Unit 4 Reading and Writing Workshop
Narrative Writing and Creative Expression
Focus: Writing personal narratives, short stories, and other creative pieces
Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3–8.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.3–8.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4–8.4

Week 1: Introduction to Narrative Writing
​Reading Mentor Texts:

• "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" (Beatrix Potter) – Examining simple but engaging storytelling.
• "A Christmas Carol" (excerpt) (Charles Dickens) – Descriptive setting and character introduction.

Writing Focus:

• Understanding narrative structure (beginning, middle, end)
• Identifying elements of a strong narrative

Activity:

• Read a short passage and map out the narrative elements.
• Write a personal anecdote with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Week 2: Developing Characters & Setting
Reading Mentor Texts:

• "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" (excerpt) (Lewis Carroll) – Characterization and setting through description.
• "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (excerpt) (L. Frank Baum) – Using dialogue to reveal character.

Writing Focus:

• Creating multi-dimensional characters
• Describing settings using sensory details

Activity:

• Choose a character from a mentor text and rewrite a scene from their perspective.
• Write a short scene introducing a new character and setting.

Week 3: Using Descriptive Language and Dialogue
Reading Mentor Texts:

• "The Jungle Book" (excerpt) (Rudyard Kipling) – Vivid sensory details.
• "Anne of Green Gables" (excerpt) (L.M. Montgomery) – Effective use of dialogue.

Writing Focus:

• Using figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification)
• Writing authentic dialogue

Activity:

• Rewrite a dull sentence using descriptive language.
• Create a dialogue-only scene that reveals character relationships.

Week 4: Structuring Narratives Effectively
Reading Mentor Texts:

• "The Gift of the Magi" (O. Henry) – Examining a strong story arc.
• "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (excerpt) (Mark Twain) – Building suspense and resolution.

Writing Focus:

• Using transitions to guide the reader
• Creating tension and resolution

Activity:

• Outline a short story idea with a clear structure.
• Write a complete short story following the narrative arc.

Week 5: Revising and Sharing Stories
Writing Focus:

• Editing for clarity, coherence, and grammar
• Peer feedback and revision strategies

Activity:

• Participate in a peer review session.
• Revise and publish a final version of the short story.
• Host a storytelling showcase.

Assessment & Reflection:

• Weekly writing journal entries
• Self-assessment checklist for narrative writing
• Final project: A polished personal narrative or short story

This workshop provides structured yet creative opportunities for students to enhance their narrative writing skills using public domain texts as mentor examples.