Harris Burdick Narrative


​​Objectives: ​

I can...
  • write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. (W5.3)
  • orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. (W5.3a)
  • use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. (W5.3b)
  • use a variety of transitional words, phrases, and clauses to manage the sequence of events. (W5.3c)
  • use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely. (W5.3d)
  • provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. (W5.3e)

STEP 1 - THE IMAGE

Under the Rug
"Two weeks passed and it happened again"

Review the image to the left. 
Click on it to enlarge and take a closer look.

What do you notice?  Look for all the small details. What could be happening in the picture?
Directions
  1. Create a Circle Map on a piece of notebook paper.
  2. Infer (predict based on evidence) what it would be like to be there.  Add sensory details (i.e. see, feel, hear, smell, taste) to your circle map. 
  3. Add a list of details to your Circle Map.  These should be details you will use to create your story.
STEP 2: PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
Take a second look at your image.  What could be the problem in your story based on the picture?  How will you solve your problem?
Directions
  1. Create the chart to your left 
  2. List the problem you would like to be the focus of your story in the box labeled "problem".
  3. What events might be connected to your problem?  List these in the boxes below.
  4. How will you solve your problem?  List how you would like to resolve your problem in the box marked "solution?.
  5. What events need to happen at the end of your story for your solution to occur?  List these in the boxes below solution.​​

STEP 3: CHARACTER MAP

Who is your main character?  Review your image again.  Will you use the character seen in the picture?  The character under the rug?  Or, another character?

Directions
  1. Create a Circle Map or use the GoogleDoc attached here
  2. Review the image to the right.  Who will your character be?  Add details about your character to your circle map?

STEP 4: PLOT MAP

Now put it ll together and map out your whole story.

Directions
  1. Create a Plot Map 
  2. Review the image to the right. 
    1. ​What is your setting?
    2. Who is your protagonist and antagonist?
    3. What is the main conflict of your story
    4. What events will be your rising action?
    5. What event will be the turning point or climax of your story?
    6. How will your story end
    7. What is the theme of your story?​

MINI LESSONS

Sample Essay

Sensory Details

Dialogue

Narrative Traits

Conjunctions