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Lesson 2

We will share our planning with peers and obtain vital feedback. We will also draft our Culminating Task narrative.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I reflect on and adjust my narrative drafts when valid evidence warrants?

  • Can I develop my narrative drafts into focused, structured, and coherent pieces of writing by using strategic organizational structures appropriate to purpose, audience, and context?

  • Can I develop my narrative drafts into focused, structured, and coherent pieces of writing by developing an engaging idea reflecting depth of thought with effective use of literary devices and details?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Discuss – Write

We will share our Culminating Task planning progress by sharing our completed Storyboard Planning Tools with our peers. We will offer and receive feedback on our Culminating Task narrative planning so we can begin drafting the Culminating Task.

Step 1

With your writer’s workshop partner or group, share your completed Storyboard Planning Tool and discuss the following:

  1. Are the “Who,” “What,” and “Why" sections clear? If not, how can they be clarified?

  2. Is the setting clear? If not, what needs to be clarified? What details can be added to ensure a solid setting development?

  3. Are the points of view and narrative shifts easily identified? Do they make sense? Do the narrative shifts allow for character, thematic, or plot development to be propelled?

  4. Is there at least one example of nonlinear sequencing? Does the placement make sense? What is the purpose of the nonlinear sequencing? Could anything be changed or added to the sequencing that would make it more effective in relation to characterization, plot, or thematic development?

  5. Is the selected theme obvious? If not, how can it be developed more?

  6. Is there an obvious response to the Central Question?

Step 2

Following your discussion with your peers, consider the feedback you received and make adjustments or take notes regarding any changes that you wish to make to your planning.

Activity 2: Discuss

We will unpack the remaining expectations of the Culminating Task narrative.

As a class, unpack the following expectations for the Culminating Task narrative:

  • employs masterful use of language and style

  • uses literary techniques, such as imagery, to develop experiences, events, and characters

  • establishes an appropriate mood

Revisit the Style Reference Guide and the Narratives Reference Guide to help identify characteristics of each expectation. Review your Mentor Sentence Journal to identify specific examples in which these are demonstrated in Beloved.

Activity 3: Write

We will draft our Culminating Task narrative.

Spend the rest of the lesson drafting your Culminating Task narrative.

As you begin to write, think about how you can initially establish the key elements of your story:

  • Set the scene and develop the mood by describing the setting.

  • Establish your narrator’s perspective and point of view.

  • Introduce one or more characters through description, their own thoughts, or other characters’ observations.

  • Begin to suggest what character relationships, interactions, or conflicts will drive the story.

  • Consider using an inciting incident to introduce the story.

You are encouraged to reference your Learning Log and notes regarding peer feedback as you draft your narrative. You also might revisit the Narratives Reference Guide if you need additional support as you write.

Activity 4: Write

For homework, we will continue drafting our Culminating Task narrative.

For homework, complete your Culminating Task narrative. As you continue to write your narrative, think about how to further develop characters, conflicts, and complicated events.

  • Introduce and describe events and character actions that develop your storyline.

  • Further develop your characters by suggesting their internal characteristics: the wants and needs that motivate them. Consider your selected prompt and the Central Question when developing this piece.

  • Develop conflicts that challenge or change your characters. These can be conflicts with other characters, with nature or other forces, or within themselves. Consider your selected prompt and the Central Question when developing this piece.

  • Use dialogue or thoughts to highlight your characters’ development and interactions.

  • Build suspense and interest through the sequence of events: bring in flashbacks or flashforwards.

  • Build toward a climactic scene or event that will present a turning point in your story.

Be prepared to share your narrative with your workshop partner or group in the next lesson.