Story Quest Word Bank
CKLA Grade 3 • ELD Support Reference Tool
Story Quest Word Bank
Name:
Date:
How to Use: 1. Find your word • 2. Check the student meaning • 3. Speak or write using the sentence frame!
Part 1 of 2
Story Types & Origins
5 Words
| Word | Student-Friendly Meaning | Helpful Language (Sentence Starter) |
|---|
| tale | a story, often an old or traditional story | “The tale is about…” |
| myth | a traditional story that may explain people, nature, or the world | “The myth explains…” |
| legend | an old story that has been told for many years | “According to the legend…” |
| ancient | very old; from a long time ago | “The ancient story…” |
| traditional | connected to customs or stories passed down over time | “This is a traditional…” |
Story Elements & Structure
10 Words
| Word | Student-Friendly Meaning | Helpful Language (Sentence Starter) |
|---|
| character | a person, animal, or being in a story | “The character is…” |
| hero | an important character who faces a challenge | “The hero…” |
| setting | where and when a story takes place | “The setting is…” |
| plot | the important events in a story | “First…, next…, finally…” |
| event | something that happens in a story | “An important event is…” |
| sequence | the order in which things happen | “The events happen in this order…” |
| journey | a trip from one place to another | “The character journeys to…” |
| conflict | the problem or struggle in a story | “The conflict is…” |
| challenge | something difficult a character must deal with | “The character faces…” |
| solution | how a problem is solved | “The solution is…” |
CKLA Grade 3 • English Language Development Scaffold Turn over for Character Traits, Actions & Big Ideas ➔ Page 1 of 2
Story Quest Word Bank
Character Traits • Plot Actions • Big Ideas & Lessons
Part 2 of 2
Character Traits & Qualities
6 Words
| Word | Student-Friendly Meaning | Helpful Language (Sentence Starter) |
|---|
| brave | willing to face something difficult or frightening | “The character is brave because…” |
| clever | able to think and solve problems quickly | “The character is clever when…” |
| determined | continuing to try even when something is difficult | “The character is determined because…” |
| proud | feeling good about something you did | “The character feels proud when…” |
| selfish | caring mostly about yourself and what you want | “The character acts selfishly when…” |
| wise | having good judgment or understanding | “The character shows wisdom by…” |
Story Actions & Plot Moves
6 Words
| Word | Student-Friendly Meaning | Helpful Language (Sentence Starter) |
|---|
| trick | an action used to fool someone | “The character tricks…” |
| deceive | to make someone believe something that is not true | “_____ deceives _____ by…” |
| escape | to get away from a dangerous or difficult situation | “The character escapes by…” |
| defeat | to win against someone or something | “The hero defeats…” |
| rescue | to save someone from danger | “_____ rescues _____.” |
| transform | to change into something different | “The character transforms into…” |
Big Ideas, Morals & Themes
3 Words
| Word | Student-Friendly Meaning | Helpful Language (Sentence Starter) |
|---|
| lesson | an idea we learn from an experience or story | “The lesson is…” |
| moral | a lesson about right and wrong behavior | “The moral teaches us…” |
| theme | an important idea that appears throughout a story | “One theme is…” |
Partner Talk • Practice Saying Complete Sentences
Pattern 1: Trait + Action
“In the tale, the hero was brave when they escaped.”
Pattern 2: Conflict + Moral
“The main conflict was solved, and the moral taught us to be wise.”
CKLA Grade 3 • English Language Development Scaffold Keep this in your Reading & Writing Folder! Page 2 of 2
Story Path Graphic Organizer
CKLA Grade 3 • ELD Support Graphic Organizer
Story Path Graphic Organizer
Name:
Date:
Story Title:
Sequence Words • Use these words to show order: Transition Word Bank
1. First 2. Next 3. Then 4. After that 5. Later 6. Finally 7. In the end
Beginning • Introduce Characters, Setting & Goal
Step 1
Sentence Starters:
- • At the beginning…
- • The story begins when…
- • The setting is…
- • The main character is…
- • The character wants…
Tip: Name who is in the story and where it happens.
Write what happens at the beginning:
Middle • The Problem, Events & Challenge
Step 2
Sentence Starters:
- • Next… / Then… / After that…
- • The problem begins when…
- • The character faces a challenge because…
- • The character decides to…
Tip: Explain the struggle or conflict.
Write the problem and what the character tries to do:
End • The Solution & Lesson Learned
Step 3
Sentence Starters:
- • Finally… / In the end…
- • The problem is solved when…
- • The character learns…
- • The story teaches us…
Tip: Tell how it ends and the moral or theme.
Write how the problem is solved and the lesson:
My Writing Checklist:
Used sequence words Told character & setting Explained problem & solution Wrote in complete sentences
CKLA Grade 3 • Multilingual Learner Support • Story Structure Story Path Graphic Organizer
