1.3 Writer's Workshop: Personal Narrative

Writing Goal: Personal Narrative

A narrative is a story. It tells something that happened, like in a book or a movie. But books and movies are not the only places to find good stories. Your experiences make great stories, too.

A personal narrative is a true story about something that happened in your life. You might share an exciting, surprising, or scary experience, like the time you went camping and saw a bear. Or you might share a moment when you learned an important lesson.The best personal narratives include many details, helping readers to feel like they are a part of the story, too.

In this unit, you will write a true story from your own life in way that makes it come alive once again! 

Workshop Overview:  Don't forget that the Writer's Workshop consists of 2 parts.

1.  Writer's Notebook:  Open your writer's notebook template for Unit 1 and complete the 3 teacher-directed activities and the 3 student-directed activities.  You should have read the information on the Writer's Notebook in the book at the top of the course.

2.  Major Writing Piece:  The Personal Narrative

  1. Learn how to write a personal narrative.
  2. Look at an example.
  3. Plan your own personal narrative.
  4. Write a first draft and get some feedback to revise your writing.
  5. Revise your writing.
  6. Submit your final draft. 

Writing Targets:

By the end of this workshop you will have incorporated the following into your piece:

  • A strong lead
  • First person point of view
  • Focus/Development of ideas
  • Sequence of events/organization
  • Sensory Details
  • Dialogue
  • Significance of the event
  • Revision

Evaluation:

Click here for the rubric that will be used to grade your major writing assignment.

Click here for the rubric that will be used to grade your writer's notebook.