MINI LESSON : Narrative Writing

Name: Zacharii Currie

Subject: English
Grade Level: 11th
Date: 02/18/2016
FOCUS: Narrative Writing
OBJECTIVES:
General Objective: Students will be able to write a brief, descriptive narrative using
the key components of narrative writing.
Independent Objectives:
1. Students will be able to define three key components of narrative writing characters, setting, action.
2. Student will be able to identify these components in both narrative literature and
film.
3. Students will be able to differentiate between "showing" and "telling" a story.
4. Students will be able to appropriately use basic narrative techniques to "show"
their story.
MATERIALS:
1. Common Core English Language Arts Writing Standards Grades 10-11.
a. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
b. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.B
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and
multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
"English Language Arts Standards Writing Grade 11-12." | Common Core State
Standards Initiative. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.
2. Handout containing narrative writing information and exercise. (inspired by Mary
Red Clay - TeachWithMovies.com)
3. "Big Hero 6" movie scene video clip.
"Big Hero 6: Baymax When He Lows Battery - Movie Scene (High Quality from
DVDSCR.x264)." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

CONTENT OUTLINE (15 mins):

1. Introduction
a. Briefly educate the class about the components of narrative writing.
b. Provide the class with an example of a short narrative and identify setting,
characters, and action.
2. Activities
a. Perform "Show not Tell" exercise.
b. Watch "Big hero 6" video clip.
c. Perform video clip narrative writing exercise.
3. Closure
a. Discuss the narrative writings and summarize what we have learned about
narrative writing.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. Introductory Activity:
a. I will provide the students with a handout that contains a "show not tell" exercise.
This handout will contain narrative writing information, instructions, and an example
of how to show their narrative rather than simply telling it. Students will briefly write
down a short list of tasks they have completed this day and be required to
transform the list into a descriptive narrative. (5 mins)
Developmental Activity:
a. I will utilize technology in this assignment by displaying a video clip of a movie
scene (on Youtube) for the students on the projector screen. Students will be
required to write a short narrative using the characters, setting, and action from the
clip as if they were describing the scene to someone who has never seen it. (7 mins)
Concluding Activity:
a. I will allow the students to volunteer to read (aloud) and discuss the narratives
that they wrote about the video clip. (3 mins)
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT:
Students will demonstrate their knowledge by being able to define and accurately
identify the basic aspects of a narrative. I will know that the lesson has been
successful if the students can sufficiently utilize their knowledge to compose
descriptive narratives during the two exercises.