Objective: Students will be able to write a draft of a narrative using transitional words to show a sequence of events.
Guided Lesson: Introduce the Trait Mate story planner.
Story Planner
* List the characteristics of a fiction story and draw the corresponding symbols next to each: characters, setting, problem (a good problem symbolized by a present and a bad problem by a lightning bolt), a sequence of events, and an ending.
* Read the story
Buster
as an example of good narrative structure. Label each structural piece. Point out the transitional words and how they clarify the sequence. Label each event that solves the problem with "first," "next," "then," and "finally."
* Draw the Trait Mate. Write the transitional words on the hands and feet. Explain that this symbol can help students remember all the parts of a story.
* Model telling a story of your own pointing to the parts of the Trait Mate as you speak.
*Ask students to turn to their partners and tell about a problem and how they solved it. Give an example of your own.
*Next, ask students to retell their stories using transitional words to sequence events.
*Finally, ask student to retell their stories with their partners being sure to include the description explained by the Trait Mate.
*Offer an opportunity to share stories.
Independent Practice:
* Students will use the story planner to write a draft of a story.
* Have students write stories about their problem using the Trait Mate story planner with transitions words.
* Use the symbols to suggest revision ideas.
Trait Mate Symbols
Story Sequence Planner: Beginning- Middle –End
