This editable graphic organizer is meant to be used with any story or book (fiction or informational text). Teachers create an essential question for a story, poem, science or social studies text. An essential question is a question that asks students about the central message or main idea of a story. The second question is a text to self question which allows students to distinguish their own point of view from that of the author or characters.

Students have many opportunities to have collaborative conversations. But, all students need the opportunity for private think time before sharing. Students also need practice responding to a question using a complete sentence, citing text evidence and using the text evidence while collaborating.

The essential question gives the teacher a chance to assist students with a response and to teach students how to use the question in their response. Example: In the story “Miss Rumphius” Miss Rumphius makes the world a more beautiful place by..

This text evidence students use in their response support analytical writing.

This assignment can be used as a grade for standards- Grade 3: RL3.1, 3.6 and RL3.10 or RI3.1, 3.6 and RI 3.10. Grade 4: RL4.2 and RI4.2. Grade 5: RL5.2 and RI5.2. In our district, our grades can be weighted differently. This grade could be weighted less than a weekly test or end of the unit assessment.

The questions are in a text box so you can quickly type your questions. Duplicate the slide so you can use with many texts throughout the school year.