narrative realistic fiction essay

• Jan 13, 2022

Realistic Fiction Writing: Narratives with Meaning

When I was told I was going to be teaching a 7th grade section this year (I only ever taught 6th and put my heart and SOUL into 6th), I was instantly stressed. What OTHER writing could I possibly do that I haven't done with my 6th graders? I do personal narrative , fiction writing in response to reading , research essays , eBooks, literary essays , and fantasy writing in 6th...that's a whole lot! When I prepped my 6th grade units, my intention was to cover everything .

Well, I always search first for Units of Study by Lucy Calkins. I know many people have mixed feelings about her, as do I, but I love her units as a basis for my own units. I do not use her units religiously and never use the scripted writing. So, I got the 7th grade writing units and started digging through the material.

One of the first units is Realistic Fiction Writing. I read the unit and here's my take on it.

The Process

I start with revisiting personal narrative writing. I have them brainstorm ideas for personal narratives and actually write those narratives. As always, I sample one for them. This also allows me to see their writing abilities since this is my first writing unit for the school year.

After they write their narrative, I continue the process of brainstorming based on their own lives . I like to give a lot of real-life examples of movies or shows that were inspired by the creator's own life. I reference the book Ghost by Jason Reynolds, a read-aloud they had the year prior, and how that was inspired by his own childhood.

So, they list more moments from their lives that could inspire fictional stories. I then have them start listing story ideas, encouraging them to focus on a problem that could occur .

After every brainstorm, they write about a topic. They try out the stories .

Next up, and this is where I want them to zero in, I have them focus on current events and social issues . We discuss issues in the world, list those issues, and write ideas based on those issues. I have them go on Newsela for inspiration on topics.

Once they lock down an idea for a story, the next important aspect of realistic writing is character! They complete a slide that focuses on the main character , what they want, what motivates them, what obstacles get in the way, and attitude toward themself/others.

We touch upon the opposing character but not a ton as I want this to be focused more on the issue and on the main character. I did a lot of character developing the year prior with their fantasy stories. I also don't do a lot with setting because, like I said, this was more important with the fantasy writing. I wanted this story to be character-centered .

Writing Scenes

I love teaching students to write scenes as opposed to a set structure. The Lucy Calkins' unit has a lesson on putting the character in an everyday scene . I elaborated on that, having the students use this scene as an opener. Putting the character in their world DOING something is a great introduction in a story. Having them in school, at camp, at home...interacting with people (or not). This all can pave the way to what could happen in the story.

The final step before getting into the drafting of the full story is planning out the story. I always use a story structure chart as my go-to for this. First, I have them use the chart with a mentor short story...one I've used before. Then, they plan their stories based on the chart. You could get this chart for free if you subscribe to my site!

Last but not least, they write! I have a story that I show them. I go through it with them, working through revisions, etc. It's super important that you write what you expect them to write .

That's Not All

There are so many lessons you can do within this unit. Some other lessons you should get into, if not addressed already:

I do show don't tell , focusing on description.

A few lessons on dialogue . Not just punctuating it, but using it to elaborate.

Giving characters problems. You could do this by analyzing some mentors and how the characters always have problems. Interpret how the author presents the problem.

Speaking of mentors, I spend a lot of time having them look at mentor stories, analyzing author's craft and story structure. This also follows my investigating characterization unit .

You may want to consider going over mood and tone , as well, although I focus on this more during fantasy.

Bottom Line

My students loved my story. They actually cheered at the end! They really liked writing about realistic situations because they were able to relate to the scenarios.

It's a great unit to follow a character unit or a personal narrative unit. It's also a great way to start the year with writing.

You can get this entire unit by clicking the picture below!

***Want a CUSTOM BUNDLE from me? Click below!***

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75 Of The Best Fiction Writing Prompts For All Writers

What separates the casual fiction writer from the professional one is the commitment to daily writing. But sometimes it’s more of a challenge to get the words flowing.

If nothing triggered you today, and if your mind is playing hopscotch with ideas, fiction writing prompts can get you past the brain block into full writing mode.

The following lists are fiction writing prompts for adults and realistic fiction writing prompts, and while there’s nothing NSFW ahead, the fiction writing ideas are best suited to books written for mature readers.

Here’s how to use these writing prompts:

• Choose a prompt that inspires you to write.
• Feel free to alter the writing idea to suit your creative writing needs.
• View the prompt as an idea to kickstart your writing .
• Begin writing and allow your ideas to flow and lead your writing wherever it might go.
• Write as little or as much as you wish to prime your imaginative juices.
• Don’t judge or critique what you’ve written — just enjoy the process.
• Once you’ve completed the novel prompt writing, move on to your book writing , or use the prompt writing as part of a book you might decide to write.

75 Fiction Writing Prompts and Realistic Fiction Writing Prompts

Try one of these 75 fiction writing prompts to improve your creative writing . Some of these are realistic fiction writing prompts, while others have a more fantasy or mystery bent to them.

Choose the prompt that most inspires you, and start writing!

1. This superhero lives on the streets. While the people she saves are safe and warm, she wanders alone, exposed to the elements. She’s asexual, so she’s not looking for a mate, but she wouldn’t mind having someone to watch her back.

2. An unknown spacecraft has sent a rain of unknown elements into the atmosphere, and soon every flower that blooms releases a new, sentient being into the air. And they’re all connected — except for one, whose connection to the hive mind is severed somehow before the opening of his flower. All his fellow, winged warriors have a plan for the people of Earth; he’s the only one looking for a way to save them.

3. He promised me becoming a zombie wouldn’t change him. He had a solution that would preserve his personality and make it possible for him to protect those he loved..

4. A new modern apartment complex is now open, and you’re one of the first to apply for one of its one-bedroom luxury apartments. Less than a week after you move in, tenants start disappearing. Then someone leaves a gift basket at your door….

5. Someone leaves a package with a new, loaded smartphone and a cryptic note in your mailbox. That night, you get a call on that phone, and you answer it. A voice on the other end asks, “Ready to change your life?”

6. You get a chill from something while standing in a grocery store checkout line, and someone cries out and points a finger at you, backing away. “Did anyone else see that?” she asks in a panicky voice, grabbing her baby and heading out the door without her groceries.

7. You left the windows open last night to cool the house after a 90 degree summer day. You wake up to an icy chill and snow blowing in. You soon learn that a catastrophic event has brought on a new ice age. It just so happens you know something that could reverse the freeze before humans become extinct from exposure and starvation.

8. You love how you get when a creative idea takes hold of you, but your loved ones do not. In fact, one by one, they write you off, though you can’t remember why. Then, one evening, the unthinkable happens, and your latest creative idea takes on a life of its own.

9. Your friend just committed suicide, and soon after the funeral, the letters start coming, sent by someone who knew your friend and who (apparently) knows where you live. This someone blames you for your friend’s death, and she won’t stop until you pay for it.

