Narrative Writing
YEAR LEVEL DESCRIPTION- Students create written and/or multimodal texts, including texts to tell stories, inform, express opinions, explain and present arguments, for purposes and audiences, developing ideas using details from learnt topics, topics of interest or texts. They use language features, including paragraphs, to create coherence and add detail to their texts. They use language features, complex sentences, topic-specific vocabulary and literary devices, and/or visual features. They spell words, including multisyllabic and multimorphemic words with more complex spelling patterns using phonic, morphemic and grammatical knowledge.
Judging Standards
WRITE AN ENGAGING NARRATIVE
Learning Intentions
To use the Seven Steps for Writing Success to write a narrative.
To use the 6 Traits (VOICES) to write a narrative.
Success Criteria
A cohesive story utilising Seven Steps and 6 Traits.
Must
- Write a story using most of the text structure from Seven Steps with 2 forms of figurative language with simple punctuation.
Should
Write a story using all features of the text structure from Seven Steps with 3 forms of figurative language which adds some detail, with mostly correct punctuation.
Could
Write a mostly cohesive story using all features of the text structure from Seven Steps and appropriately applying 3 detailed forms of figurative language, including accurate punctuation with some experimentation of quotation marks.
Could (wow)
Write a cohesive story using all features of the text structure from Seven Steps and appropriately applying at least 4 forms of figurative language with rich detail, including consistent and accurate punctuation with use of quotation marks which enhances meaning.
Lesson One | 6 Traits | Ideas
Learning Intentions
To understand the importance of cohesive ideas.
Success Criteria
Write the beginning of a story using one main idea.
Knowledge is Power
Ideas
Ideas are the content of the writing piece. They are the “heart and soul” of good writing.
"The idea of a story" refers to the central concept or main theme that the author wants to convey through their narrative.
Tools to Help You
I think and talk about my ideas before I write or plan.
My ideas are topic specific.
My ideas are interesting with rich detail.
I think big, but work small and focus on one idea at a time.
Notice and Name It (Whiteboard work)
Rescue at Sea
A desperate call for help had been received by the Rescue Helicopter at Jandakot. A fishing boat was floundering in huge seas off the coast near Hillarys. The rescue team sprang into action.
Within a short time, John and his crew from RAC Rescue had their helicopter hovering over the scene. As they peered through the gloomy rain-swept haze, searching for a glimpse of the two fishermen, a massive wave swamped the boat and capsized it.
“There they are!” yelled Julia. The men were clutching the upturned hull.
“The weather’s deteriorating quickly,” John said in a worried tone. “A rescue’s going to be extremely difficult in these conditions.”
“You keep the chopper as steady as possible and I’ll control the winch,” replied Julia confidently.
The winch cable writhed like a gigantic snake in the fierce wind. To Julia’s relief, one of the men on the boat grabbed the harness on the cable and strapped it on. Soon both men were safely winched into the helicopter.
“Welcome aboard,” said John, glancing at the fuel gauge. “We’ll just make it back to headquarters.”
Turn and Talk
What is the main idea of the above story?
Don't forget!
"The idea of a story" refers to the central concept or main theme that the author wants to convey through their narrative.
What evidence from the text can you use to back your answer?
Whiteboard Work
Write down the topic specific vocabulary in the text which supports and adds detail to the main idea.
Write down words or any figurative language which makes the story more interesting.
BE READY TO SHARE!
Don't forget!
Types of Figurative language include:
similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole.
Try It (Writing books)
Adrift
Free Write
Using the picture prompt and the main idea/theme of 'Survival' from above, spend 10 minutes writing the beginnings of a narrative. Don't worry about spelling and punctuation. Just get your ideas down.
You may like to use the words on your whiteboard to support your writing.
Tools to Help You
My ideas are supported with topic specific words.
My ideas are interesting with rich detail; use a simile (like or as).
Plough Back
Check your writing.
Has it remained within the main idea- SURVIVAL?
Have you used topic specific vocabulary?
