Writing Skills – How Do I Plan My Story?

TutorGiant

      Many children love writing stories.  From fantasy, to historical fiction, students enjoy the creativity and self expression that writing a narrative story can offer.
 
     Quite often, students just jump in or write a brief outline before writing their narrative. The problem is that their story doesn't really have a direction and they get lost.  Students should have a good plan, but before they can do so, they should have the key elements of the story in their heads first.

     It is important that students spend time to 'think' about the characters, plot, and setting before writing their story.  
 
     You can help your child write a better narrative story by focusing on the following:

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Characters

·         Are the characters believable?  Even in a fantasy narrative, readers must be able to identify with the characters' actions and thoughts.

·         What is the main character's problem?  The main character must have a problem and goal in the story.

·         Who does the main character represent?  If the story is meant for 10 year olds, the main character should be close in age.

·         Who is the bad guy?  The bad guy, also called the antagonist, should be clearly 'bad' and pose a problem for the main character, who is also called the protagonist.

Plot
 

·         Main problem.  What is the main problem?  Make sure the readers know from the start what the problem is and how it is going to be solved.

·         Beginning, middle, end?  Make sure you have a beginning, middle, and end.  Make sure to write an outline with several parts for each of the beginning, middle, and end.

·         Inspiration?  Try to write your plot by thinking of other books or movies.  You can combine plots from movies or books to create your own unique plot.

Setting
 

·         How many places?  Make sure your story takes place in several places.  Change up the locations; for example, make the story take place indoors, outdoors, and in unique and special places.

·         Familiar settings?  Think of places you have been to, have seen in a movie or TV, or read about.

 
     Ask your child these questions before writing a narrative story.  Your child should write a well detailed outline before starting to write his or her story.  These questions will help your child start to think in the ‘write’ direction.
    

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