10. Your best friend is suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction, and there’s no epi pen. As his airways swell shut and his heart stops, there’s no one around to help, and you scream in desperation. That’s when you hear a sound in your own voice that you’ve never heard before. Seconds later, your friend gasps and scrambles to his feet, all signs of swelling gone.

11. Your fiance’s family has staged an intervention to bully you into changing your beliefs and teaching your children to embrace their way of life — and your fiance says nothing in your defense.

12. Your supermodel-thin friend barely survives a terrible car accident, but it changes her. The happy-go-lucky girl with the racecar metabolism and the hot boyfriend has morphed into a moody but more empathetic girl who quickly grows out of her wardrobe and becomes the target of cruel jokes.

13. A predatory classmate ends up dead in your backyard just hours after making unwanted advances to you in the school library. Part of him is missing.

14. Write a story from the point of view of the villain, but don’t reveal the narrator as the villain until the end.

Related: 15 Tips To Help You Write Better And Attract More Readers

15. On Valentine’s Day (which you never celebrate), you receive a surprise anonymous package with a box of licorice all-sorts. The slogan on the side of the box reads, “Everyone is somebody’s favorite.” The last person who called you his favorite died a year ago.

16. You go to sleep one night in an immaculate, luxury apartment and wake up in a small, dingy loft apartment that is full of stacks of newspapers and magazines, elaborately arranged to form the walls of a labyrinth.

17. You’re given the chance to go back in time to save the life of your best friend, but the price is a mission only you can carry out as the doppelganger of a mass murderer’s close confidant. Your mission is to make sure he takes a trip that will lead him into a trap.

18. You write a novel with a main character who has telepathic abilities. You start having dreams about this character, who wants you all to himself. His first token of affection is to punish your neighbor, who has openly criticized your book.

19. Your quirky, potty-mouthed Aunt Em has come to live with you, and the first thing she does is rearrange the kitchen and claim the role of chef and home renovator. You’re fine with it until she hires an assistant, who just happens to be the apartment manager’s recently fired son.

20. You inherit a house from an uncle but decide to rent it out rather than living in it. After interviewing several applicants, you agree to rent it to two brothers…

21. For as long as you can remember, every time you feel panicked, you’ve found yourself quietly singing “Jingle Bells.” You’re about to find out why, and it will change everything.

22. A homeless man is attacked in your neighborhood and sustains a serious head injury. You get him to the hospital, and they save his life, but upon his discharge from the hospital, he starts making money more quickly than you thought was even possible.

23. A stray animal shows up at your door — no tags or anything — and after feeding it, you decide to adopt it. That night, when a stranger comes to your door, you find out the animal is not what it appears to be.

24. You start taking a new dietary supplement you learned about from a late-night commercial, and it does everything it promised — and more.

25. You’re on your way home after work, and you see a strange light up ahead. You get closer, and you see what looks like a black hole about to swallow up your apartment complex. You look up to see your roommate on the balcony taking pictures of it.

26. You go to sleep alone and wake up very pregnant. After checking the calendar and vomiting a few times, you call in sick and schedule an appointment for an ultrasound. Then your boyfriend shows up.

27. A strange plant appears in your window planter, and when its solitary bloom opens, impossible things start happening.

28. You wake up a different gender but with similar facial features.

29. You visit your estranged father and learn some things about him that change the way you see yourself — and everyone else. Turns out, he keeps a low profile for a reason.

30. Your kid starts manifesting a strange, new ability (or no longer hiding it from you), and you know it’s just a matter of time before he attracts unwanted attention. And you’re afraid of what he can do to protect you both — and how it could change him.

31. You’ve always had freakishly good night vision, but with that comes an extreme sensitivity to light. You live like a mole, working overnight shifts and keeping the windows of your apartment covered in blackout curtains. You’ve even disabled the light switches. So, when a thief breaks in, you make him regret it. And it starts something.

32. Your eyes are brown with flecks of green that intensify when you get a sudden chill or come close to remembering something that changed you as a child. Someone notices the intense green in your eyes one day and calls you a freak. He looks familiar.

33. You discover an ability that puts you (more) at odds with your in-laws, and you learn of their plan to get your husband to divorce you and get full custody of your two children.

34. You sign up for a wine delivery service, and while the cases are always left at your door, things start changing in your house. Though you never drink to excess, you start losing chunks of time. And the wine is better than anything you’ve ever tasted.

35. You come home one day and find someone else living there who swears she’s lived there for years. When you look for proof that she’s lying, you find proof to the contrary.

36. You’re making your usual breakfast when you suddenly find you can’t stomach the thought of eating it. When you put a name to your new craving, it scares you. But it won’t go away.

Related: How to Outline A Nonfiction Book

37. You find a ring while walking in the park. The stones aren’t diamonds, and you at first suspect it’s a piece of junk jewelry from the previous night’s Halloween revels. But you like it enough to keep it. No one is more surprised than you when it saves your life.

38. An unknown relative shows up and tells you something you didn’t know about your mother’s family history — and the power that went with it.

39. You’ve started your NaNoWriMo project, and it’s off to a decent start. But when you open the file the next day, you see much more written for it, and the writing is terrible. Then you see that the story is still developing, and while the writing makes your head hurt, the story is drawing you in. Literally.

40. You go to your closet to get a change of clothes for the day before taking a shower, and you find a huge selection of designer clothes (tags still attached) that weren’t there before.

41. You sign up for a class at a local gym, and when you meet the instructor, she seems familiar — and not in a good way.

42. Your kid takes home a Chromebook from school, and one evening you see him staring at the screen, looking entranced. He takes a sudden interest in keeping his room immaculate and volunteering as a member of a new political candidate’s campaign staff.

43. You’ve just given birth to a surprisingly healthy baby two months before the due date, but your husband has inexplicably abandoned you both, and a generous stranger has learned of your situation and offered to help you out and fill the void.

44. Your mother shows up at your door asking for help. Something has taken residence at her home, and she doesn’t feel safe there anymore. You visit the house on your own, and find someone living there who asks, “Where did Mom go?”

45. You finally find a responsible roommate to share the cost of a new luxury apartment. The problem? He knows everything about you — and there’s no reason why he should.

46. You don’t remember the last time you slept for longer than an hour at a time, and you see things others don’t. The things you see that others don’t are causing accidents, and when you try to prevent one, you end up getting blamed for it.

47. Your 12-year-old daughter goes to use the bathroom at the hospital while you’re both visiting her older sister. When she comes back, she seems visibly unsettled, but that gives way to an eery calm and unshakable confidence that her sister will make a full recovery.

48. After experiencing your first nighttime paralysis, you start to see changes in your body. Soon, those changes will be impossible to hide, and a new acquaintance surprises you by making accurate guesses about what you’ve been going through.

49. When you’re about to kill a spider, your kid stops you, catches it, and runs outside to free it. You think maybe killing the non-native spider would have been kinder than putting it outside in the frost-covered grass, but your kid knows something you don’t.

