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29 Writing Stories

Page
209
from

Writing Stories Opening Page

Start-Up Activity

Read aloud the introduction on page 209, which addresses the popularity of stories and storytelling. Discuss the two kinds of stories—fanciful and reality-based—and talk about the kinds of stories your students enjoy reading and writing. Then ask them if they know any myths—the story-type explained in this chapter. They should consider cultural myths, urban myths, nature myth, etc.

Think About It

“I like to write as though my readers are without television, radio, movies, or anything else.”

—Joyce Carol Thomas

Page 210 from All Write

Sample Myth

In this nature myth, the student writer explains why bobcats have short tails. Point out to students that myths like this one attempt to explain something in an unscientific, fanciful way. Then ask for a volunteer to read the first part on page 210.  

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Page 211 from All Write

Sample Myth (Continued)

Ask for another volunteer to read the second part of the myth on this page. Discuss the myth using the side notes as a basic guide. Also display a plot diagram (see page 301) and help students identify the basic parts of the myth’s plot (problem or conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).

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Page 212 from All Write

Writing Guidelines

The next two pages provide guidelines for writing a myth. Read and discuss page 212, which focuses on choosing a topic and gathering details. Consider modeling the selecting and gathering processes for students before they start planning their own myths.

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Page 213 from All Write

Writing, Revising, and Editing

After discussing “Writing the First Draft,” model writing a beginning for students. The beginning part should introduce the main character, the setting, and the main problem. Then complete a basic storyboard for students to show them how to plot out their storyline. Remind students to include dialogue and sensory details when they write their myths.

After students complete their first drafts, discuss with them the revising and editing guidelines. Model using the revising checklist to review a first draft.

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Page 214 from All Write

Short-Story Sampler

Explain to students that there are many different types of stories, including myths. Review the types listed on pages 214 and 215. (Fantasy and historical fiction are two additional types.)  Ask students which of these story forms they like to read (or watch). Help students develop the types of stories that interest them.

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Page 215 from All Write

Start with a Pattern

Explain to students that stories, no matter the type, follow certain patterns, including the ones listed on page 215. Knowing about these patterns will help them develop effective stories. Ask students if they know of stories that follow any of these patterns.

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