# Lesson 15: Create a story from real life

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟠 B. Personal Narratives

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## Objective

I can plan and write a personal narrative (6–8 sentences) about a real event using first person, time order words, vivid details, and a closing that tells why it mattered.

## Materials

- Pencil ✏️ and eraser
- Planning sheet or notebook
- Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Use Beginning → Middle → End. Add one line of dialogue and one show-not-tell detail.

## Mini-lesson — Turn a real event into a story

1. Beginning: Who, where, and when. Hook the reader.
2. Middle: What happened in order (first, next, then). Add feelings and dialogue.
3. End: How it was solved or finished, and why it mattered.
4. Show, don’t tell: Use senses and action words (my hands shook, the whistle blew).
5. First person: Use I, me, my to tell your story.

Video won’t be included when printing.

## Guided Practice — Trace & plan your narrative

Trace these words, then draft a real-life story (6–8 sentences) about a time you overcame a challenge:

- Key words: first, next, then, finally, because, felt, said
- Example outline:
  1. Beginning: I tried to ride a bike without training wheels at the park.
  2. Middle: First I wobbled; next I fell; then Dad said, “Look ahead!” I kept trying.
  3. End: Finally I glided across the path. I felt proud because I didn’t give up.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build Clear Narrative Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to form strong narrative sentences using time order and details.

On Saturday afternoon I went to the park to practice riding.
First I wobbled and almost tipped over.
Next Dad said“Look ahead!”and I gripped the handles.
Then the wind rushed past my ears as I pedaled faster.
Because I kept practicing I finally glided across the path.
My legs shook a little but my smile stretched wide.
I felt proud because I did not give up.
Finally we celebrated with cold water and high fives.
My story shows a beginning a middle and an end.
Time order words help readers follow what happened next.
Dialogue needs quotation marks and a speaking tag.
A strong closing tells why the event mattered to me.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) Which is a personal narrative?

A list of bike parts. A story about a real time you learned to ride. A recipe for cake.

#### 2) Which uses first person?

The rider practiced. The learner felt proud. I felt proud when I finally balanced.

#### 3) Best time order words:

first, next, then, finally blue, green, yellow yesterday, banana, before

#### 4) Which sentence shows, not tells?

I was scared. My hands shook and my breath came fast. Scaredness occurred.

#### 5) What belongs in the beginning?

The final lesson learned. Every tiny detail. Who, where/when, and the situation.

#### 6) Correctly punctuated dialogue:

“Keep going!” Mom said. “Keep going! Mom said”. “Keep going! Mom said

#### 7) Which helps the middle?

Ending with the lesson first. Steps in order using first, next, then. Adding unrelated facts.

#### 8) Strong closing line:

That day taught me that practice and courage pay off. The end. Bikes are things.

#### 9) Which sentence is off topic?

I tried again even after I fell. Dad jogged beside me as I balanced. I played video games later that night.

#### 10) Which best fixes a run-on?

I wobbled, and then I steadied my bike. I wobbled then I steadied my bike I kept going. Wobble steady go.

#### 11) Which sentence uses a dialogue tag?

“I did it!” “I did it!” I shouted. I did it

#### 12) Best hook for the beginning:

The first time I let go, the world felt huge and bright. Bicycles exist. I like turtles.

#### 13) Which is a time order word?

quickly then very

#### 14) Which line tells why it mattered?

My bike is red. The park had trees. I learned that brave practice helps me reach goals.

#### 15) Which is first person?

I watched the sidewalk slip under my wheels. The rider watched the sidewalk. Watching happened.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear beginning with who/where/when Ordered middle using time words & one line of dialogue Details that show (senses, actions, feelings) Meaningful closing saying why it mattered

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 My story has a beginning, middle, end, and a strong closing 🙂 I need to add more details or feelings 😅 Dialogue and time words were tricky

#### I will practice…

Using first person with time order words Writing one line of dialogue Explaining why the event mattered
Lesson 16 →