Warm-Up for Personal Narratives
All of us have important times in our lives. By thinking back to these times, we understand ourselves better. By sharing these times with those we love, we become closer. This lesson will help you think about events in your life.
What Is a Narrative?
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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 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!
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Thinking About a True Story
Before you can share a story, you need to remember all the important things that happened. Asking and answering the 5 W’s questions can activate your memory and help you record important details about your experience.
- Who was with me?
- What exactly happened?
- Where did this happen?
- When did this happen?
- Why did it happen?
You can answer a list of 5 W’s questions like the ones above to remember important details.
5 W’s Memory Chart
You can also answer the questions in a 5 W’s memory chart to help you remember your experience.
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Who? |
Grandpa |
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What? |
We went fishing. We cast our poles. Nothing happened, and I got frustrated. Grandpa told me a story about patience. We waited longer. Finally, we got a bite. Together, we reeled in my first fish! |
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Where? |
On a little boat in a pond outside the city |
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When? |
Early one summer morning |
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Why? |
Grandpa taught me about being patient. My patience paid off, and I finally caught a fish. |
Choose a memorable experience.
Write down an event or experience that you will never forget.
Fill in a 5 W’s memory chart.
Complete the following chart to answer the basic questions about your experience.
5 W’s Memory Chart
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Who? |
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What? |
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Where? |
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When? |
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Why? |
Teaching Tip
The 5 W’s are meant to get students thinking about the people, places, and things involved in their story. If students need more specific 5 W’s questions, have them refer back to the initial bulleted list from above.