realistic stories

Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
define the characteristics of realistic
literature for children;
analyze the examples of realistic stories; and
explain the values of realistic stories
 TYPES OF
REALISTIC
STORIES
learning VALUES OF
REALISTIC
STORIES

agenda
CHARACTERISTICS STRATEGIES IN
OF REALISTIC TEACHING
STORIES REALISTIC
STORIES
what makes the story realistic?
realistic stories
Realistic stories depict events that could
happen in real life.
Characters face real-world problems and
situations.
The settings are familiar and relatable, such
as schools, homes, or neighborhoods.
realistic stories
Realistic literature is a genre that is made up of
stories that can actually take place to people
and in believable settings.

Usually, stories that belong to this genre have

plots that emphasize or describe social and
personal events that reflect real-life experiences
of people. (McQuade Library, 2019).
realistic stories
A realistic work depicts the world as it is, not as it
could be. The authors present ordinary people
living their everyday lives.

Fantasy, magic, and supernatural events are

absent from the realistic story. The protagonist is
ordinary rather than heroic, and the events are
commonplace rather than extraordinary
realistic stories
Realistic stories can span various genres,
including romance, mystery, adventure, and
more, as long as the core elements of the
narrative remain plausible within the constraints
of the real world.
These stories are often used to explore and
understand human behavior, relationships, and
society in a way that resonates with readers'
own experiences and observations.
realistic stories
 Families
TYPES OF peers
REALISTIC
STORIES Physical, Emotional, Mental,
and Behavioral Challenges

Coming of Age
FAMILIES
Family stories for younger
children often portray a happy
child with loving parents.
In these stories, everyday
activities from brushing teeth
to cooking dinner are shown.
EXTENDED
ARTERNATIVE
 EXTENDED ARTERNATIVE
Found in children’s books. Not all family stories present
Aunts, uncles, grandparents, traditional, intact families.
and cousins are important in Separation, divorce, single-parent
the real lives of many children families, adoptive families, foster
and may also be enjoyed in families, and reconstructed
stories written for children. families of stepparents and
stepchildren are often the back-
drop of stories today.
 EXAMPLES

EXTENDED ARTERNATIVE
The Same Stuff as Stars by Being Bee by
Katherine Paterson Catherine
The Hello, Goodbye Bateson
Window by Norton Juster.
Peppa Pig
 The Same Stuff as Stars
by Katherine Paterson
The story explores themes of family, responsibility, and hope.

Angel's father is in prison, and her mother is often absent, leaving Angel to
care for her younger brother, Bernie. When their mother abandons them at
their great-grandmother’s rural Vermont home, Angel becomes the main
caregiver for Bernie, taking on responsibilities far beyond her years.
Feeling isolated and burdened, Angel finds solace in the stars.

A mysterious stranger who shares knowledge about astronomy opens up a

new world for her, encouraging her to dream and think beyond her current
struggles. Throughout the story, Angel seeks connection and meaning while
trying to hold her fragile family together.

The novel beautifully blends Angel’s emotional growth with her curiosity
about the universe, making it both a realistic portrayal of hardship and an
inspiring story of resilience and wonder.
 Being Bee
by Catherine Bateson
A touching novel about a young girl named Beatrice, nicknamed Bee, who is
struggling with the changes in her family life. Bee’s mother has passed away,
and she lives with her father, but things get complicated when her father
starts dating a woman named Jazzi.

Bee doesn’t like Jazzi and resents her presence, fearing that Jazzi will replace
her mother. As Jazzi becomes a bigger part of their lives, Bee feels more
isolated and confused. Her emotions are a mix of grief for her mother and
anger toward the new dynamic at home.

