Use a time line to list the actions from your paragraph. Review the list to make sure the actions are in time order (in the order they happened). Rearrange any actions that are out of order.

• Action 1

Dad and I walk to the beach.

• Action 2

We collect all sorts of seashells.

• Action 3

I spot something dark and shiny.

• Action 4

I grab it before a wave splashes it away.

• Action 5

I show it to my dad.

© Thoughtful Learning        From Write on Track and the unit Writing Narrative Paragraphs

Time-order transitions help show readers the order of actions. Review the list of transitions. Then circle the time-order transitions in the following paragraph.

Time-Order Transitions

First, we climbed many flights of stairs to the top of the slide. Then we waited in a long line for our turn. The wait seemed to last forever, and Jill and I started to get very nervous. When it was our turn, a lifeguard helped us into seats on a rubber inner tube and wished us luck. Finally, the lifeguard nudged the tube into the opening, and away we went, racing down the gigantic water slide.

© Thoughtful Learning        From Write on Track and the unit Writing Narrative Paragraphs

Have a trusted classmate read your paragraph and complete the form.

Peer Response Sheet

Writer’s name:         

Partner’s name:         

Title:         

I really like this about your narrative paragraph:

The topic sentence . . .

The body sentences . . .

The ending sentence . . .

Here’s one way your paragraph can be even better:

© Thoughtful Learning        From Write on Track and the unit Writing Narrative Paragraphs

Read each line. When you can answer each question with a yes, check it off.

Developing Your Ideas

Structuring Your Ideas

© Thoughtful Learning        From Write on Track and the unit Writing Narrative Paragraphs