The first hurdle any story faces is the reader's suspension of disbelief. Students have to be able to relate to a story, whether it take place one block down from their house or 800 years ago in Sherwood Forest. Insuring that students comprehend the setting of a story can be done using many techniques and strategies: the most simple and direct way is to compare a setting from the students' life to that of the story's setting.

1. Draw a two-column chart on a dry erase board.  Have the students do the same in their journals.

2. Brainstorm the features of the setting in the book.

3. Give the students five minutes to discuss in small groups their setting. The talk should include neighborhoods, apartments, houses, as well as where they sleep.

4. Students complete the two-column chart with the information from the board, journals, and from their discussion.

5. Use a Sharing Strategy to have the students compare their charts.