Print or display the eight A4 aids; offer their exact linear reading and tactile/no-print routes. Prepare four large source letters A–D, two cards saying SOURCE SAYS and NOT TOLD, and a private first-response record. A blank folded sheet or removable shapes can represent the sign. No real child names, photos, addresses or interviews are needed. Never present this fiction as a visit or observation.
- A · undated object drawing: A rectangular paper Story Table sign has one blue circle above three blue wavy lines and a hole at its top for hanging. The drawing shows appearance; it names neither its maker nor whether it helped anybody. See object sketch.
- B · maker note, dated 12 June in the invented story, by Ivo: “I made the paper sign for our pretend Story Table. I drew a blue circle and three wavy lines so my friend could find the table. I do not know whether every visitor used it.” This is Ivo's report and stated purpose, not a class-wide result. See maker note.
- C · display caption, dated 14 June in the invented story, by Sol: “I copied Ivo's note for this label. Ivo made the blue paper sign. Everyone found the table because of it.” Sol identifies a copied part and adds an unverified conclusion. The 14 June date does not make that conclusion true. See later caption.
- D · visitor note, dated 15 June in the invented story, by Tala: “I saw the blue circle when I visited. I found the Story Table after asking Ivo where it was. I cannot speak for other visitors.” Tala reports one person's experience. This does not settle every visitor's experience or prove the sign never helped anyone. See visitor note.
The “dates” are source labels in a made-up record, not current classroom dates or the year a real event occurred. Reading B before C helps children recognise what was copied; reading D later makes the evidence richer without closing the universal question. Preserve each speaker's own scope. Use source sort mat and explain-to-someone mat for sorting and sharing. A child can choose which source-supported detail to explain. Adult help may read or scribe but should not provide the conclusion during checks.