Second Grade Challenge: December 3-9

This week, your challenge is to make a comic strip that shows the main events of the Smith family's story in the Scholastic Scope article Mountain of Fire. Be sure to ask yourself: which parts of the article tell the Smith's story? Which parts are background information about the volcano? This will help you decide what to include in your comic strip.

Your comic strip will include six panels. Each one should have an image and a caption. Use the template below to help you. You can either print it out or copy it onto a poster.

Vocabulary:

(NOTE: You do not need to answer the questions below. They are just to get your brain thinking if you feel stuck!)

exposition: the beginning of the story; ask yourself, "What is the situation at the beginning of the story?"

conflict: the problem that sets the story in motion; ask yourself, "What major problem are the characters facing?"

rising action: the events that build suspense or excitement; ask yourself, "What events keep the story rolling?"

climax: the most exciting moment in a story where a character has to face the conflict head on; ask yourself, "What is the ultimate 'test' the main character faces?" OR "Which part of the story was most exciting to me?"

falling action: the events that follow the climax; ask yourself, "What events help to wind down the suspense or excitement?"

resolution: the end of the story; ask yourself, "In what condition are the characters left when the main actions pass?"

Have an adult send a picture of your comic strip to Ms. D at acsk2challenge@gmail.com. You will get a small certificate, and you MIGHT win a sweet treat. Good luck!