The Narrative Arc Made Simple for Emerging Readers and Writers
by Stephanie Greene
Young children lead rich emotional lives. Learning how to tap into these small moments when
they write is an essential skill. In this presentation we will talk about the simple narrative
structure common to all of the books in her Princess Posey series, as well as other books, and
how it can be used to help students craft their own stories, as well as learn how to identify
structure in all of the books they read.
Notes:
Emerging readers connect with the skills of reading and writing stem from two vantage points –
Emotional and Structural:
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An emotional connection with the story
o Draws children into the story
o Provides the young reader with the ability to see themselves in the story
o Empowers them with the ability to see themselves as the hero of a the ultimate
story – their own lives
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An awareness of the structure of the story
o Helps them in becoming comprehensive readers
o Helps them to be effective writers
Lessons in Structure:
 Ah! Ha! – An example of a fast-paced narrative arc
 Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse – an example of a slow-building narrative arc
A lesson in an Emotional Connection and Story Structure – Princess Posey and the First Grade
Parade:
 Illustrate literary elements that allow the child to connect with Posey on an emotional
level
 Present the graphic manipulative story arc
Greene/ The Narrative Arc Made Simple for Emerging Readers and Writers
The Narrative Arc: Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade
Materials:
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Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade
The Story Arc
Plot Point Pictures
Plot Point Labels
Scissors
Glue or tape
Procedure:
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Print Story Arc, Plot Point Picture and Labels.
Using scissors, trim around picture and labels.
Read Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade.
Review Narrative Arc Mountain Climbing Terminology.
Place Plot Point Picture and Labels in the corresponding places on the Story Arc.
Retell the story, explaining how Posey overcame various featured obstacles in the story.
Check your work using the Answer Guide provided below the picture and labels.
Narrative Arc Mountain Climbing Terminology
= Mountain Peak
= Motivator/Hook
= Personal growth
= Obstacle
= Obstacle
= Success!
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Greene/ The Narrative Arc Made Simple for Emerging Readers and Writers
Story Arc
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Greene/ The Narrative Arc Made Simple for Emerging Readers and Writers
Poor Danny doesn’t get to go to school.
Posey talks to Miss Lee.
Boys tell Posey there’s a monster.
Why can’t I wear my tutu?
You’re leaving me.
Posey leads the First Grade Parade!
Princess Posey Narrative Arc Answer Guide
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Greene/ The Narrative Arc Made Simple for Emerging Readers and Writers
Core Curriculum State Standards Lesson Alignment:
English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature
RL.K.1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RL.K.3: With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
RL.1.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
RL.1.3: Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
RL.1.10: With prompting and support, read prose and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1.
RL.2.1: Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate
understanding of key details in a text.
RL.2.3: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
RL.2.5: Describe the overall structure of a story, including describing how the beginning introduces the
story and the ending concludes the action.
English Language Arts Standards » Writing
W.K.3: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely
linked events, tell about the events in the order in which they occurred, and provide a reaction to what
happened.
W.K.5: With guidance and support from adults, respond to questions and suggestions from peers and
add details to strengthen writing as needed.
W.1.8: With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather
information from provided sources to answer a question.
W.2.8: Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a
question.
References:
Burnett, Frances Hodgson, and Tasha Tudor. The Secret Garden. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1962.
Greene, Stephanie, and Stephanie Roth Sisson. Princess Posey and The First Grade Parade. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010.
Henkes, Kevin. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. New York: Greenwillow Books, 1996.
Mack, Jeff. Ah ha!. San Francisco, Calif.: Chronicle Books, 2013.
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