Throughout the story, Bee learns about acceptance, the complexity of

relationships, and how to embrace the changes in her life without feeling
disloyal to her mother’s memory. The novel deals with sensitive themes of
loss, change, and blended families, all seen through Bee's young perspective.
Her journey is one of personal growth as she learns to balance her feelings
and adjust to her evolving family situation.
 peers
Adapting to one’s family situation, children
must also learn to cope with their peers.
Many realistic stories show children
struggling for acceptance by peers in a
group situation.
School settings are common in these
stories.
 Just Grace
by Charise [Link]
Grace is known as "Just Grace" because there are three other Graces in
her class, and her teacher had to give each of them a nickname.
Grace's biggest goal is to help others, as she considers herself a
"superhero" with the power of empathy.
She tries to use her "superpower" to solve problems and help people
feel better, especially her neighbor, Mrs. Luther, who seems lonely.

However, things get complicated when one of Grace's good intentions

backfires, and she accidentally causes trouble instead of helping. She
tries to fix her mistake, which leads to humorous and heartfelt
situations involving her friends, family, and Mrs. Luther's cat, Crinkles.

The story is filled with Grace's quirky observations, doodles, and

creativity as she learns lessons about friendship, responsibility, and
how sometimes even the best plans don’t always work out as
expected. Just Grace is lighthearted, relatable, and perfect for young
readers learning about empathy and problem-solving.
 bullying
Bullying by peers can be damaging to the self-
esteem of those targeted.
Angry outbursts by those being humiliated is
not infrequent and, at times, can be frightening.
Literature can provide an opportunity to
address these issues by developing an
awareness and understanding of the harm
caused and by encouraging more compassion
toward those who are targeted for some real or
perceived difference
 Wendelin Van Draanen’s
Secret Identity, Nolan,
Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen is a fun and engaging story about
a boy named Nolan Byrd, who is tired of being bullied by Bubba Bixby, the
school bully.

Nolan, who is often seen as small and quiet, feels powerless against
Bubba’s torment but dreams of getting even without facing consequences.

Nolan loves superheroes, and inspired by them, he decides to take matters

into his own hands by creating a secret identity—Shredderman.
As Shredderman, Nolan sets up a website to expose Bubba’s bad behavior,
documenting all the bullying and pranks that Bubba has gotten away with.
Using his new alter ego, Nolan becomes braver and more confident,
realizing that he can make a difference.
The website becomes a big hit among his classmates, and Nolan discovers
his own inner strength as Shredderman. However, he also faces challenges
when the success of the site brings new problems and ethical dilemmas, like
how to balance justice with fairness.
DEVELOPING
CLOSE FRIENDSHIP
Focus of stories about peer relationships.
Friends may be of the same sex or the
opposite sex, of the same age or a very
different age, or of the same culture or a
different culture.
A concern for friendship and how to be a
good friend are shared traits of these
stories.
 IVY + BEAN
Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows is the first book in a delightful series about two
young girls who, despite their differences, form an unlikely and strong
friendship.

Bean is a rambunctious and adventurous girl who loves playing pranks and
getting into mischief. Ivy, on the other hand, is quiet, thoughtful, and
imaginative, often seen reading or pretending to be a witch. At first, Bean has
no interest in being friends with Ivy, thinking she’s too boring. Similarly, Ivy
believes Bean is too wild for her.

However, when one of Bean's pranks on her older sister goes wrong, she ends
up running to Ivy’s house for cover. This chance encounter sparks the
beginning of a new friendship. Together, they team up to make mischief and
create imaginative adventures, discovering that they have more in common
than they initially thought.

The story emphasizes the idea that true friendship can develop between
people who are different, and that trying new things together can lead to
great fun and shared experiences. Ivy + Bean is a humorous and
heartwarming story about how sometimes the best friendships are the most
unexpected ones.
 Physical, Emotional,
Mental, and Behavioral
Challenges
Many children must deal with difficult
challenges in their lives. Some children have
disabilities; others have a family member or
a friend with a disability.
These disabilities may be physical, such as
scoliosis; emotional, such as bipolar disorder;
mental, such as mental retardation or
learning disabilities; behavioral, such as
hyperactivity; or a combination of these.
 OUT IF MY MIND
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper is a powerful and inspiring story about an
11-year-old girl named Melody Brooks, who has cerebral palsy. Although
Melody is unable to speak, walk, or write, she has an extraordinary mind and
a photographic memory. She’s highly intelligent but has no way to express
herself, which leaves her feeling trapped in her own body and often
underestimated by those around her.

