From all of us here in the OPS Library Media Center,
HAPPY ​​HOLIDAYS!

Over the past few weeks our kindergarten, first and second graders have been learning all about the basic elements of a story both in their classroom and the OPS Library.  In the library, our students are learning about characters (primary/main and secondary), setting (time and place) and plot (conflict and resolution) by reading and analyzing classic stories like Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola and Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco.  Our first graders are looking at how the characters, setting and plot of  Strega Nona are introduced and work together throughout the story (beginning, middle, and end) by creating their own little flip book using various scenes from the story.  Meanwhile, our second graders are working in groups to identify the characters, setting and plot of Thunder Cake using a graphic organizer, and sharing their findings in a class discussion.  These activities help students to understand how each of these story elements fit together to provide a structure that moves the story from beginning to end.