1. Personal Narrative Introductions Don’t be SCARED to write a good introduction!

2. Personal Narrative Introductions Grab the reader’s attention right from the beginning Lead the reader into the story

3. S.C.A.R.E.D. Setting Character Action Reflection Emotion Dialogue Choose only 1 or 2 techniques to begin your story. Too many may become distracting or overwhelming.

4. Setting Create a picture of the setting for the reader. “It was such a lovely day. The birds were singing, the bees were buzzing, and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. It was the perfect day to play outside.”

5. Character Describe an important character in your story (characterization) “My best friend, Autumn, was the funniest person I had ever met. She was also sweet and kind. When I found out she was moving going to be moving away, I couldn’t believe it.”

6. Action Start right in the middle of the action or incorporate sound effects (onomatopoeia!) “Flash! Bang! Outside the thunderstorm raged and rattled the windows of my house. What a terrible night to be home alone!”

7. Reflection Start with a memory or a flashback of an important moment. “When I was little, my dad would tell me to always try my best. It didn’t really mean much to me until it came time for me to try out for the school basketball team.”

8. Emotion Start with a description of a strong emotion you were feeling. “As soon as I saw the look on my dad’s face, I knew I had been caught. I felt my face grow red and hot, and my forehead started sweating. Boy, was I in trouble!”

9. Dialogue Start with interesting or important dialogue *Use dialogue carefully and sparingly “One week? Is this a joke?” My mind was racing. I had just been informed that my piano recital was coming up in exactly one week, but I hadn’t been practicing at all!”