Today we will:
Learn about story starters and their purpose
Learn about 4 engaging story starters
Use multiple story starters to see what works best for your narrative
Think to yourself
What is the most difficult part of writing a story?
Talk to your neighbor
What is the most difficult part of writing a story?
Share with the Class
What is the most difficult part of writing a story?
Today's lesson will help you:
Today we will:
Learn about story starters and their purpose
Learn about 4 engaging story starters
Use multiple story starters to see what works best for your narrative
What are story starters?
Story starters are
strategies to consider when writing a story to make the beginning more engaging and purposeful
What are story starters?
Story starters are strategies to consider when writing a story to make the beginning more engaging and purposeful
Types of Starters
Set-Up
Talking Landscape Character
Set-Up Starter
The writer quickly establishes the circumstances and stakes of the story in a few opening lines
You are here
Set-Up Starter Example
The writer quickly establishes the circumstances or stakes of the story in a few opening lines
None of this would have happened if it wasn't for David. He's the one who talked me into signing up for the track team. I would have never guessed that decision would lead to my biggest humiliation.
Attempt a Set-Up Starter
Take 3 minutes and try to start your story with lines that establishes the circumstances or stakes.
None of this would have happened if it wasn't for David. He's the one who talked me into signing up for the track team. I would have never guessed that decision would lead to my biggest humiliation.
Talking Starter
The writer uses a line of dialogue with a purpose. The dialogue should reveal information that enriches the story.
Talking Starter Example
The writer uses a line of dialogue with a purpose. The dialogue should reveal information that enriches the story.
"I can't believe we
didn't
get
a snow day," my sister murmured as she adjusted the hood of her corduroy coat to shield her curled hair from the wind.
Attempt a Talking Starter
Take 3 minutes and try to start your story with dialogue that reveals information that enriches the story.
"I can't believe
we didn't get a snow day," my sister murmured as she adjusted the hood of her corduroy coat to shield her curled hair from the wind.
Landscape Starter
The writer opens the story with a description of the setting that will be important to the story.
Landscape Starter Example
The writer opens the story with a description of the setting that will be important to the story.
I yawned as a woke up from my midafternoon nap, warm from the Florida sun.
The sound of the ocean ' s waves and a distant speaker quietly playing pop music had lulled me to sleep. As I stretched and considered putting on sunscreen, I heard someone yell from the water.
Attempt a Landscape Starter
Take 3 minutes and try to start your story with a description of the setting that will be important to the story.
I yawned as a woke up from my midafternoon nap, warm from the Florida sun.
The sound of the ocean ' s waves and a distant speaker quietly playing pop music had lulled me to sleep. As I stretched and considered putting on sunscreen, I heard someone yell from the water.
Character Starter
The writer opens the story with a description of a character that will be important to the story.
Character Starter Example
The writer opens the story with a description of a character that will be important to the story.
Edith walked into the classroom with her rolling bag. She took her seat in the back of the room and quickly fished out her tablet to draw. This wasn't art class, but Edith didn't care. Every second was an opportunity for her to create something unique and beautiful.
Attempt a Character Starter
Take 3 minutes and try to start your story with a description of a character that will be important to the story.
Edith walked into the classroom with her rolling bag. She took her seat in the back of the room and quickly fished out her tablet to draw. This wasn't art class, but Edith didn't care. Every second was an opportunity for her to create something unique and beautiful.
Read through your starter attempts
Which starter is the most effective in sharing information?
Which starter do you like the most?
Which starter is the most engaging?
Use these story starters to create effective and engaging opening lines to your narrative writing