This book helps teachers introduce story elements to children in the primary grades. The book's lessons and activities complement the learning goals teachers have for their classes. The book is divided into sections on character, plot, setting, and theme. It has an introduction at the beginning of each section to bring the learning goals for that story element into focus and which offers suggestions for: (1) adapting these goals to the classroom, (2) introducing the story element, and (3) extending studies. Individual lessons each center around a favorite classroom picture book that demonstrates a particular aspect of the story element being studied. The book's activities and other teaching ideas are easily adaptable to a wide range of children's books. Each of the lessons includes a story summary, learning goals, "reading the book," activity pages, and activities. Suggestions are also offered for integrating the book into reading programs. (CR)