Reading Lab #13: Exploring 100-word narratives

Class Syllabus – Grades 6-8

April 11, 2023

Objective: Students will learn how to write about themselves effectively and concisely by exploring examples from The New York Times.

Essential Questions:

1. What does it mean to write concisely?
2. What are the three “writer’s moves” that can guide 100-word narrative writing?

Enduring Understandings:

1. When we write concisely, we use strong words, strategic punctuation, and creative writing devices. In doing so, we are able to tell a story or make a point effectively, without unnecessary sentences and over-elaborate descriptions.
2. The three “writer’s moves” are:
   1. Focus on a single important moment and show how it rippled out.
   2. Remember that, without conflict, there’s no narrative.
   3. Stay true to your voice.

Standards

Grade 6: L.6.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. A. Vary sentence patterns for meaning (syntax), reader/listener interest, and style/voice. B. Maintain consistency in style and tone.

Grade 7: L.7.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. A. Vary sentence patterns for meaning (syntax), reader/listener interest, and style/voice. B. Maintain consistency in style and tone. Grade 8: L.8.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. A. Vary sentence patterns for meaning (syntax), reader/listener interest, and style/voice. B. Maintain consistency in style and tone.

Materials:

• Please print the worksheets
• Pen
• Paper