Finding the Problem and Solution in a Story

Contributor: Kim Trexler. Lesson ID: 10407

Do you ever have problems? Of course! Do you know how to solve them? Solving problems makes life and stories interesting! Watch how Olivia solves her toy problem, and learn to solve your own problems!

categories

English / Language Arts, Reading

subject
Reading
learning style
Auditory, Visual
personality style
Otter, Golden Retriever
Grade Level
Primary (K-2)
Lesson Type
Quick Query

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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  • Have you ever had a problem and had to solve it?

Here's a problem that Sue has. Sue loves to eat apples but has lost her two front teeth.

  • How would you solve this?
  • How would your teacher solve this?

Not all problems are solved the same way! Keep reading to look at problems and solutions in stories.

Fictional stories need different elements to make them interesting and so they make sense.

These elements are the setting, characters, problem, and solution. Knowing the setting and characters will lead to a possible problem and solution.

For example, in the story Cinderella, Cinderella is the sweet daughter who lives with her wicked stepmother. The problem is that the stepmother does not allow Cinderella to go to the ball.

The solution in this story is that Cinderella gets help from her friends and fairy godmother to go to the ball and meet the prince.

Today, you will learn how to identify the problem and solution in a story.

As you probably already know, a problem is something that goes wrong for the character.

  • Can you imagine a problem you had yesterday? Maybe you lost your favorite toy.

A solution is how the problem is solved or fixed.

  • How did you find your favorite toy?

The answer to this question is the solution.

Now, find a problem and solution in a story.

As you listen to Olivia and the Missing Toy, pay close attention to who is in the story (characters), where and when this story takes place (setting), and the problem and solution.

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After listening to the story, print and complete the Story Plot Graphic Organizer found under Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar.

Filling in this organizer will help you identify all the elements of the story!

Move to the Got It? section when you are ready.

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