For years, Melody’s teachers and classmates see only her physical limitations,
assuming she isn’t capable of learning. This changes when she gets a
communication device that allows her to "speak" by selecting words and
phrases on a computer screen. With the help of this device, Melody is finally
able to share her thoughts and show her brilliance, surprising everyone with
her abilities.

However, even with her newfound voice, Melody faces challenges in being
fully accepted by her peers and dealing with their prejudices. The story
follows her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and resilience as she strives
to prove that she is more than just her disability.
 COMING AGE
From birth to age 10, most children’s lives
revolve around family, friends, and
classmates, but during the preteen and teen
years a shift toward self-discovery and
independence occurs.
Rapid growth and change are seen in the
physical, emotional, moral, and intellectual
domains of life. These changes are reflected
in books for adolescents and are referred to
as coming-of-age stories.
 Because of Winn-Dixie
by Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is a heartwarming story about a

10-year-old girl named India Opal Buloni, who has recently moved to the
small town of Naomi, Florida, with her father, a preacher.
Opal feels lonely and disconnected, especially since her mother left when
she was young.
One day, Opal encounters a stray dog in a grocery store and decides to
adopt him, naming him Winn-Dixie after the store.
The dog becomes her loyal companion, helping her meet new people in
town and form connections. Through her adventures with Winn-Dixie,
Opal befriends a diverse group of characters, including Miss Franny Block,
the town librarian, Gloria Dump, an elderly woman with a mysterious
past, and Otis, a shy pet store worker.
As Opal learns about the peo
ple around her, she also begins to understand her own feelings about her
mother’s absence and her relationship with her father. Winn-Dixie helps
bring joy, laughter, and healing to Opal’s life, and by the end of the story,
she feels more connected to her community and herself.
 CHARACTERS
SETTINGS
Characteristics
of Realistic
Stories PLOT
THEMES
CHARACTERS
True-to-life and vivid who seem and behave
realistically
They are usually confronted with challenges
Their thoughts, feelings, values and personality
are portrayed in detail through description and
dialogue.
Presented with a dilemma that is of interest on
today’s children
Discover realistic solution
Not always young people
SETTINGS
It usually takes place in the present
The location, season and time
period are important to the plot,
characters, problem and theme
The description of the setting is
vivid and detailed
We may have even visited places
similar to the settings of the story
PLOT
The plot engages the readers in
understanding universal problems
It reflects the main character’s problem
Realistic stories for children usually reflect
their realities as well as the problems and
issues of growing up.
It must be believable and easily
understood.
The events portrayed in realistic conjure
questions that a reader could face in
everyday life
THEME
Family relationships, extended families
and families in transition
Peer acceptance, making friends and
growing up
Coping with problems such as physical
disabilities, developmental and learning
disabilities, mental illness, aging and
death
Living in a world of diversity
 Making Connections
to the Realistic Stories

Text to Text Text to Self Text to World

We can connect these We can connect these We can connect these
stories to other stories to our own stories to things that
stories we have read lives. have happened in our
or heard world.
The Value of Realistic Stories to Children (Miller, 2019)

It grants them an understanding of human problems and

relationship dynamics 
It allows them to develop an understanding of themselves and
their potentials 
It helps them enlarge their awareness of other people’s
perspectives 
It reassures them that they are not the first to have faced
problems and issues 
It provides them with possible models for coping with problems
and issues of the human condition. 
Readers may come to feel that they are not alone. 
Readers may take a humorous, enjoyable look at life.
 Personal Values of Realistic Stories to Children

The most important personal gain that good

books offer to children is the most obvious
ENJOYMENT one-enjoyment. Those who read widely as
children will never forget the stories that
were so funny that you laughed out loud.

By seeing the world around them in new ways

and by considering ways of living other their
own, children increase their ability to think
INSPIRATION divergently. Stories can inspire them to overcome
obstacles, accept different perspectives, and
formulate personal goals.
 Personal Values of Realistic Stories to Children

Literature helps young people to gain an

appreciation of the universality of human
Understanding needs across history, which makes it
possible for them to understand that all
and Empathy
humans are to some degree alike.

