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16 Writing Narratives

Page
119
from
All Write

Writing Narratives Opening Page

Start-Up Activity

The universe of discourse, as theorized by James Moffett, places narrative writing and journal writing as two of the most immediate and automatic forms of writing students can develop. This stands to reason, because both forms deal with topics related to students’ own lives. After reading and discussing page 119, display a sample journal entry or two (preferably your own) to identify possible topics for personal narratives. Then have students do the same by referring to their most recent journal entries.

Think About It

“Of all the subjects available to you as a writer, the one you know best is yourself; your past and your present, your thoughts and your emotions.”

—William Zinsser

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.B

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3.D

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3.B

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3.D

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.B

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3.D

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.6

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.6

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

LAFS.6.W.1.3

LAFS.7.W.1.3

LAFS.8.W.1.3

LAFS.6.RI.2.6

LAFS.7.RI.2.6

LAFS.8.RI.2.6

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

110.22.b.10

110.22.b.11.A

110.23.b.10

110.23.b.11.A

110.24.b.10

110.24.b.11.A

110.23.b.10.B.ii

110.24.b.10.B.ii

110.24.b.8.E.ii

110.24.b.9.A

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

Page 120 from All Write

Understanding Narratives

Read and discuss this page to give students a deeper understanding of narrative writing. Point out that the sharing of personal stories is a time-honored tradition. Have students think about stories that members of their extended families have shared. Recall one that you have heard from a family member; then ask for volunteers to share one they have heard. Ask what makes these stories interesting and fun to listen to.

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.W.1.3
TEKS Standard:
110.22.b.10, 110.22.b.11.A
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.2.1.b, LA 6.2.2, LA 6.2.2.a

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Mode:
Narrative Writing
Form:
Narrative Essay
English Language Arts:
WritingQualities of Writing

Page 121 from All Write

Sample Personal Narrative

Ask for volunteers to read the sample narrative on page 121 aloud. Then discuss the story using the side notes as a guide. Also ask these questions about the text:

  • Does the writer focus on one main event or many events? (one event)
  • Does the narrative extend over a long period of time? (no)
  • Does the writer build suspense in the story? (Yes, the writer includes details that build to a high point—when the piano stopped.)

End the discussion by asking students if they can think of embarrassing moments of their own that they could write about.

State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.W.1.3
TEKS Standard:
110.22.b.10, 110.22.b.11.A
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.2.1.b, LA 6.2.2, LA 6.2.2.a

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Mode:
Narrative Writing
Form:
Personal Narrative
21st Century Skills:
Writing Project
English Language Arts:
WritingReading

Page 122 from All Write

Writing Guidelines: Personal Narrative

Review the guidelines for writing personal narratives on the next two pages. Page 122 focuses on identifying suitable topics and gathering information about them. For possible topics, students should refer to their journals, to their life map (page 25), and to the topics and prompts listed on pages 28 and 29. Also refer students to Thoughtful Learning's online writing topics page.  

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.W.1.3
TEKS Standard:
110.22.b.10, 110.22.b.11.A
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.2.1.b, LA 6.2.2, LA 6.2.2.a

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Mode:
Narrative Writing
Form:
Personal Narrative

Page 123 from All Write

Writing Guidelines (Continued)

Review the guidelines for writing, revising, and editing personal narratives. Pay special attention to the two different ways to start a narrative—starting right in the middle of the action or providing background information. Encourage students to experiment with different beginnings. (The minilesson activity will help students practice different beginning strategies.)

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.W.1.3
TEKS Standard:
110.22.b.10, 110.22.b.11.A
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.2.1.b, LA 6.2.2, LA 6.2.2.a

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8Grade 9
Mode:
Narrative Writing
Form:
Personal Narrative
English Language Arts:
WritingWriting ProcessRevisingEditing

Page 124 from All Write

Special Revising Tips

Read and discuss this page when students are ready to revise the first drafts of their narratives. Students should check their writing for specific details, dialogue, and personal reflections. Point out to students that these three features keep readers engaged in their stories, wanting to know what happens next. Assign the related minilessons for practice as needed.  

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.W.1.3
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.2.1.b, LA 6.2.2, LA 6.2.2.a

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Mode:
Narrative Writing
Form:
Personal NarrativeNarrative Essay
English Language Arts:
RevisingWriting Process

Page 125 from All Write

Second Sample: Personal Narrative

The narrative on the next two pages focuses on a theme that many English Language Learners can identify with: leaving their home country for the United States. Ask for a volunteer to read the first page of the narrative on page 125.

State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.RI.2.6
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.1.6.a, LA 6.1.6.b

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Form:
Personal Narrative
Theme:
HomeCulture
English Language Arts:
ReadingWriting

Page 126 from All Write

Second Sample: Personal Narrative (Continued)

Ask for a volunteer to read the rest of the narrative on page 126. Discuss the narrative using the side notes as a guide. Also ask these questions about the text:

  • Does the writer focus on one main event or many events? (one event)
  • Does the writer try to say a lot about the whole time covered in the narrative? (No, she just mentions some parts.)
  • What role does dialogue play in the narrative? (It reveals certain things about the speakers’ personalities.)
  • What do the writer’s personal thoughts reveal? (That she didn’t want to leave her home country.)

​

State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.6.RI.2.6
NE ELA Standard:
LA 6.1.6.a, LA 6.1.6.b

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Form:
Personal Narrative
Theme:
HomeCulture
English Language Arts:
ReadingWriting