Writing Fables | Developing Narratives with Dialogue

Are you looking for age-appropriate narrative writing? Try this fables activity! The five-part lesson teaches third, fourth, and fifth grade students to write stories using effective technique, clear event sequences, and dialogue between characters.

To support classroom, blended, and distance learning, student resources are included as printable PDFs and interactive Easel Activities. Additionally, the dialogue slideshow is included as a PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Created by master teacher Brenda Kovich, this activity is classroom tested and kid approved. Even reluctant writers can succeed - and shine! - with these short, simple tales.

Overview:

1. Students read two fables then use higher order thinking skills to determine common elements. From this analysis, the class generates a list of statements regarding characters, setting, plot, style, and purpose of fables.
2. Instruction of punctuation for direct quotes gets them ready to add dialogue to their fables. Students learn how to handle direct quotations with the dialogue tag at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence. A 33-slide slideshow, specially designed for this unit, is included.
3. Students plan morals and characters for the narratives they will write. First, they explore traits associated with different animals by discussing “The Ants and the Grasshopper” and “The Fox and the Crow,” as well as completing a worksheet entitled Animals and Their Traits. Second, they read and discuss two pages of American proverbs commonly used as morals. This helps students determine lessons for their own fables.
4. Students focus on writing technique. They analyze introductions, word choice, and conclusions of “The Ants and the Grasshopper” and “The Fox and the Crow.” Using these pieces as models, students write their own introductions and conclusions. In addition, they develop word banks of specific nouns, active verbs, and transition terms.
5. Students draft, edit, and finalize their fables. An editing checklist allows students to edit their work independently or with a peer.

What's included:

• complete lesson plans
• two fables by Aesop, specially adapted for this module
• story arc for mapping elements
• Writing Dialogue slideshow, poster, and practice sheet
• Animals and Their Traits worksheet
• two pages of American proverbs with interpretation
• three fable planning sheets
• list of transition terms
• independent/peer editing sheet
• rubric

Enjoy Teaching!

Brenda Kovich

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I'm committed to continual improvement. This resource was updated and enhanced on February 24, 2021.