Getting kids to write personal narratives can be difficult. When writing a personal narrative, students may feel frustrated, or even confused. It doesn’t have to be this way! Using mentor texts for narrative writing is a wonderful way to guide young writers through the writing process. When reading mentor text, students learn about using vivid verbs, onomatopoeia, strong adjectives, and the use of dialogue. Today I am sharing some of my favorite mentor texts for narrative writing.
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Mentor Texts for Narrative Writing
These are some of my favorite mentor texts for narrative writing.
Roller Coaster, by Marla Frazee
The first book of the list of mentor texts for narrative writing that I use for narrative writing is The Roller Coaster. This wonderful story tells about a little girl’s first experience on a roller coaster. It is filled with onomatopeia and vivid verbs and will inspire your students to write about small moments in their lives!
A Moment in Time, by Jennifer Butenas
Surely, A Moment in Time should be used as a mentor text! It tells a story of a family spending a summer day in Cape Cod. Small moments are captured as they discover that some of the best moments are unplanned. This mentor text for narrative writing is filled with rhythm and rhyme that students love to hear again and again. As an extra bonus, each time you read the book, there is a little red bird on each page that students can hunt for! Be sure to check this one out!
Ralph Tells A Story, by Abby Hanlon
One of the best mentor texts for narrative writing is Ralph Tells a Story. This is perfect for kids who can’t think of anything to write about! It tells the story of a little boy named Ralph, who can’t get past putting his name at the top of his paper. When it’s time to write stories, Ralph thinks really hard. He stares at his paper and then at the ceiling. He has no stories! In the end, Ralph realizes that a great story can be about anything at all. Maybe he really does have some stories to tell!
Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall
Students can make connections to the theme of this story. Jabari passed his swim test and finished his swimming lessons, so he’s definitely ready to jump off the diving board. Jabari is a very believable character as he faces up to his fears and uncertainties. The dad in the story is supportive but allows Jabari to make choices for himself.
Blizzard, by John Rocco
I think this story is one of my favorite mentor texts for narrative writing! This story is based on John Rocco’s experience during a blizzard. The book really captures how a blizzard would feel from a child’s perspective. He describes how excited the children are to be let out of school early and their awe at the depth of snow they encounter upon waking up the following morning.
Fireflies, by Julie Brinkloe
Definitely add this book to your list! This is one of my all-time favorite mentor texts for narrative writing! It has a clear beginning, middle, and end; and it captures a small moment in time that kids really relate to. The character catches fireflies in a jar and then must set them free so that they can survive. It tells everything the main character does, says, feels, and thinks.
Stella Tells Her Story, by Janiel Wagstaff
Last, but certainly not least, is Stella Tells Her Story. Students will learn right along with Stella as she goes through the writing process of brainstorming, planning, drafting, publishing and finally sharing her story. Stella will get your students motivated to start writing!
Anchor Charts for Personal Narratives
Another important component of my writing instruction is the use of anchor charts. Anchor charts are a great learning tool for my students. I use anchor charts as I walk through each part of the writing process with my students. These anchor charts support my students through brainstorming and planning, writing a draft, revising and editing, and then writing a final copy.
You can check out Personal Narrative Anchor Charts HERE.
Writing Topics for Personal Narratives
“I don’t know what to write about!” Raise your hand if you’ve heard that! I know I have! Incorporate Writing Choice Boards into your Writer’s Workshop and you will never hear those words again! Writing Choice Boards are a great way to give your students choice in their writing. These choice boards provide students with 36 Personal Narrative writing prompts. That’s enough prompts for over a month of writing! Choice boards are great for a writing center, early finishers, morning work, or even as a daily journal prompt.
Are you interested in Writing Choice Boards for Personal Narratives? Click HERE to get them!
Do you need writing topics for other types of writing? CLICK HERE!
Looking for other ideas for great read alouds? Click HERE
Do you want to take your writing instruction to the next level? Learn how HERE!
Do you have a favorite book that was not on the list of mentor texts for narrative writing? Let me know! I’d love to add it to the list!
One Response
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!