Writing Application
Learn
In this lesson, you will write your own complete stories! Good writers think before they write. Here is how to plan and write a great story:
Steps to Write a Story
- Think: What will your story be about?
- Plan: Who is in your story? Where does it happen? What happens?
- Write: Put your ideas into sentences.
- Read: Read your story out loud. Does it make sense?
Good stories have details. Details are words that help your reader see, hear, and feel your story.
Without Details:
The dog ran.
With Details:
The fluffy brown dog ran fast across the green grass.
Writing Tip
Ask yourself: Who? What? Where? When? These questions help you add details!
Examples
See how a writer plans and writes a story.
Planning Example
Topic: A trip to the zoo
Who: Me and my dad
Where: The city zoo
What happens: We see animals, I like the monkeys best, we eat lunch
Finished Story
Beginning: First, Dad and I went to the big city zoo. It was a sunny day.
Middle: Then we saw the tall giraffes eating leaves. Next, we watched the funny monkeys swing on ropes. The baby monkey was my favorite! We ate yummy hot dogs for lunch.
End: Finally, we went home. I told Mom all about the monkeys. It was the best day ever!
Notice how the story has details like "tall giraffes," "funny monkeys," and "baby monkey." These details make the story interesting!
Practice
Complete these writing activities. Take your time and add details!
Practice 1: Add Details
Make this sentence better by adding details:
The cat sat.
Write a new sentence with details about the cat: ________________________________
Practice 2: Planning Practice
Plan a story about going to the park. Fill in the blanks:
Who: ________________________________
Where: ________________________________
What happens: ________________________________
Practice 3: Write From Your Plan
Use your plan from Practice 2. Write a short story with a beginning, middle, and end.
Practice 4: Story Starter - My Pet
Write a story about a pet (real or pretend). Use this starter:
"First, I woke up and saw my pet _______________."
Keep writing! Add a middle and an end.
Practice 5: Story Starter - A Rainy Day
Write a story using this starter:
"It was raining outside. Then I decided to _______________."
Keep writing! What happened next? How did it end?
Practice 6: Add Feelings
Good stories tell how characters feel. Add a feeling word to each sentence:
1. I was _______________ when I opened my present. (happy, excited, surprised)
2. The little girl felt _______________ when she lost her toy. (sad, worried, upset)
3. Tom was _______________ to ride the big slide. (brave, scared, ready)
Practice 7: Picture Story
Imagine a picture of children playing in snow. Write a story about it. Include:
- Who is playing?
- What are they doing?
- How do they feel?
- How does the story end?
Practice 8: My Best Day
Write about a real day that was special to you. Tell:
- When and where it happened
- What you did
- Why it was special
Use First, Then, Next, and Finally.
Practice 9: Make-Believe Story
Write a make-believe story about one of these topics:
- A talking animal
- A magic backpack
- A trip to the moon
Practice 10: Partner Story
Work with a friend or family member. One person writes the beginning. The other person writes the middle. Together, write the ending!
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about your writing.
1. What are the four steps to write a story?
2. What do details do for your story?
a) Make it shorter b) Help readers see and feel your story c) Make it harder to read
3. Which sentence has better details?
a) The bird flew.
b) The small blue bird flew high into the cloudy sky.
4. What questions can help you add details?
Next Steps
- Keep a story journal - write a short story every day!
- Share your stories with family and friends
- Move on to the Editing Workshop to learn how to make your stories even better