In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Crows,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about narrative structure, transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read four example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Step One,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read three example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Relatively Speaking,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read four example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

Proficiency Level: Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students use a Graphic Organizer to analyze a Short Story. As students respond to the prompts in the Graphic Organizer, they focus on author's craft and consider what elements help create a strong story including characters' voice, descriptive details, and sequence of events. Students use the Graphic Organizer to help organize their ideas and plan their own narrative writing. Practicing skills such as analyzing a text and considering author's craft will help prepare students for writing in the Narrative genre.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students plan a Fictional Narrative. Students use a Fictional Narrative Organizer to help them diagram their story. Students map their characters, plot, and setting, describe the story’s climax, and tell how the climax is resolved. 

Duration: 20-25 mins 

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students plan a Personal Narrative. The narrative should be about a single important experience. Students use a Personal Narrative Planner to help them plan their narratives. Students describe their experience in detail, including a description of their thoughts and feelings. 

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students plan a Short Story. The Short Story can be fictional or based on something that really happened. Students use a Short Story Map, a graphic organizer that will help them diagram their stories. Students map their characters, plot, and setting, describe the story’s climax, and tell how the climax is resolved. 

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Below

In this mini-lesson, students learn about character voice for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. Check out Assignment Resources for links to teacher materials from our partners at Smekens Education.

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Approaching

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They write the opening of a short story introducing a character usingn various techniques.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn how to develop life-like characters for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. 

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about the elements of a Drama or Play for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. 

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about similes, metaphors, and personification for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. Check out Assignment Resources for links to teacher materials from our partners at Smekens Education.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about the elements of a Personal Narrative. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Approaching

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn to choose words precisely for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. Check out Assignment Resources for links to teacher materials from our partners at Smekens Education.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Approaching

In this activity, students learn about narrative structure, transitions and story arc. They read three example narrative conclusions and identify the strongest.

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about narrator point of view for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. 

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about sensory details for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. Check out Assignment Resources for links to teacher materials from our partners at Smekens Education.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn about story setting for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. 

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this 15-20 minute mini-lesson, students learn different ways to end stories for narrative writing. Students respond to a variety of questions to review the skill. This lesson includes a short constructed response section so students can practice applying the skill. Check out Assignment Resources for links to teacher materials from our partners at Smekens Education.

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice and practice choosing precise words.

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Approaching

In this activity, students read the Student Sample, "Dust Storm," a fictional narrative of a family during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Then they plan a Descriptive Paragraph about a real weather event or natural disaster that they or someone they know experienced. Using the Student Sample as a model for sensory language and descriptive detail, students focus on the skill of using precise words and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. Students complete graphic organizers to analyze the Student Sample and plan their Descriptive Paragraph.

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Proficiency Level: Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students plan a Fictional Narrative with a focus on providing a strong ending. Students use a Fictional Narrative Organizer to help them diagram their stories. Students map their characters, plot, and setting, describe the story’s climax, and focus on planning a strong ending by telling how the climax is resolved. 

Duration: 15-20 mins.

Proficiency Level: Below

In this assignment, students practice identifying and using three key literary devices that make a narrative more interesting: Suspense, Pacing; and Tension. 

This assignment is a companion to the Quick Clip Video: "Three Literary Devices For Any Narrative" from our partners at Smekens Education. 

Duration: 15-20 mins

Proficiency Level: Meets, Below

In this assignment, students retell a story they know well in one paragraph.

Duration: 10-15 mins. 

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching

In this assignment, students describe the setting of a story.

Duration: 10-15 mins.

Proficiency Level: Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students write lines of dialogue from previously written stories. Includes an anchor chart that details how to craft dialogue.

Duration: 10-15 mins

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching

In this assignment, students write a one-paragraph story that follows a story arc. Includes an anchor chart that explains narrative structure.

Duration: 10-15 mins

Proficiency Level: Meets, Approaching, Below

In this assignment, students select a character and write to a friend in the voice of the character.

Duration: 10-15 mins.

Narrative Quick Write: The theme of this collection is Unexpected Discoveries. In this activity, students activate their prior knowledge about this theme by writing a Narrative Quick Write about a time when they learned a new skill or accomplished a goal that was important to them. They narrate how they got interested in the skill or goal, what failures or struggles they experienced along the way, and how they finally mastered it. This short assignment helps students prepare for the Skills Activities by considering the theme and beginning to write in the Narrative genre.

Duration: 20 minutes

Historical Fiction Beginning: In this activity, students read “Code Talkers and Con Men,” an informational article about members of the Navajo Nation who developed a secret code language and special U.S. Army troops who helped fool the Germans during World War II. Then they write the beginning (one or two paragraphs) of a historical fiction story based on the topic of the article. Students focus on the skill of introducing a narrator and characters, which includes engaging and orienting the reader by establishing a context and point of view. Before writing, students complete graphic organizers to analyze the selection and plan their Historical Fiction Beginning.

