Warm-Up for Narrative Paragraphs
This lesson will help you think about important memories you have that you would like to share in a narrative paragraph.
What Is a Narrative Paragraph?
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A narrative paragraph is a short piece of writing that captures an important moment in your life. Narrative is another word for "story."
Your mind is like a bank for memories. It saves and stores special moments from your life for you to remember and enjoy. For example, what about that day that you hit the winning home run? In a narrative, you pull out a memory from your mind bank and tell the story to others. This unit will show you how to turn a special moment from your life into a story for readers to enjoy.
Thinking About Special Memories
Wouldn’t it be neat if you could experience something great all over again? Imagine if a genie granted you the power to relive three of your favorite memories. What memories would you do over?
Here’s how one student used his three memory wishes.
My Memory Wishes
Wish 1
What memory will you relive?
My vacation to Florida
Who is with you?
My parents, sister, and dog Max
What will you do?
Swim in the ocean and collect seashells
Wish 2
What memory will you relive?
Horseback riding
Who is with you?
My best friend Sally
What will you do?
Wear cowboy boots and ride horses on a country trail
Wish 3
What memory will you relive?
Singing the national anthem at Wrigley Field
Who is with you?
Choir mates and music teacher
What will you do?
Sing the anthem, eat hot dogs, and watch baseball
Relive your memories.
A genie is granting you wishes to relive three of your favorite memories. Choose your memories and answer questions about them.
My Memory Wishes
Wish 1
What memory will you relive?
Who is with you?
What will you do?
Wish 2
What memory will you relive?
Who is with you?
What will you do?
Wish 3
What memory will you relive?
Who is with you?
What will you do?
Teaching Tip
After finishing the activity, tell students that they don’t need a genie to relive memories. The act of writing narratives brings memories to life, too.
Teaching Tip
Students may choose one of the memories from this activity as a topic for a narrative paragraph.