Stories that are handed down from one

Heritage generation to the next connect us to our past, to
the roots of our specific cultures, national
heritage, and general human condition.
 Personal Values of Realistic Stories to Children

Story characters are placed in situations

that require them to make moral decisions.
Moral Young readers naturally consider what they
Reasoning would do in such a situation.

Literary and Artistic Preferences Another

valuable result children interacting with
Literary and literature is that they quickly come to recognize
Artistic the literary and artistic styles of many authors
Preferences and illustrators-the literary first step to literary
awareness.
 ELEMENTS OF REALISTIC STORIES
[Link] Characters:
• Realistic stories feature characters who behave and interact in ways that align
with human nature. These characters have strengths, weaknesses, motivations,
and flaws that make them relatable and believable.

2. Authentic Dialogue:
• Dialogue in realistic stories reflects the way people actually speak. It is natural,
conversational, and helps to develop characters, convey information, and advance
the plot.

3. Plausible Settings:
• The settings in realistic stories are based on real-world locations. Whether it's a
small town, a school, a workplace, or a family home, the environments are
described in a way that readers can recognize and relate to.
 ELEMENTS OF REALISTIC STORIES
[Link] Situations:
Realistic stories often revolve around ordinary, everyday situations and experiences. This
could include family dynamics, school life, friendships, or personal challenges that
readers can easily connect with.
5. Conflict and Resolution:
Like all stories, realistic narratives involve conflicts that characters must face. The
resolutions to these conflicts are grounded in real-world possibilities, reflecting the
complexity and unpredictability of life.
6. Character Development:
Characters in realistic stories undergo growth and change. Their development is a
natural progression based on the challenges they face, the decisions they make, and the
experiences they encounter.
7. Emotional Authenticity:
Realistic stories evoke genuine emotions. Whether it's joy, sadness, love, anger, or fear,
the emotional responses of the characters and, by extension, the readers, are authentic
and relatable.
 ELEMENTS OF REALISTIC STORIES
8. Cultural and Social Realism:
Realistic stories may incorporate elements of the culture and society in which they are
set. This can include social norms, customs, and issues relevant to the characters and
plot.
9. Attention to Detail:
Realistic stories often pay attention to the details of everyday life. Descriptions of
surroundings, routines, and specific actions contribute to the immersive experience for
the reader.
10. Moral Ambiguity:
Realistic stories may present characters and situations with moral ambiguity. Life is
rarely black and white, and these stories reflect the complexities of ethical decision-
making.
11. Theme of Universality:
Realistic stories often explore themes that have universal appeal, allowing readers from
various backgrounds to find common ground in the narrative.
 ELEMENTS OF REALISTIC STORIES
8. Cultural and Social Realism:
Realistic stories may incorporate elements of the culture and society in which they are
set. This can include social norms, customs, and issues relevant to the characters and
plot.
9. Attention to Detail:
Realistic stories often pay attention to the details of everyday life. Descriptions of
surroundings, routines, and specific actions contribute to the immersive experience for
the reader.
10. Moral Ambiguity:
Realistic stories may present characters and situations with moral ambiguity. Life is
rarely black and white, and these stories reflect the complexities of ethical decision-
making.
11. Theme of Universality:
Realistic stories often explore themes that have universal appeal, allowing readers from
various backgrounds to find common ground in the narrative.
 Ideas for realistic stories
suitable for elementary grades

FRIENSHIP TALES FAMILY DEALING WITH SCHOOL DAYS

ADVENTURES EMOTION

Storyline: Follow a Storyline: Focus on a

Storyline: A new student Storyline: Capture the ups
character and their family character who
joins the class and faces and downs of school life,
through everyday experiences a range of
the challenges of making including friendships,
experiences like family emotions (happiness,
friends. Through various challenges, and the
dinners, vacations, or sadness, anger) and
adventures and mishaps, excitement of learning.
holidays. These stories learns how to express
the characters learn This can include stories
can explore themes of and manage them. This
about the importance of about teamwork,
love, communication, and can help children
kindness, inclusion, and perseverance, and the joy
the uniqueness of each understand and cope
understanding. of discovery.
family. with their own feelings.
 Ideas for realistic stories
suitable for elementary grades
PROBLEM DIVERSITY AND ANIMAL EVERYDAY
SOLVING INCLUSION STORIES HEROES