50. It’s Halloween, and your neighbor dresses up as the president and tries to repair his reputation by volunteering at a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, the costume takes over, and he starts firing the other volunteers, one of whom decides to give their homeless guests a Halloween spectacle they won’t forget.

51. Your routine doctor appointment takes a sinister turn when your doc tells you he could put you higher on the waiting list for a liver transplant if you’d pay his ex a visit and help him set a trap for her.

52. Your new smartphone is so much faster than your old one — much faster than you expected from a discounted return. Then you start getting messages made up of symbols you don’t recognize. They resemble hieroglyphs.

53. You’re a high schooler, and today’s lunch is unexpectedly delicious — so delicious that you go back for the seconds. Someone in the kitchen is watching and writing in a notebook.

54. You’re constantly attracting unwanted attention, and you meet someone who knows why. It’s not just your looks that make you unignorable. You’re actually sending out a signal that those around you can’t help responding to. Your new acquaintance offers to train you, so you’ll make better use of your power.

55. You’re sick to death of the clutter in your house, and through a magazine ad, you meet someone who says he can give you the power to instantly transform any room to match a picture you can see in front of you or in your mind’s eye. The only price is one minute of memory from each day.

56. You win a two-week vacation in a real castle (somewhere overseas) with airfare, transportation, and meals, included — along with other surprises. One of them wants to make sure you never leave.

57. You move into a house that has a treehouse out back in one of the tallest, oldest trees. You don’t know until you explore it that the treehouse changes to better suit its occupant. The tree and its house have accepted you. But what does it expect of you?

58. You find an abandoned cabin that is perfect for use as a writer’s getaway, and after some preparations, you settle in for a two-week’ reprieve from city life. The animals aren’t as shy as you expect them to be, though, and they seem to know something about the cabin that you don’t.

59. Your car goes over the edge and down a steep hill. All you remember is the flash of light and the sound of glass breaking before you open your eyes. You check your kids, but none of them answer, and your phone, which had half a charge just minutes ago, is completely dead and unresponsive.

60. You’re shopping for a new computer, and you find one on eBay that the owner says was a gift that he used only briefly before he upgraded to a MacBook. You buy it and revel in its blinding speed and special features. It wakes you that night with a loud beep and prompts you with a single sentence on the screen, “Will you play with me?”

61. Chocolate and wine have gotten you through many a break-up, but this one is harder than most. You wonder why, and a gift from this SO stares you in the face, reminding you of how different your relationship was from those you’ve had with others..

62. Your neighbor has ordered furniture for you from IKEA, and you’re not sure how to deal with it. You love the couch, but you don’t have the budget for it, and you barely know your new neighbor, who seems to have unlimited funds but spends it unpredictably.

63. One of your aunts has died leaving you her pet ______, who helps you cut the toxic people out of your life by scaring them away. One of the few visitors this pet will tolerate is someone you’ve barely noticed but who intuitively knows about and anonymously meets the needs of others in the apartment building.

64. You go fishing in the lake behind your house, and when your hook catches on something, you pull it up. It turns out to be the body of a murder victim, and when the lake is further searched, other bodies are found. Twelve other houses surround the lake, and the police suspect you as much as any of the other residents.

65. You’re renovating your basement and remove a wall that was put in place by one of the previous owners. Behind it is a garbage bag full of cash, and when you examine it, you find it to be genuine.

66. Your spouse tells other Catholics that he knew you were the one when he found out your confirmation saint was the same saint he prayed to for a good Catholic wife. Meanwhile, you’re questioning beliefs you used to take for granted.

67. You wake up to the burglar alarm, and before you can see who has broken in, someone puts a pillowcase over your head and forces you up and out the door.

68. You get a job at your favorite coffee shop, and you meet some local authors, one of whom learns of your book and invites you to their group. They meet in what used to be the living room of a house rumored to be haunted.

69. You can barely make out how many fingers you’re holding up until an elderly neighbor with perfect eyesight shares a secret with you. But there’s a price to pay.

70. You go to sleep listening to static on your radio, which can’t pick up any AM stations. You find out one night, when your bladder wakes you up, that it’s picking up something other than static.

71. You bid on and win an old record player and record collection at an auction. You don’t expect the music to affect you as profoundly as it does and your family thinks you’re just trying to make up for the amount you spent on it. You’re not.

72. You get new glasses at the new eye clinic in town, and they allow you to see better than ever. In fact, when you want to, you can see minute detail from a great distance and microscopic detail up close. This is how you find out your sister’s mole is a malignant melanoma. You also avoid being poisoned by a spiteful coworker. Your fascination with frogs and your large collection of them has made close relationships a challenge.

73. You listen to an audio file designed to make you more creative, and you go into a trance and write a book that people the world over can’t get enough of. Then a visitor asks you if you listened to the entire recording. When you admit to having stopped the recording before it was finished, the visitor smiles in relief and tells you not to listen to the end and to delete the file.

74. When a favorite aunt dies, you inherit a bookstore with an apartment on the upper floor. You look at the finances and realize you have to let go of one of your three employees.

75. You check out a house you like and find moths in every room. The realtor tells you it shouldn’t be a problem to get rid of them but that the house is completely free of other pests — including spiders (which are a huge problem in the area). You buy the house.

Did you enjoy these realistic fiction writing prompts?

Keep this list handy whenever you need a writing prompt to unlock your creativity and kickstart your daily writing.

In fact, you may find ideas for several novels or stories that you can write down the road. Take one of these ideas and begin to flesh out an outline and characters for your story. Let your imagination take you on a journey that may lead to your bestselling book!

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Blogs / Creative Writing / Realistic Fiction: Definition and Examples

Realistic Fiction: Definition and Examples

What is realistic fiction.

Every story (even realistic fiction story) takes us into a different world. We experience the familiar in strange, new ways or discover the strange is oddly familiar.

Realistic fiction offers the reader a familiar setting with people they recognize from daily life. Realistic fiction offers the writer the chance to explore the world as they perceive it, from the unique lens of personal experience to create an emotional and intellectual reaction in the reader: to see the world through new eyes.

The audience for realistic fiction is as wide as the world.

Drawn to the familiar with curiosity about how others live, readers come to realistic fiction for the promise of believable characters in realistic settings dealing with relatable issues.

The recognizable makes it easy to suspend disbelief and live with these characters. From here, the writer has the opportunity to move hearts and minds.

Realistic fiction offers readers a message.

This doesn’t have to be a moral lesson. Through realistic fiction, the author can offer a message about people, nature or the world and help the reader explore their own beliefs and values.

Writers of realistic fiction do more than entertain, they offer a mirror into our world and ourselves.

The characters and situations stay in our minds, showing options for choices and actions we can take in a world where we can’t count on magic powers or a superhero to save us.

