A character journal helps the students better understand the story by seeing it from the perspective of one of the characters. Ask students to choose a character they relate to after reading a couple of chapters of a book. Instruct students to write a journal entry for each chapter in the voice of the chosen character. Require that the entry summarizes in the character's voice what has happened in the story so far. Give students a word count requirement for each entry.
Students provide you with valuable insight into their understanding of the characters as they write a letter from one character to another. Request that students choose two prominent characters from the story. Instruct students to write a letter in the voice of one character to another character. Students then write a letter in reply, pretending to be the other character. Students discuss a major event in the story from each character's point of view.
Asking students quality questions such as "What if..." assists them in becoming better thinkers and inquirers. Introduce this type question and tell the students that there are many right answers to it. Give students a "What if..." question in which you ask them to predict what might have happened differently in the story if a major story element were different. For example, when reading the story "Cinderella," you might ask students "What if the slipper had fit one of the step-sisters?"
The concept of story sequels is valuable for helping students understand the story from the point of view of continuity and a timeline. Make a class chart showing what things usually change and what remains the same in sequels. Instruct students to write a sequel for a class novel or picture book you have shared. Create requirements with the class based on the class chart. For example, make requirements for story elements such as how many new characters may be introduced and what type of setting changes are required.