Crafting a Short Story

10th GradeELA80 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.w.9-10.3

Learning Objective

I can write a short story with a clear plot and engaging characters.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

11 min

How to Come Up with ORIGINAL Story Ideas [Brainstorming Method]

Reedsy

Guided Notes

16 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • The "one truth and four questions" approach involves observing someone doing something and writing it down as a story seed.

  • The universal truth to all stories is that they are about people and their reaction to change.

  • The four questions to ask are: Why are they doing that? What does that say about them? What's the best or worst thing that could happen to them? And where else could this happen?

Practice

24 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Think of a character you have observed, and describe them briefly. Then, answer these questions about them: 1. Why are they doing that? 2. What does that say about them? 3. What's the best or worst thing that could happen to them?

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts