ABOUT THE WRITING WITH A PURPOSE SERIES: It is important for children to develop excellent skills in narrative writing. The first part of the book teaches about narrative writing, reviews important composition skills, and provides opportunities for youngsters to practice those skills. Also included are a Writer’s Checklist and an Editorial Symbols sheet.

The second part of each book comprises twenty writing lessons. By completing the easy-to-follow activities, students will quickly learn to write a variety of narrative stories and essays. Each two-page lesson is divided into three steps: Pre-Writing, Composing, and Revising. There is also a For-More-Fun activity for each lesson. It provides an opportunity for students to think creatively and to share their writing with their classmates and others. A list of additional topics for narrative writing is also provided.

Grades 4–7.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1, 4.4, 4.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1, 5.4, 5.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1, 6.4, 6.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1, 7.4, 7.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.5

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: WRITING
Text Types and Purposes
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

Production and Distribution of Writing
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: LANGUAGE
Conventions of Standard English
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Knowledge of Language
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Expand, combine, and reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.
Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs.
Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. Copyright Date: 2010