Storyline: Craft a tale

Storyline: Create a plot Storyline: Highlight the
Storyline: Explore the involving animals that
where characters work idea that heroes can be
concept of diversity and mirrors human
together to solve a found in everyday life.
inclusion through experiences. For example,
problem. This can be a This could be a story
characters from various a story about a group of
mystery to unravel, a about a child who stands
backgrounds, cultures, animals working
community issue to up to bullying, helps a
and abilities. Show how together to build
address, or a challenge friend in need, or
differences can be something can teach
that requires teamwork demonstrates courage in
celebrated and embraced. cooperation and
and creativity. a challenging situation.
teamwork.
 Ideas for realistic stories
suitable for elementary grades
LEARNING FROM NATURE AND
MISTAKES ENVIRONMENT

Storyline: Develop a
Storyline: Connect
narrative where
children with nature and
characters make mistakes
the environment through
and learn valuable
stories that explore
lessons. Emphasize the
outdoor adventures,
importance of resilience,
ecological awareness,
growth, and the idea that
and the importance of
everyone has room for
taking care of the planet
improvement.
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 1-2

Storytelling Circle:

Encourage students to sit in a

circle and take turns sharing
short, personal stories from
their lives. This helps build a
sense of community and
introduces the concept of
personal narratives. Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 1-2

Interactive Read-Alouds:

Read age-appropriate realistic

stories aloud to the class.
Pause to ask comprehension
questions and discuss
characters, settings, and
events. Use this as an
opportunity to introduce basic
story elements. Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 1-2

Drawing Stories

Have students draw a picture

of a favorite memory or a
simple event from their lives.
Afterward, encourage them to
share their drawings and
briefly explain the story behind
them
Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 3-4

Character Collages

Have students create collages

depicting characters from a
realistic story. They can cut out
images from magazines or
draw their own illustrations.
Ask them to write a short
paragraph describing their
chosen character. Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 3-4

Story Sequencing

Provide students with a series

of pictures or sentences from a
realistic story. Ask them to
arrange the elements in the
correct order, promoting
understanding of story
structure and sequencing.
Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 3-4

Journaling

Introduce journaling as a
regular activity. Students can
write short entries about their
own experiences, thoughts, or
feelings. This helps develop
their writing skills and
encourages reflection.
Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 5-6

Book Discussion

Choose a realistic novel that

aligns with the students'
reading levels. Hold regular
book discussions to explore
characters, themes, and plot
elements. This encourages
critical thinking and
comprehension. Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 5-6

Interview a Character

Ask students to select a

character from a realistic story
and create interview questions.
They can then "interview" the
character, imagining the
character's responses based on
the information provided in the
story. Next
 Strategies and activities for
teaching realistic stories
GRADE 5-6

Create a Realistic Dialouge

Teach students the art of
writing realistic dialogue.
Provide scenarios or prompts,
and have them write
conversations between
characters. Emphasize using
appropriate punctuation and
capturing the tone of spoken
language.
Next
 GENERAL
STRATEGIES
1. Modeling: • Model the process of writing a realistic story. Share
your own experiences, thoughts, and emotions as examples. This
helps students understand how to translate their own experiences
into written narratives.

2. Peer Sharing: • Encourage students to share their stories with

peers. This can be done through peer editing, group readings, or
even author's chair sessions where students present their stories to
the class.

3. Technology Integration: • Utilize digital tools for storytelling.

Students can create digital presentations, use storytelling apps, or
even record their own audio narrations of their stories.

4. Field Trips and Guest Speakers: • Enhance understanding by

organizing field trips or inviting guest speakers to discuss their own
experiences. This provides additional real-life context for students'
understanding of realistic stories.
DIARY OF A
WIMPY KID
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