. The boy waving goodbye and going home. — The end of a story tells us how everything finishes or what happens last.

Skills in this topic

Draw a picture that tells a simple story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Dictate a sentence or two to describe the main character(s) in their drawing.
Dictate a sentence or two to describe the setting (where and when) of their drawing.
Dictate a simple sequence of events (beginning, middle, end) based on their drawing.
Draw a picture depicting a personal experience and dictate a short narrative (3-4 sentences) explaining what happened, who was involved, and where it took place, demonstrating understanding of story elements.

Practice 50+ questions on this topic

Unlimited interactive practice, progress tracking, and Nova — your AI tutor. Free to start.

Start learning free →