In red, draw a star above 2 topic specific words in your writing.
Have you used interesting words?
🟨 Highlight a sentence that includes rich detail.
Share it
Would anyone like to share their writing with the class?
Lesson Two | Seven Steps | Step 2:Sizzling Starts | Notice and Name It | Try It
Learning Intention
Be able to engage the reader by starting with action or at a moment of change.
Know how to use backfill to explain Who, What, Where, When and Why.
Success Criteria
Imitate a sizzling start example.
Notice and Name It | Prior Knowledge
Turn and Talk
What is a Sizzling Start?
What is its purpose?
Do you think this is a sizzling start and why do you think that?
Which sizzling start technique has been used?
Try It | Class Example on Butcher's Paper
Plough Back
Have we engaged the reader by starting with action or at a moment of change?
What is the evidence to support your answer?
What backfill has been included? Who, What, Where, When and Why.
Lesson Three | Seven Steps | Step 2:Sizzling Starts | Apply It
Learning Intention
Be able to engage the reader by starting with action or at a moment of change.
Know how to use backfill to explain Who, What, Where, When and Why.
Success Criteria
Innovate a mediocre start into a Sizzling start.
Prior Knowledge
A sizzling start is a beginning to a piece of writing that immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.
Let's read last lesson's imitated sizzling start we created.
What technique did we use?
Apply It
In your writing books:
Try making this start a Sizzling Start.
First, let's whiteboard brainstorm:
What topic specific vocabulary will we need?
What vibrant words can you use?
🫥 How you are feeling?
🤓 What can you see?
👃 What can you smell?
👂What can you hear?
🤌 What can you touch and how does it feel?
Don't Forget!
Sentence One
Start where the action is.
Sentence Two (or more)
Add backfill using vibrant words and detail.
Sentence Three (or more)
Go back to the action. Add some dialogue.
Who would like to share?
Plough Back
Have you?
❎ Started with action
❎ Added backfill
❎ Went back to the action
❎ Added dialogue
❎ Used topic specific words
❎ Used vibrant words
Use a red pencil and do a CUPS check.
Have you improved your writing?
Lesson Four | Six Traits | Voice | Notice and Name It
Learning Intention
understand what voice means in narrative writing
understand and recognise pronouns to determine narrative voice
Success Criteria
identify perspective in narrative writing using pronouns
Activate
Voice- Narrative
Voice within writing is created when a sense of the writers’ personality comes out in the writing piece. The author adds a sense of feelings, enthusiasm, individuality and/or passion that forms a bond between the reader and the writer.
Tools to Help You
Watch
Turn and Talk
How can our narrative writing be more intentional?
(53seconds)
Narrative Voice (Perspective)
First Person Narrative
The first-person perspective is created when the narrative is told by someone within the story, such as the leading character.
The pronouns 'I', 'my,' and 'we' are common features of the first-person narrative voice.
Third Person Narrative
The third-person perspective relies on the narrative being told by someone outside of the story being told.
They tell the story as an observer.
Pronouns include 'he', 'she', and 'they'.
Rescue at Sea
A desperate call for help had been received by the Rescue Helicopter at Jandakot. A fishing boat was floundering in huge seas off the coast near Hillarys. The rescue team sprang into action.
Within a short time, John and his crew from RAC Rescue had their helicopter hovering over the scene. As they peered through the gloomy rain-swept haze, searching for a glimpse of the two fishermen, a massive wave swamped the boat and capsized it.
“There they are!” yelled Julia. The men were clutching the upturned hull.
“The weather’s deteriorating quickly,” John said in a worried tone. “A rescue’s going to be extremely difficult in these conditions.”
“You keep the chopper as steady as possible and I’ll control the winch,” replied Julia confidently.
The winch cable writhed like a gigantic snake in the fierce wind. To Julia’s relief, one of the men on the boat grabbed the harness on the cable and strapped it on. Soon both men were safely winched into the helicopter.
“Welcome aboard,” said John, glancing at the fuel gauge. “We’ll just make it back to headquarters.”
