Unit Plan 23 (Grade 1 ELA): Writing Narrative Scenes with Temporal Words

Focus: Actions, feelings, simple dialogue; first/then/next/finally

Grade Level: 1

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing • Language)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Young writers can turn tiny moments into clear scenes by telling what happened in order, showing actions and feelings, and adding a bit of talk (simple dialogue). This week, students plan and draft one small narrative scene using temporal words (first, then, next, finally), at least one feeling, and one line of dialogue with a speaking verb like said.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Recount a small moment with two or more sequenced events, using temporal words to signal order and a simple closure (W.1.3).
2. Write complete sentences that name who/what, use a verb, and stay in the same tense; use simple dialogue tags (e.g., Mom said, “___.”) (L.1.1).
3. Use learned vocabulary (temporal words, feeling words, strong verbs, speaking verbs) in writing and talk (L.1.6).

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 1

• W.1.3 Write narratives recounting two or more appropriately sequenced events, include details regarding actions, thoughts, feelings, use temporal words to signal order, and provide some sense of closure.
• L.1.1 Demonstrate command of grammar/usage in speaking and writing (complete sentences; consistent tense; simple dialogue tags).
• L.1.6 Use acquired words and phrases, including those that signal sequence and feelings.

Success Criteria — student language

• I can use First, Then, Next, Finally to show the order of my scene.
• I can tell what happened (actions) and how I felt (feeling word).
• I can add one talking line with a speaking verb like said.
• I can write complete sentences that make sense and sound right when I read them aloud.