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How to Teach Narrative Writing to Primary Students

Home » How to Teach Narrative Writing to Primary Students
How to Teach Narrative Writing to Primary Students

How to Teach Narrative Writing to Primary Students

I have some super simple suggestions on how to teach narrative writing to primary students. But first, here’s a little background…

Hi. My name is Traci. I hate Writer’s Workshop.

As in loathe it…greatly…with passion. I know. I’m sorry. But it’s true.

Don’t read that as I hate teaching writing. No, no. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE teaching writing.

But that hasn’t always been the case.

Trying to Make it Work

I spent my first few teaching years trying to do Writer’s Workshop. It frustrated me to no end! I couldn’t figure out how to manage it well with ALL of my kiddos. Those “blocks” had me pulling my hair out. I had a hard time finding the consistency, clarity and simplicity that I needed. 

I came to the conclusion that I just simply couldn’t do it as successfully as I’d like with 6-year olds. They were not all churning out work that was truly filled with quality. They weren’t all “getting it”. AND, it took for.ev.er! It wasn’t working for me, so in turn, it wasn’t working for my kiddos.

I sucked at it. Avoiding my writing block quickly became a daily routine, just so I could steer clear of Writer’s Workshop. I started collecting books on teaching writing in a desperate search for something to help me with Writer’s Workshop and that dreaded writing block in the middle of my day.

None of the books I found provided me with exactly what I needed. I walked away from the ties of Writer’s Workshop and embarked on teaching what I know works and I enjoy teaching.

The truth is, I FIRMLY believe kids need to write everyday. In addition to writing in our journals, responding to prompts, working on sentence structure and components, we work on being authors; creating paragraphs, expressing knowledge or creative thoughts in a structured, thorough manner – constantly.

Breaking it Down to Build Understanding

I teach my kids that GOOD writing starts with a plan.

Plain and simple – you have to plan things and be consistent. Once I brought my writing instruction down to those 2 simple components, it became clear, easy and effective.

Recently we completed another narrative writing project to fill this bulletin board.

Here’s a brief synopsis of my week’s writing block. 

Day 1 – We start with picture books, visuals, discussions – build some background.

For this project we talked about the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk story and read a couple different interpretations of the story. We also watched a video starring Mickey, Donald and Goofy called Mickey and the Beanstalk. Cute.  

It Starts with a Plan

Day 2 – For narrative/creative writing stories, we complete a picture plan. An outline of the story the kids are going to create. The first few times we did this, we did it together as a class. Everyone’s story was pretty much the same. Now, they don’t look to me for ideas. Their creative juices are starting to flow and there is a lot of variety and entertainment pouring out of their little minds.

Drawing Writing Plan for Me and the Beanstalk writing.
Drawing Writing Plan for Me and the Beanstalk writing.

The drawing plan I provide my firsties has a guide for each aspect of their story typed into each box. As kiddos get older and more familiar with the planning technique, they will no longer need these prompts.

Day 3 – Turn your visuals into complete sentences. Check over your sentences for correct capitals and punctuation. Can your partner read it? Do you have all of your sounds in your words? VERY LITTLE, if ANY conferencing happens. It is extremely easy to walk around and check their pre-writes. The most I have to say is usually “Do you have all of your sounds in that word?” or “Don’t forget your period.” The routine is constant, familiar and most importantly SIMPLE. They get it and do it very well. 

Student writing plan
Student writing plan

“Publishing” is a Breeze

Day 4 – Convert those sentences to a final draft paragraph.

Children's story
Children's story
Children's story

Keep in mind, we WANT kids to WANT to write. Perfect spelling is not our goal. Although students should be encouraged to use the phonic tools we’ve learned, I do not put major focus on precise spelling. As soon as we make the writing assignment about spelling perfection – we’ve removed the fun of writing. That precision WILL come. But for now, we are introducing these little ones to WRITING. We want them to look forward to it.

A Fun Reward

Day 5 – Make the adorable craft that goes with it…

sample craft for Me and the Beanstalk

That your teacher hangs on the wall…

Jack and the Beanstalk Bulletin Board

I always do my best to end our big writing lessons with a fun craft. The kiddos know it is coming and work hard to complete their writing so they an also make the craft.

Teaching writing this way makes it approachable and definitely not grueling. All of the kids find success and take ownership of the process.

narrative writing lesson components

Keep the Process Consistent

Consistency in the writing process is super important. This way your students are not learning a new way to do things. Each time you can increase the expectation without confusing them with a new style of writing.

This was the last narrative writing assignment of our 2nd trimester. Our 3rd trimester will be filled with more advanced writing plans, greater descriptive sentences and even more creativity. It’s so much fun.

All of the writing units in my stores include detailed writing lessons and all you need to teach your kiddos a very cohesive writing lesson. My kids LOVE writing. It makes my heart sing! 

