β¨ The Power of Stories
A narrative is a story. Narratives have been used throughout history to entertain, teach lessons, and share experiences. Learning to write good narratives is one of the most powerful skills you can develop!
ποΈ Story Structure
1. Orientation
Introduce WHO (characters), WHERE (setting), and WHEN (time)
2. Complication/Problem
Something goes wrong or a challenge appears
3. Rising Action
Events build up, tension increases
4. Climax
The most exciting or tense moment
How the problem is solved (or not)
π Key Elements
Every Good Story Needs:
- π€ Characters β who the story is about (protagonist, antagonist)
- π Setting β where and when the story takes place
- β Problem/Conflict β what creates tension
- π Plot β the sequence of events
- π Theme β the message or lesson
β¨ Writing Techniques
π
Show, Don't Tell
"Her hands trembled" not "She was scared"
π£οΈ
Dialogue
Let characters speak
ποΈππ
Senses
Include sight, sound, smell, touch, taste
π
Vary Sentences
Mix short and long for rhythm
π¨
Figurative Language
Similes, metaphors, personification
πͺ
Hook the Reader
Strong opening line
π Story Openers
Ways to Start Your Story
- Action: "I ran faster than I ever had before..."
- Dialogue: "'Don't move,' she whispered."
- Setting: "The old house creaked in the wind."
- Question: "Have you ever felt truly alone?"
- Sound: "CRASH! The vase shattered..."
βοΈ Activities
Activity: Plan a Story
- Main character: ___________
- Setting: ___________
- Problem: ___________
- Climax: ___________
- Resolution: ___________
Write your opening paragraph:
π©βπ« Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
- English: Writing β creative text