Lesson Plan: Narrative Writing Diamond
Grade Level: 3
Subject: No specific subject
Duration: 30 minutes
Objective
Students will understand and utilize the Narrative Writing Diamond as a tool to organize their thoughts while crafting a narrative. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to write a short narrative using the diamond structure.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Example of a completed Narrative Writing Diamond
- Handouts with blank Narrative Writing Diamond templates
- Pencils and erasers
Introduction (5 minutes)
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Engage Students:
- Begin with a brief discussion about storytelling. Ask questions like, “What makes a story interesting?” and “What are some elements of a good story?”
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Introduce the Narrative Writing Diamond:
- Explain that the Narrative Writing Diamond is a graphic organizer that helps writers structure their stories clearly. Each point on the diamond represents a crucial part of a narrative.
Explanation of the Narrative Writing Diamond (10 minutes)
Structure of the Narrative Writing Diamond
- Beginning (Top Point): Introduce the characters and setting.
- Conflict (Upper Left Point): Present the main problem or challenge the characters face.
- Rising Action (Lower Left Point): Describe events that lead to the climax, building tension.
- Climax (Bottom Point): The most exciting or intense part of the story.
- Falling Action (Lower Right Point): Show how the characters solve the conflict and begin to resolve the story.
- Resolution (Upper Right Point): Conclude the story, providing closure to the characters’ journey.
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
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Modeling with the Class:
- Use the whiteboard to fill out a Narrative Writing Diamond as a class. Choose a simple story prompt (e.g., “A Day at the Park”) and collaboratively brainstorm ideas for each point of the diamond.
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Handout Distribution:
- Distribute the blank Narrative Writing Diamond templates to each student.
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
- Writing Activity:
- Ask students to think of their own story idea or use one of the suggestions provided (e.g., “A Lost Puppy” or “Finding a Treasure”).
- Instruct them to fill out their Narrative Writing Diamond using the template.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
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Share and Reflect:
- Invite a few students to share their diamonds and discuss their stories.
- Encourage classmates to provide constructive feedback and ask questions about each other's story ideas.
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Wrap-Up:
- Reinforce the importance of organization in writing and how the Narrative Writing Diamond can help clarify their thoughts and enhance their storytelling skills.
Assessment
- Collect the Narrative Writing Diamonds to assess students’ understanding of story structure.
- Provide feedback based on the clarity and creativity of their ideas.
Extensions
- For advanced students, introduce the concept of character development and plot twist as additions to the narrative structure.
- Encourage students to turn their Narrative Writing Diamonds into full short stories for homework or further classwork.
This lesson plan is designed to engage third-grade students in a fun and interactive exploration of narrative writing, using the Narrative Writing Diamond as a foundational tool for their storytelling journey!