Writing a Fictional Narrative

Grade Level: 4
Content Areas: Language Arts - Writing
Computer Skills: Word Processing

Objectives:

• To write a fictional narrative
• To use a word processor to enter and edit data

Materials:

• Word processor
• Depending on the desired topic for a lesson choose from the titles below. One student sheet should be copied for each student and will be used as a preactivity in the classroom. The corresponding computer file should be installed on computers and will be used as reinforcement of the writing skills learned in the classroom and as an exercise in word processing.
• Download all PC files from the "Teacher Resources" page (see link on left menu)

Time: 2 or 3 classroom periods, 1 or 2 computer lab periods

Activities:

Preclass:

1. Make sure the computer file for the lesson is loaded on the computers in the classroom or lab.
2. Become familiar with the file so that you can help students with the exercise.
3. Make enough copies of the student sheet for each student.

Classroom Period 1:

1. Teach students the skill needed in a desired lesson.
2. Pass out students sheets and complete the activity.
3. Remind students that they will also be doing this activity in the computer lab.

Computer Lab Trip 1:

1. Have students open the computer file on one of the topics above.
2. Review with students what they learned in the classroom. Read aloud the instructions on the screen.
3. Students will need to be shown how to click their cursor in different sections where they will type their answers.
4. Some charts were created in a spreadsheet so students will need to be shown how to click in a box, type, then press return to see what they have typed.
5. Students may also need to have help inserting and deleting text on the status line at the top of the spreadsheet if they need to make changes to what they have already typed.
6. When students are finished with the first exercise they will move down to the next page using the scroll bar.
7. SAVE! Use the title of the lesson as the name of the saved file.
8. If students are not finished you may need to schedule another lab time to complete the lesson. You could edit the papers and have students make corrections on the computer before they are finished.
9. When the stories are complete SAVE again and PRINT.

Classroom Period 2 (After computer files are completed and printed):

1. Remind students what features they should have included to write a good fictional narrative.
2. Let several students read their stories aloud and have the class discuss the features that make it a good personal narrative.
3. Make a class book of these stories, hang on a bulletin board, send home, or keep in a computer or writing portfolio.

* The computer files for this lesson are locked so when the students save their work the original file will not be changed. Therefore these files can be used many times for writing exercises in the computer lab.

NC Competencies:

Language Arts:

Goal 1. The learner will use strategies and processes that enhance control of communication skills development.
Goal 2. The learner will use language for the acquisition, interpretation, and application of information.
Goal 3. The learner will use language for critical analysis and evaluation.
Goal 4. The learner will use language for aesthetic and personal response.

Computer Skills:

Grade 4:

2.2 Use a word processing program to edit a paragraph and save changes.
2.3 Use a word processing program to enter a paragraph into the computer and print it.

Created by Judy Lambert, Instructional Technology Specialist