Narrative Writing Intro

Overview

Grade: 1-7
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 2 students
Unit: Exploring Narrative Writing (Lesson 1 of 15)
Subject: English Language Arts (ELA)
Curriculum: Alberta Program of Studies – English Language Arts (K-9)
Strand: Writing and Representing
Primary Learning Outcome: Develop knowledge of narrative elements and identify them in stories.

---

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• I can identify and explain the five key elements of narrative writing: character, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution.
• I can recognise these elements in a story I hear or read.

Relevant Alberta Curriculum References:

• ELA 1-3: WR1.3.1 – Identify and demonstrate simple story elements (characters, settings, events).
• ELA 4-7: WR3.3.1 – Identify and describe the key elements of narrative texts, including characters, settings, plot, conflict, and resolution.
• General Skills: Comprehend and analyse narrative texts (Reading and Viewing), Create and communicate narratives (Writing and Representing).

---

Success Criteria

• I can list the five elements of a narrative.
• I can explain what each element means in my own words.
• I can find those elements in a short story when listening or reading.

---

Materials Needed

• Visual aids: Posters or slides illustrating the five elements of narrative writing.
• Graphic organizers with labelled boxes for Character, Setting, Plot, Conflict, Resolution.
• Short narrative story (printed and audio format) appropriate for the grade level.
• Audiobook player or app for dyslexia-friendly storytelling.
• Whiteboard and markers or digital tablet for note-taking.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with the statement: “Today, we will explore the world of stories by learning what makes a story interesting and fun to read and write.”
• Show a colourful poster with the five narrative elements:
  • Character (Who?)
  • Setting (Where and When?)
  • Plot (What happens?)
  • Conflict (The problem)
  • Resolution (How it ends)
• Read each element aloud and explain in simple terms that match the learners’ grade level (adjust language complexity accordingly).

2. Exploring the Story Elements (10 minutes)

• Play or read a short story aloud (choose one suitable for the students’ age and interests). Use an audiobook version for dyslexia-friendly access.
• As you listen/read, pause to ask guiding questions:
  • Who is the main character?
  • Where and when does the story take place?
  • What happens in the story?
  • What problem does the character face?
  • How is the problem solved?
• Use a large graphic organizer and write down students’ answers under each element with their verbal input.

3. Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Provide each student with their own graphic organizer.
• Together, select a second short story excerpt or familiar narrative (could be from a well-known fairy tale or picture book).
• Students fill out their graphic organizer with your guidance, identifying the elements in the story.

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Review the five elements again using the poster.
• Ask each student to verbally explain one element and why it is important.
• Introduce the extension activity:
  • “If you want, you can write a short paragraph describing your favourite character from a story.”
• Share the success criteria so they understand the goal for the unit.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Visual learners: Use colourful posters and graphic organizers to visualise abstract concepts.
• Auditory learners and those with dyslexia: Provide audiobook versions of the story and read aloud with expressive intonation.
• Kinesthetic learners: Have students act out one element (e.g., act out the conflict or resolution).
• Language support: Simplify vocabulary if needed; scaffold explanations with synonyms and examples.
• One-on-one support: Monitor each student’s responses and provide guided support in completing graphic organizers.

---

Extension Activity (Advanced Learners)

• Write a short paragraph describing a favourite character from any story the student enjoys.
• Encourage use of descriptive words (adjectives) to enhance character portrayal.
• Option to present their paragraph orally to practice communication skills.

---

Assessment and Feedback

Formative assessment:

• Observe students' ability to accurately identify the five elements during guided practice.
• Listen to student explanations and prompts during discussion.
• Review completed graphic organizers for understanding.

Feedback:

• Provide positive reinforcement for accurate identification and creative thinking.
• Clarify any misunderstandings immediately using examples.

---

Reflection for Teacher

• Were students able to list and explain all five elements?
• Did the dyslexia-friendly audiobook enhance comprehension?
• How effectively did the visual aids support understanding?
• Identify areas for improvement or adaptation for future lessons in the unit.

---

This lesson plan aligns with the Alberta English Language Arts curriculum by targeting key writing and reading outcomes in early narrative development. The integration of multimodal supports and personalised learning ensures that all students are engaged and able to succeed.