One-Week Creative Writing Lesson Plan for Year 2

Overview

Grade Level: Year 2 (8 years old)
Subject: Writing
Theme: Creative Writing
Duration: One week (5 days)

Day 1: Introduction to Storytelling

Lesson Title: “Every Story Begins with a Spark!”

Learning Objectives:

• Daniella will be able to identify the components of a story (character, setting, plot) by the end of the lesson.
• Daniella will orally share an idea for a story based on a prompt.

Materials Needed:

• Picture books (e.g., "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak)
• Whiteboard and markers or paper and crayons
• Story prompts (prepared beforehand)
• Audio recording device (optional)

Lesson Introduction:

• Begin with a read-aloud of “Where the Wild Things Are.” Engage Daniella by asking, “What do you think makes a good story?” Discuss her favorite stories and the elements that make them exciting.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: In pairs (or individually if it's just Daniella), brainstorm characters and settings that could start a story, using toys or drawings for inspiration.
• Explanation: Introduce the three main components of a story: characters, setting, and plot. Use examples from the picture book.
• Application: Daniella creates a quick sketch of her story idea, including at least one character and where the story takes place.
• Reflection: Discuss her sketches. What do they want to tell? How might the characters interact?

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Check understanding by having Daniella explain her sketch.
• Adjust for check-ins if she’s struggling or excitedly expanding her concept.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Connect to art by drawing settings and characters.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• For enrichment, encourage Daniella to also think of possible titles for her story.
• If she needs more support, provide sentence starters to build her confidence in her drawings.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Take a walk around the neighborhood to find inspiration for a character or setting.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Story starter apps or websites for children (e.g., Storybird).
• Join read-aloud sessions online.

Day 2: Developing Characters

Lesson Title: “Meet the Characters!”

Learning Objectives:

• Daniella will create at least three characters for her story, detailing their traits and backstories.

Materials Needed:

• Character worksheets (blank templates provided)
• Pencils and colored pencils

Lesson Introduction:

• Discuss why characters are important. Ask, “What do you love about your favorite characters?” Note specific traits.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Have Daniella think about what makes someone a hero or a villain. Have her list traits next to the corresponding character archetypes.
• Explanation: Define character traits—physical, emotional, and behavioral.
• Application: Use the character worksheet to develop three characters with traits and backstories.
• Reflection: Share her characters. Why did she choose those traits?

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review the character worksheets for clarity and creativity.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Incorporate art by illustrating one of her characters.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• If Daniella is advanced, ask her to write dialogue that explains her character's motivations. If she needs support, suggest focusing on one character at a time.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Role-play her characters using costumes or props found around the house.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Character development videos for kids on platforms like YouTube.

Day 3: Building Settings

Lesson Title: “Where Will the Story Happen?”

Learning Objectives:

• Daniella will describe in detail the setting for her story and how it influences the plot.

Materials Needed:

• Setting worksheet templates
• Art supplies (crayons, markers, etc.)
• Magazines for collage (optional)

Lesson Introduction:

• Use images of different settings (e.g., forests, cities, oceans). Discuss how each setting feels and the stories that could happen there.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Daniella can close her eyes and imagine a scene. Encourage her to describe what she sees, hears, and smells.
• Explanation: Explain how settings can affect stories—creating mood and influencing character actions.
• Application: Complete a setting worksheet that includes details like time period, weather, and mood.
• Reflection: Share her setting with a friend or family member, telling them what makes it special for her characters.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Evaluate the settings for vivid descriptions and connection to characters.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Link to geography by discussing real places that inspire her story.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• Advanced students can create a map of their setting, while those needing help can focus on one aspect of the setting at a time.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Explore nearby parks or rooms in the house to observe settings in real life.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Setting examples from children's TV shows or movies.

Day 4: Plot Planning

Lesson Title: “What Happens Next?”

Learning Objectives:

• Daniella will outline the basic plot using a story arc (beginning, middle, end).

Materials Needed:

• Story arc templates
• Sticky notes or notepaper
• Whiteboard for brainstorming

Lesson Introduction:

• Tell a simple story (or re-tell one she knows) and identify the beginning, middle, and end.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Brainstorm plot ideas using sticky notes; what happens at each part of her story?
• Explanation: Teach the concept of a story arc—introducing the problem, rising action, climax, and resolution.
• Application: Fill in a story arc template with her ideas, assigning her sticky notes to the appropriate sections.
• Reflection: Discuss the flow of her story: does it make sense? What parts does she feel the strongest about?

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Review her story arc for logical flow and completeness.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Integrate with math by representing the story arc visually (graphing the tension/climax).

Differentiation and Personalization:

• If Daniella needs more support, provide sentence starters for each point of the arc.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Create a short play based on the plotted story.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Websites explaining the elements of a story arc, such as PBS Kids storytelling apps.

Day 5: Drafting the Story

Lesson Title: “Creating My Story!”

Learning Objectives:

• Daniella will write a complete first draft of her story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Materials Needed:

• Lined paper or a notebook
• Editing checklist (spelling, punctuation, grammar)
• Colored pencils for illustrations

Lesson Introduction:

• Review all the characters, settings, and the plot she developed this week and discuss what excites her the most about the story.

Instructional Procedures:

• Exploration: Brainstorm a list of key events to include from her story arc.
• Explanation: Share tips on writing a good opening sentence and creating suspense.
• Application: Begin writing her first draft of the story. Encourage using descriptive language and dialogue.
• Reflection: After completing her draft, Daniella reads her story aloud, focusing on the narrative flow and areas that excite her.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Provide positive feedback, focus on strengths, and guide necessary corrections using the editing checklist.

Integration with Other Subjects:

• Discuss possible illustrations, integrating art into her writing.

Differentiation and Personalization:

• Advanced writers can start revising or have conversations about literary devices, while those needing support receive prompts or sentence starters.

Real-Life Applications and Field Activities:

• Consider digital storytelling tools or publishing platforms to create an illustrated version of her story.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Encourage Daniella to share her story with family or in school groups for feedback.

Final Note

This one-week creative writing curriculum provides a structured, engaging, and flexible approach to writing. It encourages creativity, personal expression, and reflection while also allowing for parental participation and adaptation based on the family's needs.