Turn and Talk
What narrative voice (perspective) has our exemplar text been written from?
How do you know? What is the evidence to support your answer?
Activity- Identify Narrative Voice and Vocabulary
Narrative Voice.pdfPlough Back
Why is it important for narrative writing to have a voice?
Lesson Five | Seven Steps | Step 3: Tightening Tension | Notice and Name It
Learning Intention
recognise tension in a narrative through descriptive detail such as noun groups
Success Criteria
identify sentences and words from a text which builds tension
stretch a sentence to including more detail using noun groups
Lesson Six | Seven Steps | Step 3: Tightening Tension | Try It
Learning Intention
Be able to use the Five + 1 Senses to make the reader feel like they are there with the character
write a sentence in the order of when, who, what, where, why
Success Criteria
brainstorm of the five (+1) senses related to a theme of survival at sea
a class example of a detailed tightening tension sentence
Activate
Sentence Fluency
Is the rhythm and flow of the language and the sound of word patterns.
How does it sound when read aloud?
Tools to Help You
I read my writing aloud to see if it flows smoothly.
I start my sentences with different words.
I use different types of sentences to create interest.
I vary the lengths of my sentences.
HOT TIP!
When you are writing, you may like to skip a line at each line.
This will then give you space to go back and edit without the need to cram your writing.
When you start a new paragraph, skip two lines.
Finished early?
Continue on with your writing.
Write two more sentences which build on the tension of your first sentence.
Use a red pencil and do a CUPS check.
Plough Back
Have we?
Used our senses to create detail?
Have we created tension?
Is our sentence interesting to read?
Lesson Seven | Seven Steps | Step 3: Tightening Tension | Apply It
Learning Intention
Innovate a text to make it our own
Include descriptive detail of the Five + 1 Senses to make the reader feel like they are there with the character.
Success Criteria
brainstorm of different ideas for character, situation and complication
dot points of the Five + 1 Senses for a tightening tension paragraph
a detailed tightening tension sentence
We Do
Rescue at Sea
A desperate call for help had been received by the Rescue Helicopter at Jandakot. A fishing boat was floundering in huge seas off the coast near Hillarys. The rescue team sprang into action.
Within a short time, John and his crew from RAC Rescue had their helicopter hovering over the scene. As they peered through the gloomy rain-swept haze, searching for a glimpse of the two fishermen, a massive wave swamped the boat and capsized it.
“There they are!” yelled Julia. The men were clutching the upturned hull.
“The weather’s deteriorating quickly,” John said in a worried tone. “A rescue’s going to be extremely difficult in these conditions.”
“You keep the chopper as steady as possible and I’ll control the winch,” replied Julia confidently.
The winch cable writhed like a gigantic snake in the fierce wind. To Julia’s relief, one of the men on the boat grabbed the harness on the cable and strapped it on. Soon both men were safely winched into the helicopter.
“Welcome aboard,” said John, glancing at the fuel gauge. “We’ll just make it back to headquarters.”
L6_innovateTT.pdfYou Do
Be ready to share!
DON'T FORGET- HOT TIP!
When you are writing, you may like to skip a line at each line.
This will then give you space to go back and edit without the need to cram your writing.
When you start a new paragraph, skip two lines.
Finished early?
Continue on with your writing.
Write two more sentences which build on the tension of your first sentence.
Plough Back
Use a red pencil and do a CUPS check.
What is the descriptive detail you have included?
Lesson Seven | Seven Steps | Step 7: Exciting Endings | Notice and Name It
Learning Intention
Understand what a good exciting ending looks like
Distinguish between good and bad examples
Success Criteria
Recall of what a good exciting ending contains
Activate
Exciting Ending
Did you enjoy the commercial? why?
What happened at the end of the commercial?
Was it an exciting ending?
Although an exciting ending should have an action climax, does it need to be action packed?
What was the action at the end of this advertisement?
Learn
Activity
The Tortoise and the Hare
Aesop's Fable
Whilst watching the video,
plot the story on your whiteboard.
