Title: To draft and edit an introduction to a fantasy story SC: I can identify different ways to

introduce a story that hooks a reader in.

I can describe the setting and main character in a story, setting up future events.

I can include narrative features from my planning that create an

effective fantasy narrative.

DNA:

Going forward as a writer, which habits do you know you need to use in order to improve your writing? Pick at least three and explain your choices.

What might the negatives be about the opening of a story being uninteresting?Why is it important that a story starts in an exciting way?What creative ways do you know already that might hook a reader in?

• How many ways can we open a story? We will now look at different techniques that writers can use to engage a reader to ensure that they keep reading the rest of their stories.

• Reflect and select the style of opening that you wish to have in your story as we go.

Story Openers

Stories can open with a character description.

‘Mr Stink stank. He also stunk’.

from Mr Stink by David Walliams

Story Openers

Stories can open with a description of a setting.

‘There was once a gaggle of

mountains, tall and proud,

each with a hat of snow.’

from Stone Goblins,

by David Melling

Story Openers

Stories can open with a description of both a character and a setting.

‘A thousand miles ago, in a country east of the

jungle and south of the mountains, there lived

a Firework-Maker called Lalchand…..’

From The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Phillip Pullman

Story Openers

Stories can open with dialogue.

‘Molllly!’ Maria shouted to her sister.

‘Would you please shut that window….’

from School for Stars: Second Term at L’Etoile by Holly and Kelly Willoughby

Remember the dangers of over using speech; remember you are telling the story, not the characters!

Story Openers

Stories can open with action.

‘Jesse was always finding bones in

the great bog-oak field where they

dug the peat for the winter fires.’

from The Ghost of Grania O’Malley by Michael Morpurgo

Story Openers

Stories can open with a question.

‘Ever had the feeling your life’s been flushed

down the toilet?’

From The Toilet of Doom by Michael Lawrence

Good openers sometimes leave the reader with an unanswered question, which can only be answered by reading on.

Story Openers

Stories can open with a statement.

‘In fairy tales, witches always

wear silly black hats and black

cloaks, and they ride on broomsticks.’

from The Witches, by Roald Dahl

Story Openers

Stories can open with a fronted adverbial.

‘Ages ago, Alex, Allen and Alva

arrived at Antibes…’

From Alphabetical Africa by Walter Abish

Which type of story openings do you enjoy the most and which will you use in your story ?

I will open my story with a _______ style opening because_________

Retrieval practice- look back on the resources on the next slides and make sure you include examples of them in your opening.

TaskWrite a description of the setting you have chosen (this will be where your story, which you will be

creating this week, will be set).

Use the check lists and word mat on the

next slides to help you.

• Detailed descriptions of the surroundings

• Clues to tantalise the reader (a hunched silhouette)

• Short, shocking sentences

• Subordinate and relative clauses to make the reader wait even longer

• Ellipses (...)

• Physical reactions from the character (her heart was in her mouth)

• Appealing to the reader’s senses

• Exciting synonyms (shuffled)

• Similes and metaphors

• Onomatopoeia

Building Tension and Suspense

Share your plan with somebody at home. Edit your plan based on

feedback they give you.

Extra challenge

Plenary

Self assess-

Yellow Hat-What are you proud of in your introduction?

Black Hat- What could go wrong if you do not include the features we have covered this week in your writing?

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