You can grab this in my store.

Do you like this type of writing instruction? If so, check out all the other writing resources in my store. I use this structure EVERY TIME we do a narrative writing lesson.

Want more fairy tale inspired writing lessons? Check out this post about Just Write!

These lessons include very practical, easy to follow, simple to implement, engaging and effective narrative, opinion and expository writing lessons.

Are you in need of in-depth writing instruction/curriculum? Check out Engaging Writing. It is the best for thorough, in-depth but super easy to implement writing instruction.

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14 Comments

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  • Mrs. G
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 2:27 AM

    I love this! I secretly dislike writer's workshop too! Shhhh, don't tell ;0)

    Jessica
    Teach on a Limb

  • Sarah Paul
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 3:10 AM

    LOVE, love, love this! I love the craft AND the fabulous planning pages. What a great way to guide your students. I will definitely be getting this at your store!
    Sarah
    Sarah's First Grade Snippets

  • Karen Rowland
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    I AbSoLuTeLy love your planning pages! They are such a great idea. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am inspired!
    Karen Rowland
    Adventures With Firsties

    [email protected]

  • Brenda
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 4:39 AM

    I LoVe the way you've laid out your week's writing block! It makes so much sense!! I also secretly have an aversion to writing workshop. In fact, I recently wrote a blog post about how I need to find a hybrid. Thanks so much for the post! I'm off to check out more of your writing posts!

    Brenda
    Primary Inspired

  • Cecilia
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 4:57 AM

    All I can say is thank you!

  • Barbara Leyne
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 6:11 AM

    I've always done writers' workshop (big fan of Lucy Calkin's) but I've also felt a bit conflicted. Some of my kids thrive with it, but others, like you said, do not produce quality writing at all! I find those little guys need more structure. I really like how you're teaching it. I bought your beanstalk unit last year and then forgot to use it!!! I'm so glad you've reminded me.
    Thanks!
    ❀Barbara❀
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

  • 1stgradefireworks
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 12:26 PM

    Your writer's workshop works for YOU! ( Isn't that what good teaching is ALL ABOUT?) I teach in a school with high EL population. We spend A LOT of time on vocab, descriptions, and prior knowledge. THEN, we plan, plan, plan. Finally we write. Sometimes LONG process, but from where they started…miracles! Kepp doing what you do! wendy [email protected] 1stgradefireworks

  • Julie Marciniak
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    I am sitting here, in awe!
    I totally had the same feelings about previous years' writer's workshops in my classroom too! Your framework and weekly plan is, in a word, FABULOUS! So simple (for the kids) and a great predictable weekly routine. I. Love. It!
    Do you keep this weekly schedule throughout the entire year if first grade?
    I appreciate this post so much!
    Adding Jack and the Beanstalk to my TPT cart right now!
    Julie
    Ms. Marciniak's First Grade Critter Cafe

    • [email protected]
      · Reply

      March 24, 2013 at 9:18 AM

      Thanks for the sweet comment Julie. The routine is similar all year – but varies for writing genres (narrative/expository) and in complexity. Beginning of the year is simple in order to get everyone on the same page. I have a complete writing unit coming out that will cover the full year of first grade and parts of Kinder and 2nd.

  • Fluttering Through First Grade
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Shut the front door! This is amazing! We love, love, love this and you've inspired our game plan for after break!

    Can't wait to see you Saturday-yeee!
    ~Christy & Tammy
    Fluttering Through First Grade

  • Michelle Griffo
    · Reply

    March 21, 2013 at 9:20 PM

    This is adorable! I love the bulletin board and their printing is beautiful!!!
    Can't wait to hang this weekend!
    Michelle

  • Crayons and Whimsy
    · Reply

    March 22, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    I'm looking forward to meeting you on Saturday!! Your blog is adorable and that beanstalk is great!

    Christy
    Crayons and Whimsy

  • Rnance
    · Reply

    March 22, 2013 at 11:21 PM

    Awesome. They have been pushing writer's workshop at my school but with twenty five first graders… Let's just say I am just a bit overwhelmed. Love, love, love this idea. Thanks for sharing.

  • Katie Knight
    · Reply

    March 26, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    Girl~ I don't like teaching writing either. It seems too big at times. Like eating the contents of a banquet! But when I break it down into my individual activities it is is much more manageable! I like your style… because it matches mine! I also like that you are willing to say you don't like something about teaching… keeping it real!

    Katie

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Hi! I’m Traci and I’m super glad you’re here. I’m passionate about sharing all the *wisdom* gained over my many years of teaching. I love helping teachers find their joy, develop efficiency and ignite their own teaching strengths. I believe simplicity and fun coupled with effective strategies and engaging and focused lessons are the key to it all. Also… laughter can carry you through just about all things.

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