🎯 Introduction (Who, What)
🎯 Pebble, Rock, Boulder
🎯 Exciting Ending
🎯 Character Wrap
What was the problem in the story?
Was it resolved in the exciting ending?
What was the emotional resolution?
Plough Back
You know you have been successful in your narrative if your exciting ending....
It also shouldn't...
🙅🏽♂️ be boring
🙅🏽♂️ be predictable
🙅🏽♂️ be a completely different idea
Lesson Eight | Seven Steps | Step 7: Exciting Endings | Try It
Learning Intention
brainstorm relevant ideas for an exciting ending
Success Criteria
Recall of what a good exciting ending contains
Brainstorm of exciting endings for a narrative
Activate
Exciting Endings
It also shouldn't...
🙅🏽♂️ be boring
🙅🏽♂️ be predictable
🙅🏽♂️ be a completely different idea
Brainstorm
In groups of 5, using the Sticking Situations graphic organiser,
work together to come up with ideas for an Exciting Ending.
Be ready to share!
Share
The speaker for the group shares their group's ideas with the class.
Independent
Choose your favourite idea and write it into your writing graph.
If you finish early, think of some ideas, for a character wrap up/ emotional resolution.
Write your ideas on the back of your worksheet.
Plough Back
Check your idea against the success criteria.
🎯 Does it solve the problem faced by the characters?
🙅🏽♂️ Is it boring?
🙅🏽♂️ It is predictable?
🙅🏽♂️ Is it a completely different idea?
It also shouldn't...
🙅🏽♂️ be boring
🙅🏽♂️ be predictable
🙅🏽♂️ be a completely different idea
Lesson Nine | Seven Steps | Step 1: Plan for Success | Notice and Name It
Learning Intention
The importance of planning
Review narrative structure using Seven Steps
Success Criteria
Completed writing graph using the mentor text- Rescue at Sea
Activate
Organisation
Organisation is the structure of the text. The order it is written in.
It helps to make your ideas clear, guides the reader's understanding and can strengthen your narrative.
We base our writing on the Seven Steps Writing Graph.
Sizzling Start, Backfill, Pebble, Rock, Boulder, Exciting Ending, Character Wrap Up.
I hook the reader in with a sizzling start.
I use three problems; pebble, rock, boulder in my build up.
My ending has impact with an action climax.
I wrap up my character's feelings at the very end.
Why is planning a story important?
🎯 It provides a focused list of things you want to write about.
🎯 You can see your ideas written down and work out if your story makes sense.
🎯 You can keep track of your characters.
🎯 It will help the narrative of the story flow easily.
🎯 You can work out if your ending is possible before you write loads of content.
🎯 It will stop you from getting stuck.
Activity
Let's box up the text using the Seven Steps writing graph.
🎯 Sizzling start/Backfill
🎯 Pebble
🎯 Rock
🎯 Boulder
🎯 Exciting Ending
🎯 Character Wrap Up
As we box, summarise each step into a writing graph.
Remember...
A summary should be no more than 10 words.
Rescue at Sea
A desperate call for help had been received by the Rescue Helicopter at Jandakot. A fishing boat was floundering in huge seas off the coast near Hillarys. The rescue team sprang into action.
Within a short time, John and his crew from RAC Rescue had their helicopter hovering over the scene. As they peered through the gloomy rain-swept haze, searching for a glimpse of the two fishermen, a massive wave swamped the boat and capsized it.
“There they are!” yelled Julia. The men were clutching the upturned hull.
“The weather’s deteriorating quickly,” John said in a worried tone. “A rescue’s going to be extremely difficult in these conditions.”
“You keep the chopper as steady as possible and I’ll control the winch,” replied Julia confidently.
The winch cable writhed like a gigantic snake in the fierce wind. To Julia’s relief, one of the men on the boat grabbed the harness on the cable and strapped it on. Soon both men were safely winched into the helicopter.
