Where and When: The Setting

Find where and when a story happens.

The setting is where and when a story happens. Where might be a farm, a school, a forest, or outer space. When might be morning, winter, a birthday, or long ago. Authors don't always say 'the setting is'. You find clue words instead.

Read: 'Snow covered the cabin. Inside, Kit warmed her hands by the fire as the moon rose. ' Where? A cabin. When? Winter, at night. The clues are 'snow' and 'moon'. The setting helps you picture the story and can even change what happens.

• 1Setting means where and when.
• 2Look for clue words about place and time.
• 3The setting helps you picture the story.