Brief Description
Students use sequence maps to create personal narratives about their summer vacation.
Objectives
Students will learn how to use a sequence map to create a personal narrative.
Keywords
narrative writing, summer, language arts, sequence map, PowerPoint
Materials Needed
Computer and printer (PowerPoint software optional), crayons, markers, construction paper, glue
Lesson Plan
- Ask students to close their eyes and think about their summer vacations. Then have them list their experiences and circle or highlight one they think they could write three paragraphs about.
- Help each student create a story web for the event using the 5W's & an H: Who was involved? Where and when did it take place? What happened? Why did it happen? How did it happen? Point out that the answers to these questions form the groundwork for their narratives.
- Have students create a sequence map with 5 squares. Explain that square 1 will be the introduction, square 5 will be the conclusion, and squares 2-4 will be the body. The arrows in between represent transitions.
- When students have completed their sequence maps, have them use a word processor to type and edit their narratives. The finished versions should be typed in 2-column format and printed.
- Have students cut shorts or T-shirt shapes from construction paper. Then have them cut up the narrative text and paste it one leg or sleeve. On the opposite leg or sleeve, have them create illustrations that follow the narrative.
- Older students might also create a PowerPoint presentation. When they're finished making their shorts or T-shirts, have students create six-slide PowerPoint presentations of their narratives.
Assessment
The written summer short was graded using a writing rubric. The PowerPoint presentation was also graded using a rubric.
Lesson Plan Source
Patricia Fry (frypatricia@prodigy.net), Templeton Middle School, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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