Most students enjoy narrative writing. Using their imaginations to tell an interesting story appeals to them. Sometimes, however, we have a student who struggles with this form of writing. Coming up with ideas and fitting them into a cohesive whole are skills that do need to be practiced.
NS ELA Outcomes
8.1 use a range of strategies in writing and other ways of representing to describe feelings, reactions, values, and attitudes
8.3 make language choices to enhance meaning and achieve interesting effects in imaginative writing and other ways of representing
9.1 create written and media texts using an increasing variety of forms– demonstrate understanding that particular forms require the use of specific features, structures, and patterns
9.2 address the demands of an increasing variety of purposes and audiences make informed choices of form, style, and content for specific audiences and purposes
NS ELA Outcomes
8.1 use a range of strategies in writing and other ways of representing to describe feelings, reactions, values, and attitudes
8.3 make language choices to enhance meaning and achieve interesting effects in imaginative writing and other ways of representing
9.1 create written and media texts using an increasing variety of forms– demonstrate understanding that particular forms require the use of specific features, structures, and patterns
9.2 address the demands of an increasing variety of purposes and audiences make informed choices of form, style, and content for specific audiences and purposes
Rory's Story Cubes
This game is available in physical sets of dice for $10 and digitally as an app for $2.29.
One of the basic ways to play has students roll a set of 9 dice. The sides of each die have pictograms that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Students try to create a coherent storyline with a beginning, middle and end using all the dice.
There are several sets of dice. Original and Actions sets are part of the app. Voyages, Clues, Enchanted and Prehistoria are other sets available for purchase. The makers have suggestions for mixing things up on the website. This game promotes creativity!
I've used this game with partners or small groups. It works well for collaborative storytelling. I've also used it with individual students who struggle to come up with ideas. The pictograms seem to make the process easier. They can choose the dice that they want to use for their story and re-roll the rest. Taking a photo of the assembled story dice can even serve as a graphic organizer!
One of the basic ways to play has students roll a set of 9 dice. The sides of each die have pictograms that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Students try to create a coherent storyline with a beginning, middle and end using all the dice.
There are several sets of dice. Original and Actions sets are part of the app. Voyages, Clues, Enchanted and Prehistoria are other sets available for purchase. The makers have suggestions for mixing things up on the website. This game promotes creativity!
I've used this game with partners or small groups. It works well for collaborative storytelling. I've also used it with individual students who struggle to come up with ideas. The pictograms seem to make the process easier. They can choose the dice that they want to use for their story and re-roll the rest. Taking a photo of the assembled story dice can even serve as a graphic organizer!
Roll-a-story
This FREE resource designed by MsJordanReads. It is perfect for any classroom looking for a little (fun!) writing inspiration. With this writing activity, students will love rolling a dice to mix-and-match story elements and will enjoy creating the perfect story starter. Use it in a literacy center, a writing group, or to send home with your students!
**This activity could be easily adapted for writing different genres and differentiated literacy levels.
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Included in the PDF:
- 1 Roll-a-Story Writing Chart - 1 "My Story" Graphic Organizer Materials Needed: - 1 Dice per student (or 1 to share!) |
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weave a Tale
For a fun holiday or any day game, have students sit in a circle and create a story together.
Materials:
bin full of odds and ends (eg. gum drop, eye glasses, keys, carton of milk, etc...)
Procedure:
The teacher begins the story. Around Halloween, a story might start, "Two friends went for a walk under a full moon on Halloween night..." Have students continue the story as it goes around the circle. Every student must advance the story by contributing a line that includes an item that they have drawn from the bin in some way.
Storyjacker
Storyjacker is a website whose purpose is to promote creative writing in a collaborative way. The site has three games that encourage creative thought and allow the user to participate in the creation of stories by a group of users.
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The users on the site seem to be fairly mature. They have fun with the story-building but they don't get silly. I'd recommend using this site with older students or those who are serious about crafting good stories. Creating an individual account is necessary but it's free.