Key Elements

• Believable characters (dialogue reflects real life which may include regional dialects and sentence fragments)
• Set in the present or recent past
• Realistic setting (can be invented but must conform to the current world)
• Relatable conflict or central issue/dilemma (may be drawn from current events and issues) or from common human issues/problems (like divorce, loss, growing up, or mental illness)
• Message that reader can apply to everyday life

How does Realistic Fiction fit with Other Genres?

While narrative nonfiction must be grounded in the truth, realistic fiction can draw from current events and issues without the constraints of accuracy. You can read more about narrative nonfiction here .

Does this definition mean that realistic fiction is another name for literary fiction?

Both explore humans in realistic settings. It is possible that your realistic fiction may employ symbols and probe the human condition with a character-driven plot.

What defines literary fiction can be as much how the audience and critics respond to it as it is the intent of the writer.

If you are writing realistic fiction, you may find others will label it literary fiction, or not. The key for you will be your readers. Who are you writing this for? Who are you communicating with through this story? If you aren’t intentionally writing literary fiction, relax and write to reach your readers.

Realistic fiction can include realistic historical fiction, but historical fiction’s setting requires commitment to research the time period, place and people to avoid plot holes that may take the reader out of the story.

Realistic fiction is set in the current time period or recent past.

You will want to research if you are using an actual place or issue to ensure you make it as authentic as possible, but you won’t need to explore older texts to see how things have changed if you visit a site for research.

If you want to set your realistic fiction further in the past, check out this blog on Historical Fiction !

Finally, the genre expectations for realistic fiction are to explore issues that are relatable to the reader through modern, realistic setting, plot and characters. This offers a frame for other genres as subplots such as romance, adventure or mystery.

If you integrate these subplots, be sure to meet essential genre expectations for your reader.

For example, to infuse romance into your story, check out this blog .

The Fault in Our Stars weaves a strong romance into the realistic story. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? includes a mystery as the title suggests. With the core dilemma rooted in our common human condition, these remain primarily realistic fiction.

For the writer

• Using a contemporary issue you feel passionate about,
• Finding an everyday struggle you want to address in your unique way, and;
• If, and how, your own beliefs will play a role in your story.
• Just because it is set in the real, mundane world, your story shouldn’t be mundane or boring!
• Be sure you have high stakes for your protagonist if they don’t reach their story goal.
• The ending must give a sense of completion but avoid being predictable. Because of Winn-Dixie offers an example of this.
• Realistic fiction is set in current times, but can transcend becoming dated with compelling characters facing relatable issues. The Outsiders and The Great Gatsby are rooted in their time and speak to readers today.
• Keep your settings vivid as well as accurate; use senses to bring your settings to life

There are some limits to remain true to the promise of realistic fiction:

• The solution to obstacles must be believable and rooted in the character’s actions
• No supernatural/magic solutions! If you want to look at these elements within a realistic current world, consider urban fantasy or supernatural genres. Or look to examples of realistic fiction that integrate fantasy in a realistic way such as Bridge to Terabithia where the characters create an imaginary world.

As you write your realistic fiction story, know that you are giving your readers an open door into another life. They will be able to see how the message relates to their own life.

You are giving them the gift of reflecting on how they see the world and how that might be different.

They can see how to transform the world. Realistic fiction gives you a vessel to steer your reader toward finding a new truth, recognizing a bit of themselves and, hopefully, thinking about the world a little differently than before.

Examples of Realistic Fiction

The world is full of amazing examples of realistic fiction that appeal to a wider readership. Whether rooted in humor or drama, realistic novels will engage your heart and mind. Here are just a few examples:

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

Article Written by Lisa Taylor

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What Is Realistic Fiction? Examples And How to Write In This Style

• February 19, 2022

What is realistic fiction? It might not be a stretch of the imagination, but realistic fiction presents its narrative in a way that reflects real life. It is written to represent a narrative in a natural and identifiable way to the reader, where the stories could have actually occurred to people.

What is realistic fiction?

Realistic fiction stories frequently cover some aspect of modern, everyday life. Here are some characteristics of realistic fiction:

• Stories take place in the familiar world, usually in the current era or recent past and mirror contemporary everyday life.
• Characters live in places that the reader knows are real or believably real.
• Characters have relatable issues or are involved in realistic, believable events that could actually happen.
• Conflicts are reality-based and, in some ways, relatable. Conflicts are also resolved (or not) in a realistic way.
• The issues or events in realistic fiction are matters that someone may face in real life, or they could know someone who has faced them.

Characteristics of Realistic Fiction

Believability is key.

If there is one thing that defines realistic fiction, the stories are believable. In these stories, readers will find real-world settings and characters in stories that feel the same as the reality they share.

Believable setting

The settings in a realistic fiction story are the ones we already know. It might be a public school, a hospital, or a sports event. If it is not based on something familiar to the reader, it should be rooted in reality or realism, making the setting believable.

While a setting like outer space can be believable, it is not realistic for most people’s experiences, and you would be less likely to see that depicted in a realistic fiction story. Setting the story at the base station on earth might be a better idea.

Believable characters

As much as people love the character of Superman, he’s not a very believable character. He is an alien from a dead planet who lives between two identities on earth while fighting for justice and the American way. That certainly captures our imagination, but it is understood that this is external to realistic characters.

Characters in realistic fiction will be just like real people. They could be just like people you know. They’ll have positive traits and negative ones. Some will be tall, and others will be small. They will have their abilities but also their vulnerabilities, and some shade of the characters in a realistic fiction story will remind us of ourselves or someone we know or someone we know of. They will be fictional characters, but they will still feel real.

Believable stories

Feats of enormous strength are humanly possible but rare. Believable stories are ones that could happen to anyone. Being stuck in line at the DMV, getting into a car crash, or taking a trip to Italy are examples of stories we know happen in life. These are stories people might have experienced, wish to experience, or never want to experience.

Believability is the cornerstone of realistic fiction. If the story is not believable, how can it be realistic?

Examples of Realistic Fiction

A popular example from the realistic fiction genre would be  The Fault in our Stars  by John Green , a book about a teenage girl struggling with cancer. In this regard, it is fiction about something set in real life, in a manner that readers can identify or empathize with.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid  by Jeff Kinney is about a young boy who must navigate the turbulent world of middle school.  The Catcher in the Rye  by JD Salinger is about a maladjusted teen who struggles to find out where he belongs.

More examples:

• The Hate U Give  by Angie Thomas
• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian  by Sherman Alexie
• To Kill A Mockingbird  by Harper Lee

Historical fiction

This genre consists of real, historical events and writes a fictional narrative into the timeline. The characters, setting, and events might be rooted in reality, but details or the entire narrative are fictional. It is rooted in realistic fiction in depicting a real moment in history, with characters and events that could be real. JFK might be a character, as in Don DeLillo’s  Libra , but some or all of the aspects of the story are fictional.

What divides the two genres is how historical fiction does not necessarily bind itself to the recent past. It might go back twenty years or could go back a thousand. It uses fact as a foundation and could be realistic, but tends to be further back in history than the events portrayed in the realistic fiction genre.

