Unit Title: Snow Day Adventures: Writing a Third Person Narrative

Grade Level: 3rd and 4th Grade

Unit Overview: In this writing unit, students will explore the world of third person narratives by crafting their own stories about a snow day. They will learn about the characteristics of third person narratives, practice descriptive writing, and develop their storytelling skills. Through engaging activities and writing exercises, students will enhance their creativity, vocabulary, and grammar while expressing their ideas in a coherent and engaging manner.

Unit Duration: Approximately 4-6 weeks (may vary based on class schedule and pacing)

Unit Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of a third person narrative and its distinguishing features. 2. Develop descriptive writing skills to create vivid and engaging narratives. 3. Use appropriate grammar and sentence structure in writing. 4. Organize ideas and events in a logical sequence. 5. Revise and edit their own writing for clarity, coherence, and grammar.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Third Person Narratives - Introduce the concept of third person narratives and discuss their characteristics. - Read and analyze examples of third person narratives. - Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of writing in third person. - Assign a short writing task where students write a paragraph describing a snow day from a third person perspective.

Lesson 2: Descriptive Writing Techniques - Teach descriptive writing techniques such as using sensory details, vivid language, and figurative language. - Engage students in a snow day sensory activity where they explore the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with a snow day. - Model descriptive writing by creating a class paragraph using the sensory details collected. - Assign a writing task where students describe a snow day scene using descriptive techniques.

Lesson 3: Developing Characters - Discuss the importance of well-developed characters in narratives. - Teach students how to create believable and interesting characters. - Engage students in a character creation activity where they design a character who experiences a snow day adventure. - Assign a writing task where students write a character profile for their snow day character.

Lesson 4: Plot Development - Introduce the concept of plot and its elements (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). - Analyze the structure of a third person narrative and identify its plot elements. - Guide students in brainstorming and organizing their snow day narrative using a graphic organizer. - Assign a writing task where students write the beginning (exposition) of their snow day narrative.

Lesson 5: Writing the Narrative - Teach students how to write engaging dialogue and incorporate it into their narratives. - Guide students in writing the middle (rising action, climax, falling action) of their snow day narrative. - Encourage students to use descriptive writing techniques and well-developed characters in their narratives. - Assign a writing task where students complete the ending (resolution) of their snow day narrative.

Lesson 6: Revising and Editing - Teach students the importance of revising and editing their writing. - Guide students in revising their narratives for clarity, coherence, and grammar. - Encourage peer editing and provide a checklist for students to use during the editing process. - Assign a final writing task where students submit their revised and edited snow day narrative.

Lesson 7: Sharing and Reflection - Provide an opportunity for students to share their narratives with the class. - Encourage constructive feedback and positive reinforcement. - Reflect on the writing process and discuss what students have learned about third person narratives and storytelling.

Assessment: - Informal assessments through class discussions, participation, and writing exercises. - Formal assessment through the final written snow day narrative. - Rubrics can be used to assess students’ writing skills, creativity, organization, and grammar.