Duration: one class period

Nonfiction Scene: In this activity, students read "From Scratch," a fictional story about an immigrant girl adjusting to her new life. Then they write a two- or three-paragraph Nonfiction Scene about a meal in which they show some kind of conflict. Students use the selection as a model for their focus skill—using narrative techniques. Like the selection, students use dialogue, pacing, and description to develop their characters and convey experiences and events. Before writing, students complete graphic organizers to analyze the selection and plan their Nonfiction Scene.

Duration: one class period

Short Story: In this activity, students read "Smooth Sailing," a fictional story about a boy and his father on a sailing trip. Then they write their own four- or five-paragraph Short Story in which someone overcomes a dangerous situation or challenge. Using the selection as a model, students focus on the skills of sequencing events to create a story arc and using a variety of transitions to show shifts in setting or time. Before writing, students complete graphic organizers to analyze the selection and plan their Short Story.

Duration: one class period

Descriptive Paragraph: In this activity, students read the Student Sample, "Dust Storm," a fictional narrative of a family during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Then they write a Descriptive Paragraph about a real weather event or natural disaster that they or someone they know experienced. Using the Student Sample as a model for sensory language and descriptive detail, students focus on the skill of using precise words and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events. Before writing, students complete graphic organizers to analyze the Student Sample and plan their Descriptive Paragraph.

Duration: one class period

Journal Entry: In this activity, students read the informational article "Colorado Construction Crew Unearths 66-Million-Year-Old Triceratops Fossil." Then they write a Journal Entry based on the events described in the article, from the perspective of one of the key figures involved. Students focus on the skill of providing a strong conclusion that follows from and reflects on the narrated events. Before writing, students complete graphic organizers to analyze the selection and plan their Journal Entry.

Duration: one class period

In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Crows,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about narrative structure, transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read four example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Step One,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read three example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

In this activity, students learn what a narrative is. Then they read a sample narrative, “Relatively Speaking,” and answer multiple choice questions about the reading. 

In this assignment, students focus on establishing narrative context and identifying effective hooks. Students read about the importance of establishing context and different techniques they can use in their writing.

In this assignment, students read about point of view, narration, and how these influence character development. They answer multiple choice questions and practice revising passages to explore different points of view or narrators.

In this activity, students learn about transitions and story arc. They read three example narratives and practice revising passages for transitions and identifying plot stages.

In this assignment, students read about common narrative techniques (dialogue, pacing, and reflection) and how these are used in writing. Then students read four example narratives and answer multiple choice questions to identify and evaluate techniques.

In these activities, students learn how precise, vivid language makes a narrative stronger. They read passages to identify strong word choice, practice choosing precise words, and revise for figurative language.

In this activity, students are introduced to the Writing Process. They read about the six steps of the Writing Process and answer short questions to help them reflect on their own writing.

In this assignment, students learn the importance of establishing a task, purpose, and audience early in the writing process. Students read examples and practice identifying task, purpose, and audience.

In this activity, students read about the planning and drafting stages of the Writing Process. Then they answer questions that help them reflect on their own writing process.

In this activity, students read about revising and editing. Students learn about the differences between revising and editing, then they complete practice questions.

This assignments helps students understand when it's time to start over. Students read tips and examples, then practice determining when a writer needs to go back to an earlier step in the writing process.

In this assignment, students read about formal and informal research. Students read about the research process and complete questions to help them understand each step.

In this activity, students learn about different types of research. Students read about developing research questions and practice writing them.

In this assignment, students learn about the different types of sources they can use in their research. Students read about primary and secondary sources, then practice identifying the best source for different research questions.

In this assignment, students learn about the advantages of library research. They read about the different sources available at libraries and then complete practice questions. 

In this activity, students read about field research. They learn about the different types of field research and when they are appropriate. Finally, students complete practice questions.

In this assignment, student learn note-taking strategies. They read about different methods of note-taking and then practice identifying information that is worth noting.

In this activity, students learn when to revise their research topic. They read tips to help them narrow or broaden their focus. Then they complete questions to help them practice what they learned.

In this activity, students read about evaluating sources. They learn about why it's important to choose sources carefully and practice identifying appropriate sources for different topics.

In this activity, students learn how to identify useful sources. They read about what makes a source useful and then practice identifying sources that are relevant to different topics.

In this activity, students read about the characteristics of reliable sources. Students learn why it's important to identify reliable sources for their research. 

In this activity, students are introduced to the use of textual evidence. Students learn what strong evidence looks like and how to identify it in writing.

In this assignment, students learn about synthesis. They read about the different steps they need to take to synthesize and learn how synthesis can support their writing.

In this assignment, students learn about outlining. They read about how outlines can help them organize notes and then practice identifying important ideas to include in an outline.

In this activity, students learn how to incorporate textual evidence into their writing. They read about summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting sources. Students also learn how to avoid plagiarism.

In this assignment, students learn how to credit their sources in their writing. Students read about internal citations and creating a Works Cited list in the MLA style.