If  To Kill a Mockingbird  was written today in its exact form, it would be considered historical fiction. But since it was written when it was set, it is deemed realistic fiction. (Though due to its age, it might now be also regarded as historical fiction).

Since realistic fiction is rooted in the real world and real events, the authors commit to a certain amount of research to ensure that their work is accurate and believable.

Out of respect for the events and people portrayed (even partly), writers must commit to a certain level of research to truly understand the subjects they write about. John Green had to understand the types of cancer he was writing about in  The Fault in Our Stars , and so he needed to research the topics to accurately and realistically represent them.

Even if authors have experienced these things first hand, research helps them better understand the circumstances leading up to the event or how to depict the events in the story better.

Responsibility in realistic fiction

Authors of realistic fiction must be sensitive to stereotypes and offensive depictions of disadvantaged people. If an author is going to write about the impact cancer might have on a family or the shock that racism might have on new immigrants, it makes sense that the writer should understand something of that topic before they sit down to write about it.

Writing realistic fiction

If you are interested in crafting your own realistic fiction book, consider the above parameters. Like other genres, there are norms for those particular genres, and realistic fiction is no different in that regard. When stories resemble something that might happen in real life, they are realistic fiction.

 If an author can make their realistic fiction conjure questions that the reader has about their own reality, they will make their book more engaging.

When you write realistic fiction, you must work within the believable setting of a real-world context in the current day or recent history. The story will need to feel contemporary, with current events or modern cultural indicators and lifestyles. Social or personal events should feel like they are occurring today.

Locations will be real locations that the reader knows, has heard of, or can easily research for themselves.

You must have characters that reflect the depth of a real person , one the reader might know. They will need to move through the real world you’ve created in completely realistic ways. They will have characteristics like the reader’s, or at least familiar or interesting to them. This can involve mannerisms, patterns of speaking, appearance, history, flaws, etc.

Characters in realistic fiction must be someone that you could pass on the street. That means no superheroes. (Real-life superheroes are an exception) 

The conflict will be relatable . If the reader hasn’t experienced it, they know that someone in today’s world could experience it. They will know that it is a conflict that will mirror contemporary life somehow, whether it be human versus human or human versus technology.

The conflict might be internal as well. It might be human versus self, including internal and external struggles with mental illness.

Research is likely necessary to create a compelling and believable fiction story. Even when a writer is full of knowledge about a particular subject, they will probably have to do some research to help fill in the gaps.

Do your realistic fiction justice and give it the credibility it deserves. Know your topics as well as you should, as the credibility and accuracy will provide you with readers that cling to your every word and want to continue reading your books.

Stay in your lane

It might be impossible to avoid stepping on some toes, but it would be wise to avoid meddling with stereotypes, social issues, or fiction that might exploit any group of people that you are not a part of. If you are not a black author, it would not be a good idea to write realistic fiction from the perspective of a black person.

If an author feels their work is well intended, then it is another reason why thorough research is needed to ensure they know their topic enough to give it the respect it deserves. 

In conclusion

Realistic fiction resembles the world we live in, with lives, traits, and settings that we recognize. The stories resemble real everyday life and show us ourselves in the world, or a part of the world we didn’t know about and will command empathy and awe from readers due to the relatability of the world in which the character lives or struggles.

Every news story we see, every rider on a bus, and every smile on the street has a story attached. Characteristics of realistic fiction capture those moments and characters to reflect the world we know and understand and to build bridges to help us better understand each other and other cultures.

Realistic stories can also help a reader understand certain things within themselves. When they identify with the conflicts and realities of the characters in a realistic fiction book, they better understand themselves and their own dilemmas when they find themselves reacting to what is being read.

Even if the reader does not fully relate to the book’s content, due to the realistic nature of what has been written, they will gain insights that are authentic and insightful. Whether a short story or a novel, realistic fiction sets out to share an experience from the modern world.

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How to Write a Narrative Essay

Essay writing comes in many forms, not all of which require extensive research. One such form is the narrative essay, which blends personal storytelling with academic discussion. Authors of these essays use their own experiences to convey broader insights about life.

This genre offers writers a unique chance to connect with readers on a personal level. By sharing experiences and reflections, authors engage their audience emotionally while conveying important messages or lessons. In the following sections, our custom term paper writing experts will explore various aspects of narrative writing, from choosing a topic to effectively structuring your essay!

What Is a Narrative Essay

A narrative essay is a piece of writing that tells a story, often based on personal experiences. Unlike academic or journalistic writing, which sticks to facts and a formal style, narrative essays use a more creative approach. They aim to make a point or impart a lesson through personal stories. These essays are commonly assigned in high school or for college admissions. An effective narrative essay typically follows a chronological order of events and has three main traits:

• Has one main idea.
• Uses specific facts to explain that idea.
• Follows a clear order of events.

A narrative essay resembles short stories in structure, with vivid illustrations, plots, characters, and discussion. However, there are key differences. These essays are focused on a central theme or argument and conclude decisively, while short stories often have a more abstract moral or message.

A narrative essay is usually written in the first person and follows a standard structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Short stories, on the other hand, can take various formats.

What is the Purpose of a Narrative Essay

When tasked with writing, you might wonder what the exact purpose of a narrative essay is. Here are various scenarios where you might need to write one:

• School Assignments: Teachers often assign them to help students improve their writing and storytelling skills. Sharing personal experiences lets students get feedback and improve.
• Reflective Writing: They offer a chance to think about personal achievements. Whether it's winning an award or reaching a goal, writing about these experiences helps people understand their importance and share them with others. Meanwhile, if you wish to describe your life in greater depth, you might look at how to write an autobiography .
• Application Requirements: They're often needed for job, internship, or scholarship applications. These essays let applicants show their experiences and goals, standing out from others.
• Literary Analysis : In literature classes, you might write them to analyze stories or poems. You'll explore themes, characters, and how the story is told.
• Historical Reflection : In history or social studies, you'll use these essays to think about events in the past. By imagining the experiences of people in different times, you can understand history better.
• Cultural Exploration : These essays help you explore different cultures. In classes like anthropology or sociology, you might write about your own culture or learn about others by telling their stories.

How to Write a Narrative Essay in 5 Steps

Crafting a narrative essay is a whole different ball game compared to other school essays. Instead of analyzing topics, it's about sharing personal experiences through storytelling. By walking through a few easy steps below, you can turn your ideas into a gripping narrative. And, if sharing your personal stories is not your cup of tea, you can buy essays online from our expert writers, who will customize the paper to your particular writing style and tone.

Step 1: Start with a Topic Selection

When writing a narrative essay, start by choosing a topic that either relates to your own experiences or matches a given prompt. If there's a prompt, think about what it asks for and brainstorm ideas that fit.

As you brainstorm, write down key points or moments you want to include. Think about how each point fits into your essay's structure and if it meets any word count limits.

