Unit Plan 23 (Grade 6 ELA): Writing Dialogue & Building Scenes
Grade 6 narrative writing unit: students craft vivid scenes using dialogue, action, and interior thoughts to reveal character and build tension. They master dialogue punctuation, pacing, and voice, revising for clarity, precision, and smooth grammar so their writing feels real and immediate.
Focus: Dialogue punctuation; actions/thoughts; narrative voice
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Writing—Narrative; Language—Conventions & Usage)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Scenes are where stories breathe—characters talk, move, and think. This week, students learn to craft tight, character-revealing scenes using dialogue, action beats, and interior thoughts, all while maintaining a consistent narrative voice. We’ll lock down dialogue mechanics, strengthen pacing, and revise for precision and clarity so the writing reads like a moment unfolding in real time.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Use narrative techniques—dialogue, pacing, description, and reflection—to develop events and show character (W.6.3b).
- Sequence events with varied transitions and sensory details to build cohesion within a scene (W.6.3c).
- Employ precise words and phrases, relevant details, and consistent voice to convey experiences (W.6.3d).
- Apply conventions of standard English (capitalization, punctuation, grammar in dialogue and tags) and spell correctly (L.6.1; L.6.2b).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6
- Writing 6.3b (W.6.3b): Use narrative techniques such as dialogue, pacing, and description to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.
- Writing 6.3c (W.6.3c): Use a variety of transition words, phrases, and clauses to sequence events; use sensory language to convey experiences precisely.
- Writing 6.3d (W.6.3d): Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to convey experiences and events.
- Language 6.1 (L.6.1): Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- Language 6.2b (L.6.2b): Spell correctly.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can write dialogue that sounds natural, follows correct mechanics, and reveals character.
- I can blend action and interior thoughts with dialogue to move the scene forward.
- I can keep a consistent voice and use precise words that fit the moment.
- I can check for paragraphing, punctuation, grammar, and spelling so my scene reads smoothly.