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.4.3, 4.4, 4.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.3, 5.4, 5.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.3, 6.4, 6.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3, 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

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events.
Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.

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.

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and their function in particular sentences.
Use verb tense to convey various times, sequences, states, and conditions.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Use punctuation to separate items in a seriesSpell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

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.

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