What is the purpose of using story maps in reading instruction?

Using story maps in reading instruction serves the purpose of unlocking the plot and important elements of a story. Story maps are graphic organizers that help students visualize the structure of a narrative by breaking it down into key components such as characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. This method enables learners to better comprehend and retain information about the story's main events and relationships, supporting overall reading comprehension. By focusing on these essential elements, students can make connections, enhance their understanding of the narrative, and improve their ability to recall the information when discussing or writing about the story.

While analyzing the author's writing style, memorizing the entire text, or summarizing just the characters can be beneficial activities, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive structural understanding that story maps provide. Thus, the effectiveness of story maps lies primarily in their ability to facilitate a deeper engagement with and understanding of the narrative as a whole.