“Welcome aboard,” said John, glancing at the fuel gauge. “We’ll just make it back to headquarters.”
Plough Back
Why is planning a story important?
Turn and Talk
Lesson Ten | Seven Steps | Step 1: Plan for Success | Try It
Learning Intention
Break down a complication into three parts- pebble, rock, boulder
Use a checklist to ensure planning of the complication flows and makes sense
Success Criteria
Completed brainstorm of complication into three parts
Activate
Organisation
Organisation is the structure of the text. The order it is written in.
It helps to make your ideas clear, guides the reader's understanding and can strengthen your narrative.
We base our writing on the Seven Steps Writing Graph.
Sizzling Start, Backfill, Pebble, Rock, Boulder, Exciting Ending, Character Wrap Up.
Activity
L6_innovateTT.pdfWhat was the situation and complication from your innovation worksheet?
Let's group you in groups of 5.
You will work on an individual worksheet, but work together to come up with ideas.
Together, decide on one situation and complication and fill out the top table.
Working with your group, brainstorm 6 different story ideas for your situation and complication. Each idea requires a pebble, rock and boulder.
Do not forget!
Problems do not need to be epic.
Write all ideas down. If you don't write it down, you may just continue thinking about that one idea. Do a brain dump!
Think about the following:
🎯 You can see your ideas written down and work out if your story makes sense.
🎯 You can work out if an ending is possible before you write loads of content.
4. Choose the two best storylines which meet the above criteria. This may mean you may decide to mix and match your different ideas.
5. Share them with the class.
L10_planning_complication.pdfPlough Back
Individually, highlight the ideas you like best, and may want to use for your story of survival.
Use the below checklist to discuss Planning for Success- will you be successful?
🎯 It will help the narrative of the story flow easily.
🎯 You can work out if your ending is possible before you write loads of content.
🎯 It will stop you from getting stuck.
🎯 It provides a focused list of things you want to write about.
🎯 You can see your ideas written down and work out if your story makes sense.
🎯 You can keep track of your characters.
Lesson Ten | Seven Steps | Step 1: Plan for Success | Apply It
Learning Intention
To successfully complete a writing graph for a narrative
Success Criteria
Completed writing graph which flows and makes sense
Activate
Why is planning a story important?
🎯 It provides a focused list of things you want to write about.
🎯 You can see your ideas written down and work out if your story makes sense.
🎯 You can keep track of your characters.
🎯 It will help the narrative of the story flow easily.
🎯 You can work out if your ending is possible before you write loads of content.
🎯 It will stop you from getting stuck.
Organisation
Organisation is the structure of the text. The order it is written in.
It helps to make your ideas clear, guides the reader's understanding and can strengthen your narrative.
We base our writing on the Seven Steps Writing Graph.
Sizzling Start, Backfill, Pebble, Rock, Boulder, Exciting Ending, Character Wrap Up.
Activity
Plan a narrative on the theme- Survival.
What is the main idea?
On your whiteboard summarise in 15 words or less the situation and complication/problem of your narrative.
Example:
Student are on school camp and are separated from the group when hiking.
1: Use your summary to complete the backfill- who/what
2: What are 3 complications to your big problem?
🎯 pebble (small problem)
🎯 rock (medium problem)
🎯 boulder (large problem)
REMEMBER: It is a summary- 10 words or less
3: What is your exciting ending?
🎯 Does it solve the problem faced by the characters?
🙅🏽♂️ Is it boring?
🙅🏽♂️ It is predictable?
🙅🏽♂️ Is it a completely different idea?
4: Emotional Resolution/Character Wrap Up
🎯 Leaves your reader satisfied
Now CHECK! Does your planning meet the following criteria?
🎯 It provides a focused list of things you want to write about.
🎯 You can see your ideas written down and work out if your story makes sense.
🎯 You can keep track of your characters.
🎯 It will help the narrative of the story flow easily.
🎯 You can work out if your ending is possible before you write loads of content.
🎯 It will stop you from getting stuck.
FINALLY!
Write your sizzling start.