Random Generators
The name of the website is Writing Exercises but the name doesn't really describe what it does. The site has a variety of tools that generate random components for story writing.
Plots, characters, settings, first lines, etc...there are many tools to help you out wherever you need a bit of inspiration. There are even two levels of complexity. This could provide support for reluctant writers or challenge for confident ones. For example, a teacher could use this to create the outlines for a monthly writing contest.
Plots, characters, settings, first lines, etc...there are many tools to help you out wherever you need a bit of inspiration. There are even two levels of complexity. This could provide support for reluctant writers or challenge for confident ones. For example, a teacher could use this to create the outlines for a monthly writing contest.
plot twist
This game combines elements of collaboration, persuasive speech and creativity to create a complete story by the end of the game.
Objective
Players contribute to the creation of a narrative story with a beginning, middle and end.
Players
3-4 players
Objective
Players contribute to the creation of a narrative story with a beginning, middle and end.
Players
3-4 players
Please note that the plot_twist document contains the instructions, and game cards. The game board document includes the pieces to assemble into the game board shown above at whatever size you choose.
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Game Play
1) Players draw 5 STORY BUILDER cards each. As they use a card during play, they draw a new one from the deck. They should have 5 cards in their hand at all times.
2) The youngest player draws a STORY STARTER card to begin. Place it in the first space on the STORY MAP. The game has begun!
3) Players examine the cards in their hands and choose one to suggest as the next stage in the story. They place their choices on the table all together at the same time.
4) Each person has 15 seconds to elaborate on his or her choice. The choice may be silly but it should fit logically into the story.
5) After the last person to explain, the group votes on which suggestion should be the next stage in the story. Every player who receives a vote receives a point. The player who receives the most votes places their suggested STORY BUILDER card on the next space on the STORY MAP. If there is a tie vote, then the last player to place a STORY BUILDER card breaks the tie. Blank cards are wild and can be invented by the person who plays them.
6) Play continues until the STORY MAP is complete.
Scoring
1 vote = 1 point
The player with the most points at the end of the story is deemed the AUTHOR and winner of the game.
Adaptations
-The STORY BUILDER cards could be replaced with sticky notes. Each player would have to write the next sentence that they are suggesting for the story.
-A STORY MAP with fewer event spots could be used for struggling students.
- A STORY MAP with an increased number event spots could be used for students who need more challenge.
-A random element generator like Rory’s Story Cubes or WritingExcersices.co.uk could be substituted to support students who have difficulty comprehending the STORY BUILDER cards.
1) Players draw 5 STORY BUILDER cards each. As they use a card during play, they draw a new one from the deck. They should have 5 cards in their hand at all times.
2) The youngest player draws a STORY STARTER card to begin. Place it in the first space on the STORY MAP. The game has begun!
3) Players examine the cards in their hands and choose one to suggest as the next stage in the story. They place their choices on the table all together at the same time.
4) Each person has 15 seconds to elaborate on his or her choice. The choice may be silly but it should fit logically into the story.
5) After the last person to explain, the group votes on which suggestion should be the next stage in the story. Every player who receives a vote receives a point. The player who receives the most votes places their suggested STORY BUILDER card on the next space on the STORY MAP. If there is a tie vote, then the last player to place a STORY BUILDER card breaks the tie. Blank cards are wild and can be invented by the person who plays them.
6) Play continues until the STORY MAP is complete.
Scoring
1 vote = 1 point
The player with the most points at the end of the story is deemed the AUTHOR and winner of the game.
Adaptations
-The STORY BUILDER cards could be replaced with sticky notes. Each player would have to write the next sentence that they are suggesting for the story.
-A STORY MAP with fewer event spots could be used for struggling students.
- A STORY MAP with an increased number event spots could be used for students who need more challenge.
-A random element generator like Rory’s Story Cubes or WritingExcersices.co.uk could be substituted to support students who have difficulty comprehending the STORY BUILDER cards.