Consider the tone and style you want for your writing. Will it be reflective or humorous? Are there specific stylistic choices you want to use, like repeating phrases or leaving cliffhanger endings? These choices shape your narrative and keep your reader engaged. And, stay flexible as you explore ideas. You can always tweak your topic, tone, and style as you write.

Read more on Narrative Essay Topic to skip the brainstorming and choose a ready-made option!

Step 2: Make a Clear Outline

Once you've picked your topic, make a narrative essay outline. It acts as a roadmap for telling your story effectively. Identify the key points you want to cover, like important events or lessons learned, and assign each to a paragraph, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

The outline will plan the progression of your narrative, letting you map out events and decide how much detail to give each point. For example, if you're writing about overcoming a challenge, your outline might have a paragraph for background, then paragraphs detailing your perseverance and the obstacles you faced. Finally, if you're wondering how to write an essay conclusion , you'll just summarize the experience and its lessons.

Step 3: Write Your Narrative Essay

Now, it's time to start writing a narrative essay! Use your outline as a guide, and write each section with clear and engaging language.

Remember, narrative essays are about expressing yourself creatively, so don't worry about sticking to formal academic writing rules. Focus on captivating your reader and bringing your story to life.

Tip 💡 Use first-person : Write from your perspective using pronouns like 'I' and 'me' to make your narrative essay personal and engaging.

Tip 💡 Employ storytelling techniques : Use techniques from fiction and creative nonfiction, like dialogue and symbolism, to enhance your narrative and engage readers.

Tip 💡 Show, don't tell : Instead of just stating facts, use vivid descriptions and sensory details to let the reader experience the story with you.

Tip 💡 Be authentic : Stay true to your own voice and experiences. Share your thoughts and feelings honestly to make your narrative essay genuine and relatable.

Step 4: Don't Forget to Revise

After finishing your essay, it's crucial to revise and refine it. But first, take a break after your first draft to return with fresh eyes and a clear mind. This is one of the most important tips for writing a narrative essay, making it easier to identify areas that need improvement.

When you return, read through your essay carefully to ensure logical flow and coherence. Check for any inconsistencies or gaps in the narrative and make revisions as needed to improve clarity. Pay attention to details such as tense, point of view, and narrative voice throughout your essay.

Step 5: Proofread Your Writing

As you consider ending a narrative essay, it's important to carefully proofread it for any remaining errors or typos. Pay attention to details such as formatting and citation style, if necessary. Sharing your essay with trusted friends, family, or teachers and seeking their feedback can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement that you may have overlooked. Based on the feedback received and your own observations during the revision process, make changes to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of your essay. Remain open to making significant changes if necessary to enhance the quality of your narrative.

Narrative Essay Format

The narrative essay format is crucial for captivating readers and creating memorable stories. Whether it's a personal essay or fiction, these guidelines will help you take readers on a journey, making them feel immersed in the action:

• Introduction : Set the scene and introduce the characters and setting. Use a hook to grab readers' attention.
• Plot : Have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each part building on the last. Include a conflict or problem for the protagonist to overcome.
• Characters : Develop well-rounded characters with distinct personalities and motivations. Ensure the protagonist has a clear goal, and the antagonist provides a challenge.
• Setting : Describe the time and place effectively to set the mood and support the story's themes.
• Dialogue : Use realistic dialogue to reveal characters' traits and move the plot forward.
• Climax : Reach the highest point of tension or conflict, leading to resolution.
• Resolution : Provide a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends.

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Narrative Essay Examples

If you need inspiration for your next essay, check out these excellent samples from our essay writer . Use them as a guide to craft your own narrative, and let your unique voice and experiences shine.

Narrative Essay Example for College

College professors search for the following qualities in their students:

• the ability to adapt to different situations,
• the ability to solve problems creatively,
• and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Your work must demonstrate these qualities, regardless of whether your narrative paper is a college application essay or a class assignment. Additionally, you want to demonstrate your character and creativity. Describe a situation where you have encountered a problem, tell the story of how you came up with a unique approach to solving it, and connect it to your field of interest. The narrative can be exciting and informative if you present it in such fashion.

Narrative Essay Example for High School

High school is all about showing that you can make mature choices. You accept the consequences of your actions and retrieve valuable life lessons. Think of an event in which you believe your actions were exemplary and made an adult choice. A personal narrative essay example will showcase the best of your abilities. Finally, use other sources to help you get the best results possible. Try searching for a sample to see how others have approached it.

Final Recap

Now that you understand what a narrative essay is, you're likely eager to create a top-notch paper. So, let our team of skilled writers lend a hand! Our research paper writing service provides various professional services tailored to your specific needs. With flexible pricing and quick turnaround, you can be confident you're getting excellent value!

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What Is A Narrative Essay?

How to start a narrative essay, how to write a good narrative essay, related articles.

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• 20 Writing Realistic Stories

Start-Up Activity

Tell your students a true story about something that recently happened to you. If you can't think of something, tell them this story:

I went grocery shopping yesterday and was about halfway done. Then I remembered I forgot to get apples, so I left my cart and went to get apples. I returned with a bag of apples and put them in my cart and finished shopping. When I was checking out, I recognized the first few things I put on the belt, but after the apples, I didn't remember picking the other items. A woman came up behind me and said, "I think we got our carts switched." That was embarrassing!

After telling the story, ask what ways the story could be changed to be a made-up story, but still believable. (Answers include changing the people involved, describing specific purchases that were surprising, or even having the two people buy each others' groceries and not realize until they got home.) Let students know they will be doing the same thing with events from their own lives—turning them into realistic stories.

Think About It

“I never had to choose a subject—my subject rather chose me.”

—Ernest Hemingway

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.3.D

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.3.rl.1.1, lafs.3.rl.1.2, lafs.3.rl.1.3, lafs.3.rl.2.5, lafs.3.w.1.3, lafs.3.w.2.4, lafs.3.w.2.5, lafs.3.w.3.7, teks covered in this chapter, 110.5.b.6.b, 110.5.b.9.a, 110.5.b.8.b, 110.5.b.8.c, 110.5.b.9.b, 110.5.b.9.c, 110.5.b.12.a, 110.5.b.11.a, 110.5.b.11.b.i, 110.5.b.11.b.ii, 110.5.b.11.c, 110.5.b.11.d, page 95 from write on track, sample realistic story.

Help students understand that a realistic story is made up but could have happened. Often, true events can inspire the story.

Have volunteers read aloud each paragraph of the sample realistic story.

Afterward, return to the side notes to point out the main features of the story. Show students that this story starts with a character, gives a problem for the person, builds to an exciting detail, and then draws the story to a fun closing. Students' stories should follow a similar pattern.

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Page 96 from Write on Track

Writing a realistic story.

Have students list exciting, funny, or odd events from their lives and choose one such event as a starting point for their stories. Then have them think of ways they can make the event even more interesting as a made-up story. Help them understand the importance of giving the main character a problem to solve.

You can also use the related minilesson to help students fictionalize real events.

Writing a 5 W’s Story

Help students write realistic stories.

