PLOT---The PLOT Thickens!

Can you answer the following questions without looking somewhere else for the answers?

• What is expository text? What are some examples?
• What is narrative text? What are some elements of narrative text?
• The main events in the story are called the _________. The side stories and mini-stories within the BIG story are called _________.

(The answers are located at the bottom of this posting!)

So, we have had quite a journey so far. We have really thought about writing and reflected about being writers. Here are some topics we have covered:

1. What kind of writer are you?
2. REVISING
3. What inspires us?
4. Developing a character!
5. Story Ideas
6. Plot

I think it's time for some WRITING. How do you feel about writing a short holiday themed narrative using the conversations we have had so far? Well, I hope you feel good about it...because it is what I am asking you to do!

The prompt I am giving you aks you to write a narrative piece. Think about the plot diagram we looked at last week to "plot out" your story? Make sure your story has all the elements of a good PLOT (set the stage with character and setting, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).

Your story can be as short, or as long, as you see fit. Write enough to tell the story!

PROMPT:

Tell about a time you had special holiday wish.

• What is expository text? What are some examples? Expository texts provide information. Some examples are non-fiction books, textbooks, and reference books.
• What is narrative text? What are some elements of narrative text? Narrative texts tell a story. They include setting, characters, and a plot.
• The main events in the story are called the plot. The side stories and mini-stories within the BIG story are called subplots.

Section 7: Now We Get to the Weird Stuff: Plot PART I

Before I begin today's post, let me share another cool blog with all of you. Mrs. Wallace brought it to the attention of some students she was working with and someone said, "Hey! That is like our 5th grade blog." See! There is a huge collection of us out there. You are a part of a bigger group of "literacy loving" bloggers in this world. How does it feel?

http://www.byrdseed.com/patterns-in-writing-conflict/

 

PLOT.

PLOT.

PLOT.

Did I mention PLOT?

This week, we are thinking about the PLOT of stories and developing a PLOT when we are writing narratives.  The author of Spilling Ink gives some good suggestions. She says...

A.) Think to yourself. Am I the type of story writer who plans a story ahead of time OR am I the type who just writes page to page and lets the story take on a life of its own?

B.) What does your main character want more than anything? What is their desire? What is their MOTIVE?

C.) What difficulties will your character encounter in reaching thier goal? Don't make it easy on your character. Make the readers want to ROOT for your character.

D.) Within the big PLOT (storyline of events) are there any SUBPLOTS (smaller stories within a bigger story)?

WOAH! There is a lot that goes in to telling a great story. It feels good to figure this writing craft out.

Response for the week:

Pretend you are the main character of your story.

What is your MOTIVE? (What do you want more than anything?)

What challenges are going to get in your way? (This is called the RISING ACTION.)