UNIT 1

Writing Realistic Fiction: Symbolism, Syntax, and Truth

BEND I: Creating and Developing Meaningful Stories and Characters

Session 1 — Imagining Stories from Everyday Moments

Narrative Writing Checklist, Grade 6

Session 3 — Developing Believable Characters through Scene Boot Camp

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 5 — Plotting with Tools: Story Arcs, Timelines, Lists, Mentor Texts

Link to Vonnegut story arcs

Mentor text: "Thirteen and a Half"

FIG. 5-1 Story Arc of "Thirteen and a Half"

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Narrative Writing Checklist, Grades 6 and 7

Additional Mentor Text Suggestions for Realistic Fiction  

BEND II: Drafting and Revising with an Eye toward Meaning

Session 6 — From 2-D to 3-D: Planning and Writing Scenes by Including Evidence

Mentor text: "Thirteen and a Half"

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 7 — Stepping into the Drama of the Story to Draft

Mentor text: "Thirteen and a Half"

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 8 — Studying Published Texts to Write Leads

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 9 — Grounding Dialogue in Scenes

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 10 — Writing Endings that Make Readers Swoon

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Mentor text: "Thirteen and a Half"

BEND III: Meticulous Revision and Precise Edits with Audience in Mind

Session 11 — Reading Drafts like Editors

Narrative Writing Checklist, Grades 7 and 8

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 12 — Revision: Weaving in Symbolism and Imagery to Bring out Meaning

Excerpt from Max's draft

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Chart: Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue

Session 13 — Conducting the Rhythm of Language: Creating Cadence and Meaning through Syntax

Anchor chart: How to Write Compelling Fiction

Session 16 — Editing with Lenses and Independence

FIG. 16-2 Miriam edits for spelling

FIG. 16-3 Taylor's piece is ready to edit

Narrative Writing Checklist, Grades 7 and 8

Session 17 — Publishing Anthologies: A Celebration

FIG. 17-1 "Helping Ruby" by Miriam

FIG. 17-2 "Realistic Fiction Story" by Annabelle

FIG. 17-3 "One Friend to Another" by Samee

FIG. 17-4 Yasmin's final piece

FIG. 17-5 "Forever Strong" by Gabriel