Page 97 from Write on Track

Writing, revising, and editing.

Once students are ready to draft their stories, lead them through the tips at the top of the page. Use the four suggestions in the bulleted list to help students understand ways that they can turn their real events into made-up stories, 

After students complete their first drafts, have them read and revise their work. Pair students with peer reviewers who can help them improve their stories.

Then have students check for errors. They should especially check for correct punctuation marks and new paragraphs whenever a person speaks.

Writing Back-and-Forth Stories

Inspire students to collaborate in writing.

• 01 Understanding Writing
• 02 One Writer's Process
• 03 Qualities of Writing
• 04 Selecting a Topic
• 05 Collecting Details
• 06 Writing a First Draft
• 07 Revising and Editing
• 08 Publishing Your Writing
• 09 Writing Basic Sentences
• 10 Combining Sentences
• 11 Writing Paragraphs
• 12 Understanding Text Structures
• 13 Writing in Journals and Logs
• 14 Writing Lists
• 15 Making Albums
• 16 Writing Notes and Emails
• 17 Writing Friendly Letters
• 18 Writing Personal Narratives
• 19 Writing Family Stories
• 21 Writing Time-Travel Fantasies
• 22 Writing Tall Tales
• 23 Writing Alphabet Books
• 24 How-To Writing
• 25 Writing Information Essays
• 26 Writing Newspaper Stories
• 27 Writing Persuasive Essays
• 28 Writing Opinion Letters
• 29 Writing Book Reviews
• 30 Making Bookmarks
• 31 Writing Classroom Reports
• 32 Writing Summaries
• 33 Writing Photo Essays
• 34 Writing Free-Verse Poetry
• 35 Traditional and Playful Poetry
• 36 Writing Plays
• 37 Using the Library
• 38 Using Technology
• 39 Reading to Understand Fiction
• 40 Reading to Understand Nonfiction
• 41 Reading Graphics
• 42 Reading New Words
• 43 Building Vocabulary Skills
• 44 Using Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots
• 45 Becoming a Better Speller
• 46 Learning to View
• 47 Giving Speeches
• 48 Performing Poems
• 49 Telling Stories
• 50 Learning to Interview
• 51 Listening to Learn
• 52 Using Graphic Organizers
• 53 Thinking Clearly
• 54 Thinking Creatively
• 55 Completing Assignments
• 56 Working in Groups
• 57 Taking Tests
• 58 Proofreader's Guide
• 59 Student Almanac

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4th Grade Language Arts

Realistic fiction.

Test & Try!

Unit 2: Realistic Fiction

Themes are very key to understand when reading, and here's why.

The theme of a story is what the author is trying to convey — in other words, the central idea of the story or the message. Short stories often have just one theme, whereas novels usually have multiple themes. The theme of a story is woven all the way through the story, and the characters' actions, interactions, and motivations all reflect the story's theme. Themes can often appear as a lesson or message that the reader understands by reading between the lines .

Each topic in this unit are interwoven with each other. You just used a skill learned when inferring to figure out what the themes of stories are!

Let's Practice!

Watch this video and then see if you picked up the important main themes of this story!

The main theme of this book was treat people the way you want to be treated .

The theme of this book was: kindness , courage , and compassion .

The theme was kindness because in the book it shows that even if someone is being mean to you, you should still be nice to them.

The theme was courage because she went to help Ralph even though he was mean to her.

The theme was compassion because Lucy showed compassion to Ralph even though he was being mean to her.

Story Elements

Story elements are just parts of a story or a narrative.

The main narrative elements are:

Characters: what the people or animals a story is about.

Setting: the time and place in which a story takes place.

Plot: tells the events that happen in a story.

Conflict: the problem in the story.

Theme: the message of the story.

Check out this link to learn a catchy song about the elements of a story! https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/fivethings/

Point of View

Point of view refers to the person who is telling the story or “speaking.”

When you write a letter, you are writing in first person , which includes the words I, me, my, we, and our. Second person writing occurs when the author talks about you and yours, and third person includes the words he, she, they, his, her, and their. In third person writing, the author does not put himself in the story.

First Person

In first person , the main character tells the story.

Second Person

In second person , the story is told as though it is happening to you.

Third Person

In third person , a narrator tells the story as if she is watching it happen.

Let's Review!

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Not So Wimpy Teacher

The Not So WImpy Teacher creates resources for busy teachers in grades 2-5 who are looking to deliver engaging and meaningful lessons without overwhelm and chaos.

Fiction Narrative Writing Unit FOURTH GRADE

Grade Level: 4th Grade

My fourth grade fiction writing unit includes 8 weeks of done-for-you writing lessons about how to write an engaging fiction essay, with strong characters, an interesting problem and solution, and rich dialogue . This unit contains detailed lesson plans, mentor texts, anchor charts, student writing tasks, and rubrics –everything you need to be a capable, confident writing teacher with students who love to write.

More about this resource

If teaching writing has ever made you cry, weep, tear out your hair, question your existence, or binge-watch reality television—because it’s just that frustrating and overwhelming—this writing unit is perfect for you. 

If your students dread writing time more than meatloaf in the school cafeteria…this writing unit is perfect for them, too. 

Teaching writing can be tough. Teachers tell me that their district-provided writing curriculum is:

• too complicated

Or worse, they don’t have any curriculum at all. Yikes! 

But my fourth grade fiction writing unit makes teaching writing easy . It takes all the guesswork out of teaching writing and gives you the tools you need to teach engaging and effective writing lessons without breaking a sweat.

The ready-to-use lessons and activities in this fiction writing unit will teach your students h ow to use supporting facts, reasons, and examples, consider opposing viewpoints, write topic and concluding sentences, and structure paragraphs . And all you have to do is print and teach . The lesson plans are that simple. Seriously.

Student-friendly mentor texts make it easy to provide illustrative examples of new writing skills. You don’t have to waste your time and money hunting down just the right book.  Focused mini lessons and daily writing tasks simplify the writing process helping ALL students, even reluctant writers, experience success. Preprinted anchor charts make it easy to model new skills and engage in shared writing without wasting valuable time. 

And best of all, my fiction narrative writing unit  makes writing fun  for  ALL  your students – from  reluctant writers  to  excited writers . The  Student Success Path  helps you identify where your students are on their writing journey and plan just-right lessons and  interventions .  Short, focused lessons  keep students engaged. Simple, direct writing tasks help kids develop confidence.  Conference materials,  including outlines and topic cards, you can use to guide small group discussion make it easy for you to  differentiate lessons.

Choice empowers students  to write about things they care about and makes them more invested in their writing. And that’s a big deal because  students who enjoy writing and get lots of practice perform better on standardized testing.

Plus, these materials are  easy-to-use . Everything is organized in folders to help you find just what you need. A  Quick Start Guide  makes it simple to get started and provides tips on how to prep materials for long-term use.

