Best-of-Smekens Writing Conference:
Writing Remix 2019

SECRET SITE

Six-Traits Essentials | Grammar & Conventions | Writing About Reading

Modes & Genres | Writer’s Workshop Management | Text-Based Responses

Modes & Genres

Quick Links: Session 1: Meet the Argumentative Writing Standard Session 2: Target Key Skills within an Informative Writing Unit Session 3: Plan the Year of Writing Units Session 4: Know the Narrative Non-Negotiables Session 5: Teach Developmentally-Appropriate Writing in the Primary Grades

SESSION 4

Know the Narrative Non-Negotiables

Acknowledge the relevance of narrative

Narrative writing in real-world careers

Define the shape of stories

Identify the planning tool your students are most familiar with.

Plot Exposition Map | Ride the Story Plot

Plan the character’s problem and solution.

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Start with the middle—the problem

Stretch the middle

Name and define the four types of problems or conflicts.

Movie Examples | Activity & Directions

Stretch the middle and create rising action with tension. Make the problem bigger, harder, or more impossible to solve.

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Orient the reader with a beginning

Provide only the most essential character and setting details.

Mini-Lesson Resources | Student Activity Sort

Download student writing samples with strong introductions and conclusions

• Metamorphosis
• All the Roads to Kansas
• Conference Collision
• The Climb