How, When, Where?

How to use how, when and where?

In a story, it’s important to focus on answering the following questions in order to have a complete plot:

  • How does the story unfold?
  • When does the story take place?
  • Where is the story set?

It’s most common to answer these questions in your stories by using adverbs. This article will help your child understand when to use adverbs and why they can be helpful to answer those questions in story writing!

What do adverbs describe?

Adverbs are descriptive words that can be used to describe how, when, and where. This is a helpful way to remember what details you need to include in your story for your readers to have a full understanding of your story. Without answering these questions, your child's story may feel like it is missing very important components. When your child is writing their next story, have them think about using adverbs to describe how, when and where. This often comes more naturally than it may seem, so don’t fret!

Examples of adverbs used to describe how, when, and where:

How: Night Zookeeper Riya moved gracefully around the Campfire of Creativity.

How: The Lord of Nulth secretly makes his next deceitful plan.

How: Night Zookeeper Will quickly walked through the Whispering Woods.

When: Maji the Time-Travelling Elephant is going to the movies later tonight!

When: Sam the Spying Giraffe arrived early at the Night Zoo this morning.

When: Soon enough, Night Zookeeper Will is going to be 11 years old!

Where: Professor Penguin stayed inside when he felt ill.

Where: Night Zookeeper Riya adventured far from home today.

Where: Sam the Spying Giraffe felt most content when he was outside.

Activity & resource

Now that we have discussed the importance of adverbs to answer the how, when, and where questions, it’s time for your child to get started with some practice! Use the two activities below to further their understanding of adverbs in story writing.

Challenge on how to use Adverbs
Activity of adding adverbs
Download

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper logo, displayed on tablet screen.

Night Zookeeper makes reading & writing fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve.

Our reading & writing program for kids includes thousands of word games, interactive lessons, and practice worksheets for your child to fill in and learn.

Sign up today to get a 7-day FREE trial!

More resources

Related content

Banner
Children holding a tablet

Make Reading & Writing Fantastically Fun!

  • Award-winning reading & writing program for kids
  • Improves spelling, grammar, punctuation & vocabulary
  • Over 1,000 different learning games and activities
Learn More
Logo
2011-2024. Wonky Star Ltd
Registered Company No. 07706300