A Story Matrix is nothing more than a chart to organize and classify information about a book or novel. Whatever literary techniques or aspects your students are studying can be integrated in this activity.

Directions:

1. You will need a large sheet of colored butcher paper. The size will depend on the number of chapters in the book and the literary aspects on which you choose to focus. I generally choose four areas on which to focus.
2. Fold the sheet of butcher paper to form sections equal to the number of chapters multipled by the number of literary areas plus one. For example: If there are ten chapters in the book and you select four literary areas. You will need to fold the paper to form 50 sections. 10 chapters X (4 areas + 1) = 50. This forms your matrix.
3. Measure the dimensions of each section.
4. From white, unlined paper, make enough sheets to match the number of sections on the butcher paper matrix. Make the dimensions of the white papers 1/2" smaller on each side than the matrix sections.
5. With a marking pen, print the title and author of the book which your students will be reading in the first row, first column.
6. With a marking pen, write the chapter number or title in each section across the top of the matrix.
7. With a marking pen, write the literary aspect on which your students will be focusing in each section down the first column of the matrix. I change these for every matrix. I often use characteristics common to a particular literary genre. For instance, historical nonfiction: main ideas and details, time period elements, cause and effect, visual aids
8. Here is a sample matrix

   Title/Author	Ch. 1	Ch. 2	Ch. 3	Ch. 4	Ch. 5	Ch. 6	Ch. 7	Ch. 8	Ch. 9	Ch. 10
   Setting
   Characters
   Theme
   Summary

9. Divide your class into the necessary amount of groups, one per chapter.
10. Assign each group a chapter. They are to supply the specific details for each item in column one.
11. The group is to write the information in proper sentence/paragraph format on the the white sheets of paper. I generally ask my students to write a rough draft on loose-leaf paper first. This gives them a chance to compose and proofread before writing a final on the white sheets.
12. Next have each group affix it white sheets onto the matrix in their proper positions.
13. Finally have each group present their findings.

I use the Story Matrix in conjunction with two other activities: Chapter Books and Symbolic Borders. The three alone are good ideas for lessons, but together they make for a super literature lesson. The three together is my all-time favorite lesson!