1. Narrative
Journal Prompts

2. Journal

4. Journal

6. Journal

9. Journal

11. Journal

13. Journal

16. Narrative
Elements and Themes

17. What’s in a Name?
Read one of the following texts to explore how names impact identity:
Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II
“Does Your Name Shape Your Destiny?”
“What Your Name Says about Your Job”
“When the Name Fits the Job”
“13 Surprising Ways Your Name Affects Your Success”
Think about the following questions:
Is your name your destiny?
Does your name shape your identity?
Does your name define you?
What does your name say about who you are?
Do names really matter?

18. Narrative
Mentor Texts

19. MenTor Texts “Jorge” by Jorge Chica “Heartbeat” by David Yoo
“Names/Nombres” by Julia Alvarez
From Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry
“My Name” by Sandra Cisneros

20. Reading Narratives As you read, stop to NOTICE and WONDER.
What do you notice about the text? Pay particular attention to the text’s structure and the kinds of details the author uses. Put a * next to anything that you notice. (HINT: You should notice signposts!)
What do you wonder? You can wonder about content or about how the content is delivered. Put a ? next to anything that makes you wonder. (HINT: How does the signpost connect to a bigger meaning? Why does the author use the signpost?)
Possible texts to read (use same process for each text you read):
“Fish Cheeks” by Amy Tan
“Big Boy” by David Sedaris
“Shame” by Dick Gregory
Excerpt from The Glass Castle:
Excerpt from Annie Dillard’s An American Childhood:
Saturday and Teacakes by Lester Laminack:
Excerpt from Knucklehead by John Scieska (scroll down to see excerpts from two chapters):
Excerpt from Boy by Roald Dahl (scroll through for some excerpts):
Excerpt from Knots in my Yo Yo String:
Excerpt from Knots in my Yo Yo String:

21. Narrative Elements Dialogue Imagery Sequencing Description Reflection
Transition Words
Make class list of what kids noticed and wondered. From this list, help them identify commonalities and guide them to identifying elements of narrative writing.

22. Narrative
My Name

23. What’s in a Name? How did your name affect you growing up?
Is your name really common or really unusual? Do you like that?
Interview your parents. Why were you (and your siblings, if you have 'em) named the way you were?
Have you ever changed your name? Tell us why and walk us through the experience.
Do you have a name that's hard to pronounce? Has that ever led to funny or awkward moments? Do you think it's had an impact on your life?
What pops up when you Google yourself? Does someone famous (or infamous) share your name?
Does someone else have the exact same name as you? Have you ever gotten in contact with them?