My amazing story

How to Write a Story: Lesson Part Two

What Makes a Good Story?

Writing Teaching Point(s):
• Students will identify the qualities or elements of a fictional story they have enjoyed reading.
• Students will review the elements or structure of a story.

Standard(s):
ELA.4.WRT.1.1 Use a variety of strategies to prepare for writing.

Connection:
“You have worked hard to write a personal narrative, telling about a true event that really happened to you. Now we begin a new unit of study--- writing an imaginative short story. A fictional or imaginative story is not based on true facts. In this unit you will create characters and invent scenes to entertain or engage your audience.
Today we will begin with a reflection on our own favorite fiction books or stories.”

Ms. Lambright:

When I read a book, it’s the well-developed characters, an intriguing plot, and a satisfying ending that intrigue me. Would you raise your hand if you’ve ever been so absorbed while reading a fictional story that it seemed impossible to put the book down? I love reading a great story that captures my attention and imagination! So, as I write I want to learn from my favorite authors. I ask, ‘What qualities or characteristics are important in a really good story?’

What Makes A Good Story?

Title, Quality, Setting, and Importance/Relevance

Consider the books that you have experienced and determine what made the reading especially interesting or engaging.

Ms. Lambright “As you can see, there are many different kinds of stories. While some stories capture our interest or highlight one particular element, all stories share a special framework or structure. We build an imaginative story by including these essential parts:
• Characters. . .
• Setting. . .
• Problem. . .
• Events. . .
• Resolution. . .

Key Elements of an Imaginative Story
An imaginative story is writing that is created or invented by the writer. It is a story that is not based on true facts.

Element Notes
Setting: When and where does the story take place? Over what period of time?
Character(s) Who are the people/animals that are important in the story?
Problem: What problem or challenge does the main character in the story face?
Events: What steps does the character take to solve the problem?
Resolution: How is the problem is solved?

Practice #2 (Use lined paper):
Submit an outline that contains the Element Notes that you will probably use for your final draft.