The 2-week  Starting Writing Workshop mini-unit  will help you start your writing instruction on the right foot. Detailed teacher directions show you exactly how to use all the resources and activities.

How Our Writing Curriculum is Aligned with the Science of Reading :

• Structured writing routine: Our writing curriculum is organized into 4 genres. Each 8-week unit is carefully structured, beginning with foundational skills before moving into more advanced skills. Students are taught a systematic approach to writing including: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
• Explicit instruction: Daily lessons begin with explicit instruction including access to examples via mentor texts, modeling, and directed practice. Each skill is broken down into bite-size pieces so that students can learn one skill at a time. Students practice skills independently, working on one sentence or paragraph at a time.
• Differentiation: Writing is differentiated through small group instruction that provides reteaching, additional practice, and support at appropriate levels.
• Daily opportunities to write: The majority of the writing lesson is reserved for independent writing time, providing students with large blocks of time to write and practice skills every day. 
• Demonstrates the connection between reading and writing: Mentor texts provide concrete examples of writing skills and allow children to experiment with and apply sophisticated skills and language in their own writing. In addition, constructing their own writing pieces helps students recognize, connect, and understand these strategies when reading.  

What’s Included:

• Detailed teacher directions and suggestions for simple implementation
• Unit-at-a-glance calendar for each unit
• 7 exclusive videos walking you through how to get the most out of these writing units
• 40 days of lesson plans that include guiding questions, materials, mini lessons, student work tasks, student share tasks, intervention, and several extension activities
• 14 original mentor text passages
• 24 fiction task cards (identifying whether a topic is a fiction narrative)
• 24 fiction writing prompt task cards
• 12 teacher anchor charts (blank and filled in versions)
• Student anchor charts and printable for writing notebooks
• Conference and goal tracking forms
• Writing grades tracking forms
• List of 10 additional mentor text books (Remember, using them is optional, because I’ve included all the mentor texts you need) 
• 6 different writing publishing papers
• Student writing notebook cover and dividers
• Teacher notebook covers and binder spines
• Multiple ideas for author share celebration
• DIGITAL writing notebooks on Google Slides
• Conferencing Materials – Conference outlines, a sample conference, and topic cards you can use to guide your small-group conferences
• Student Success Path – Identify where your students are on their writing journey
• Starting Writing Workshop Bonus – Two weeks of writing lesson plans to help build stamina and set your students up for writing success

Skills Covered:

Students learn h ow to create strong characters, craft a problem and solution, and write dialogue, paragraphs and transitions to create an entertaining story. Lessons include:

• Setting goals
• What is a fiction narrative?
• Developing Characters
• Developing Setting (Show- Don’t Tell)
• Problem & Solution
• Author Point of View
• Writing a lead
• Creating Suspense
• Adding and Punctuating Dialogue
• Word Choice (Strong Verbs)
• Transitions
• Writing an ending

How to Use it in the Classroom: 

A typical day of writing:.

I recommend you set aside 30-45 minutes for writing each day (or more if you have it). Check out the sample schedules below. Each day follows the same plan:

• Mini-Lesson (8-10 minutes):  The day kicks off with a mini-lesson to teach a particular skill. The mini-lesson uses mentor text (remember, it’s included in the unit) and anchor charts. For the teacher version of the anchor charts, you can project and fill them out with the class, or print and display them in your classroom. The student versions are smaller so they can fill them out and keep them in their writing notebooks for reference.
• Work Time (18-20 minutes) : Students will apply the skill they just learned into their writing each day. The included writing tasks make it crystal-clear what to do during independent writing time–for you and your students. By the end of the unit, they will have completed two full masterpieces and many other independent writings.
• Share Time (2 minutes) : Students are encouraged to share a piece of their writing with a partner or with the entire class. This makes writing more meaningful to kids and holds them accountable.

Organization Made Easy:

• The fiction writing unit is organized into multiple folders and files so it’s easy for you to find what you need.
• A 40-day daily schedule so you know exactly what to teach each day.
• Detailed daily lesson plans make teaching writing easy.

Differentiation:

T here are many ways to differentiate writing assignments:

• Use the Student Success Path to identify where students are on their writing journey and use the suggested interventions to modify lessons.
• These daily writing prompts are intentionally short and sweet so that all students, even those below grade level, can feel successful. Most tasks can be completed in 1-2 sentences.
• More advanced writers can write longer responses, or work on a second masterpiece if they finish early.
• Students can complete fewer task cards or work with a partner; you can also provide support to students as they work on task cards.
• The process for teaching writing includes group conferencing time. These groups should be based on ability so that you can individualize your instruction to meet the specific needs of the group. Use the topic cards to guide your small group lessons.

Why you’ll love this writing unit: 

• You’ll save hours of prepping and planning time. The daily lesson plans are easy to implement. All you have to do is print and teach. 
• Mentor texts are included. You do not need to hunt down or purchase any additional books! (Unless you want to. Far be it from me to stand between a teacher and new books.) 
• Digital anchor charts project onto your white board-so you don’t have to be Picasso or Renoir to anchor your kids in the lesson.
• Pre-printed student anchor charts make it easy for students to follow along without having to write every word and draw complicated diagrams.
• Digital student notebooks are perfect for 1:1 classrooms and a great way to save paper.
• These lessons work for all students, even students below grade level.
• Task cards incorporate movement, reinforce concepts, and make learning fun. Daily share time encourages students to take pride in their writing.
• Direct writing instruction provides a solid foundation of writing skills that leads to increased test scores.
• Aligned with the Science of Reading.

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More Fourth Grade Writing Units:

Personal Narrative for Fourth Grade

Informational Writing for Fourth Grade

Opinion Writing for Fourth Grade

Frequently Asked

Yes. I also have personal narrative , informational essay , and opinion writing writing units available.

This fiction writing unit is available for grade 4. I also have fiction writing units available for grades two , three , and five .

I prefer composition notebooks because they are sturdy and easy to use and store. But other teachers have used spiral bound notebooks or three-ring binders.

Yes. These writing lessons are based on Common Core standards.

The lessons for consecutive grade levels are very similar because the standards are similar. The biggest difference is that the reading level on the mentor text passages is modified to meet the specific grade level. Other differences include new examples in the lesson plans and anchor charts and new task cards. It is generally fine to use units that are one level above or below grade level. You might want to select the lower grade level to ensure that the mentor texts are easier for students to read.

Each unit includes eight weeks of materials. I recommend spending 30-45 on writing each day. The lesson takes 8-10 minutes and the rest of the time would be used for independent writing.

Students complete two masterpieces in each unit. But they may work on additional pieces if they finish daily assignments early.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. However, they are based on the writing standards. My curriculum is organized into units of study and formatted in the workshop model and hundreds of teachers have successfully used my writing units with their district provided curriculum.

My writing units are a standalone curriculum. They are not based on or aligned with any other curriculum. With that being said, I have hundreds of teachers who have chosen to use my units as a supplement to their Lucy curriculum because it is more manageable and engaging for students.

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