Grade 6: Creating Suspenseful Narrative Stories

 According to Grade 6 English teacher Mrs. Katie Singleton, “During this unit, students were asked to develop a plot that included sensory details and an element of suspense. They completed plot maps to visualize where they wanted certain events to happen and spent time developing thoughtful and interesting characters. Sixth graders participated in a sensory walk around campus, where they collected sensory details to make their writing more descriptive. They were also asked to provide constructive feedback to peers to enhance the element of suspense in their narratives.” When asked about the learning outcomes of this lesson, Mrs. Singleton said, “By the end of the lesson, my hope as a teacher is that students can identify the key elements of a suspenseful narrative, including plot structure, character development, and setting. I also hope that they are able to utilize various literary devices and techniques, such as foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and sensory details, that contribute to suspense. Furthermore, I hope that they take away the importance of reader engagement and emotional connection in suspenseful storytelling.” After completing their final pieces, the students got to share their stories with their classmates during a Grade 6 publishing party! “When students finished writing and peer editing, we had a Publishing Party,” Mrs. Singleton said. “This gave students an opportunity to share their creative stories with the class while enjoying some snacks. Sixth graders love to share their ideas, and it helps to build confidence in public speaking and communication skills.” Excellent work, Grade 6 authors!