writing narratives 

click on the doc below to view the paper formatting directions 

• A time you were afraid.

• A time you were embarrassed.

• Something you wish you’d done differently.

• A time you feel like you failed at something.

• A time you were brave or proud of yourself. 

• Your all-time favorite pair of shoes. 

• The last time you laughed really hard.

• A relative who is special to you.

• First - What is a memory you have of doing something special for the first time? 

• Best - What was the best time/memory/experience you’ve ever had?

• Worst - What was the worst time/memory/experience you’ve ever had?

• Last - What was the last time you remember doing something special? 

• You did not make it on a team 

• You reached a goal of yours 

• You became a leader

• You failed a class/assignment/project

• You got a dog/cat/pet 

• You lost a friend 

• You moved somewhere

• You experienced a new country 

• An experience of religion

• A  wonderful holiday memory 

• A wonderful birthday memory 

• First day of kindergarten

• Last day of school 

• First time you met your best friend

• The best gift you ever received

• An unforgettable food experience 

• The birth of your sibling 

• Wise words of advice from someone 

• Your lowest point/darkest moment 

• A time you felt lost

• Getting an award of some kind 

• Experiencing the loss of a relative 

• A lesson/or book/ or poem that really moved/changed you in some way 

• The best grade you’ve ever received/ or the hardest you’ve worked on an assignment

• The most beautiful setting you’ve found yourself in 

• The best advice received from a teacher 

• Facing your fears 

• The loss of childhood, and getting older 

• A story of COVID or other illnesses

• Family sicknesses and family loss

• The worst fight or argument you’ve ever been in 

• A new relative

• Weddings 

• Graduations 

• Military stories 

• Spending hard earned money on things that matter to you 

• An act of freedom of some kind 

• You learn a new hobby 

• A special childhood memory 

• An act of courage or standing up for one’s self

• 
  

see the document below for an organizer of narratives 

see the image below 

• Show Don't Tell Method 

  •  beginning

I was excited for my birthday party. It was at urban air with all my best friends.

I walked to my living room and my dad had a cat on his lap.

I was nervous on stage.

• • Near 

 I ran up to urban air and was so excited to see the bright lights and all the obstacles.

My dad called me to the living room and I saw the cutest thing ever.

I was very nervous as I looked at the audience.

• Meets 

I saw the flashing lights and long lines as I walked into urban air.

As I walked through my kitchen it smelt like an animal.

Inside, my brain was shutting down as I looked at the hundreds of eyes on me.

• •  Exceeds 

I jumped out of the car in my favorite matching jordan t-shirt and shorts. I could hear the loud music and see the galactic lights before I even got inside. 

“Hey, Cam. Come here,” my dad yelled.

I ran down the stairs, turned the corner and as I walked through my kitchen I saw this orange ball of fur on my dad’s lap.

My heart was beating out of my chest as I tried to catch my breath and sing my first note.

Figurative language 

• similes 

• metaphor 

• personification 

• hyperbole 

• allusion 

Imagery 

• utilize the 5 senses! 

  • describe smells 

  • describe sites- colors sizes animals trees plants buildings etc. 

  • describe tastes 

  • describe sounds

  • describe the way things feel, textures, etc

Actions 

• describing how a character is moving can really lengthen writing as well

• what direction is the character heading 

• is the character moving their arms, or legs in any emotional/ dramatic way 

• facial features can also really help describe and lengthen writing too

See the document below 

Try ending with...

• Imagery paint an image of the future with words

  1. The sparkling turquoise ocean dazzled like a sea of glittering jewels. As I took in the breathtaking view, I snapped a mental picture that would last a lifetime.

• Action where one final act creates new pattern of goodness

  1. Finally, I turned the corner of the school building and my sister came into view. My eyes brimmed with tears as she caught my eye and sprinted eagerly into my arms. 

• Dialogue where two characters discuss the value of the moment 

  1. I can still remember the last thing my aunt said to me that day as we sat watching the waves roll in. "It's your life Jenna, you deserve to live it how you choose." 

• reflection (this one can be challenging to accomplish without simply “telling” the meaning of your narrative - be careful!)

  1. That day, I burned with shame when my teacher called me out. With time, I would realize my mistake. We must have empathy and understanding, otherwise we are just as guilty.