Slow Motion Moments in a Thanksgiving Kitchen

Read the two narrations aloud before students chart them. The answer keys give sample word choices and model rewrites.

Rewrite four telling sentences about a holiday kitchen and slow down the moment the oven door opens. The directions on the page read: Rewrite each of Ines's telling sentences in 1 to 4 as 2 showing sentences with sensory details. Then follow the directions for 5 and write the scene on the lines. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade narrative writing, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Voice comes from diction, which is word choice, plus sentence length and the narrator's attitude toward events. Shape a Narrator's Voice Through Diction shows one event told by two very different narrators.

Telling names a feeling or fact, such as The kitchen was crowded. Showing gives sensory details that let the reader see it. Slow Motion Moments in a Thanksgiving Kitchen rewrites four telling sentences.

Stretch one short moment over several sentences with sight, sound, smell and touch details. A comparison with like or as can help, as the oven door scene on the Thanksgiving sheet asks.