How to write a narrative in 5 easy steps – read on to find out how we do this in our learning space.
Read on to see how simple the steps can be.
We love to read narratives to our students and they love to read a great narrative.
Always begin with picture storybooks and then build up to chapter books and then novels.
You can escape into a world of imagination and be drawn into a storyline with exciting characters as they move through problems and solve them to finally reach an end that is satisfying.
When teaching students how to write a narrative we need to know what we love about a great narrative. This can only be done by reading loads of narratives and discussing what we love about them.
Learning how to write a narrative can be a creative and enjoyable process.
Here’s how to write a narrative in 5 easy steps
Each step is aimed at helping you to write a compelling narrative.
Choose an idea or topic
Select a topic or theme that interests you or that you feel passionate about. It could be a personal experience, a fictional story, or even a historical event.
Select a subject or event that you want to explore in your narrative.
Ask others for feedback on your choice of topic. You want to write about something that will interest your readers.
The audience for your narrative is important, so check in with them and make sure that you are keeping their interest.
Read on to see how to write a narrative in 5 easy steps
Planning your narrative
by developing a plot, creating characters and planning the problems and solutions
Decide on the sequence of events that will unfold in your narrative.
This includes identifying the beginning, middle, and end of your story.
Consider the conflict or problem that your main character will encounter and how it will be resolved.
Create characters: Develop interesting and relatable characters for your story.
Think about their backgrounds, personalities, and motivations.
Give them names and distinctive traits that will make them memorable to readers.
Use a planner to record your ideas for characters, plot and setting. This will help to map out your problems and solutions. Get your planner checked by a buddy – is it interesting enough?
Steps within the planning process
How to write a narrative in 5 easy steps must include these all important parts.
Introduce the characters and setting
Start your narrative by introducing the main characters and the setting where the story takes place. Provide relevant details to help the reader visualise the scene and understand the context.
Establish the conflict
Every narrative needs a conflict or problem to drive the story forward. Clearly define the main conflict early on, as it will serve as the central focus of your narrative. This conflict could be external (e.g., a character’s struggle against nature) or internal (e.g., a character’s emotional dilemma).
Build tension and suspense
Develop the narrative by creating rising action, which is a series of events that lead up to the climax. Increase the stakes and create tension to keep the reader engaged. Show the challenges faced by the characters and the obstacles they must overcome.
Reach the climax
The climax is the turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak. It is the most intense and crucial moment. It can be a moment of realisation, confrontation, or a significant event that changes the course of the story.
Provide resolution
After the climax, provide a resolution that resolves the conflict and brings the story to a close. Tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion for the reader. Make sure to address any lingering questions or conflicts.
Reflect and conclude
Conclude your narrative by reflecting on the events and their significance. You can offer insights, and lessons learned, or leave the reader with a thought provoking message.
Edit and Revise
Once you’ve finished writing your narrative, take the time to review and revise it. This is a very important step – do not miss it!
Check for grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure that the narrative flows smoothly.
Consider seeking feedback from others to gain different perspectives.
Make sure you read your story out loud to check for meaning and punctuation. We often read our work how we intended it to be and not what it is actually saying. Reading out loud helps us to see our writing for what it is.
Use rubrics to help guide your students to improve their work. Share the rubric with them before they start. This should not be a secret, it should be a framework to help guide them to write the best narrative they can.
Polish and Refine
Pay attention to the finer details of your narrative.
Enhance descriptions, dialogue, and character development to make the story come alive.
Look for opportunities to add depth and complexity to your writing.
Have you chosen the best possible words, have you used figurative language, is there a better way to write what you wanted? Be critical and make changes.
Seek Feedback and have a Teacher Conference
Revisit your narrative with a critical eye.
Read it aloud or ask someone to read it to you.
Identify areas that need improvement and rewrite those sections. Remember, writing is a continuous process of refinement.
Follow these 5 easy steps when writing a narrative, you can craft a compelling narrative that engages readers and brings your story to life. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine through as you write!
An extra – Consider publishing or presenting your work and celebrate a great job
How will others hear your story? Will you read it to them? Will you publish it in some format for them to read?
There are so many options these days – make an old fashioned book, use Book Creator, google docs, present as a video or just read your finished piece to the grade. Whatever you choose, your story needs to be heard.
Good luck guiding your students on how to write a narrative in 5 easy steps.
Find our resources on how to write a narrative in 5 easy steps by clicking here
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