Writing Fiction

Now that we are several lessons into our fiction writing unit I want to share a little of what we're doing. The Common Core State Standards have clearly defined that fiction remains an important piece of the writing puzzle.  From the core standards website:

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

1. Orient the reader by establishing a situationand introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
   
2. Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations.
   
3. Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events.
   
4. Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.
   
5. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. 

Our fiction unit has, to this point, covered ways we can generate ideas and develop stories.  We are now working on developing believable characters.  The students are excited to share their stories and I love reading their hard work!