Step 1

Identify the Big Picture

Unit/Topic(s)

Write the title of the unit or concept the story connects to.

Examples: “Ecosystems,” “Civil Rights Movement,” “AI & Ethics”

Step 2

Reconnect to Standards:

Learning Objective/ Curriculum Standard(s)

List the academic standard or learning goal this story supports.

Examples: “NGSS MS-LS2-1” or “Analyze how characters evolve (CCSS RL.5.3)”

Step 3

Explain the Story’s Purpose

Why this SceneCraft Story?

Describe how the story helps students understand, apply, or connect with the learning goal.

Tip: Think of the story as a hook, lens, or application opportunity.

Example: “This story gives students a human perspective on ecosystem changes by placing them in the role of a junior park ranger.”

step 4

Decide When to Use It

Choose one or more options depending on your goal:

Before instruction:
To build curiosity or activate prior knowledge

During instruction:
To deepen the exploration of a concept

After instruction:
To apply knowledge or assess understanding

step 5

Choose Student Activities

Student Activity Plan

Select all the ways students will engage with the story. 

These can be reading-focused, interactive, reflective, or creative.

• Read/play individually

• Discuss in groups

• Annotate decisions or outcomes

• Write alternate endings

• Connect to real-world contexts

• Reflect via writing or presentation

• Other (custom activity)

step 6

Measuring Understanding

Assessment Connection

Explain how you’ll assess what students learned from the story. 

This could include:

• A rubric-aligned writing task

• A group presentation

• A science diagram

• A math explanation of data

• A creative extension project