Social Studies 4: How to Write a Narrative
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It is absolutely imperative that you learn how to write a narrative. We're like so bored right now, and a good story would really hit the spot.
4th Grade | Social Studies |
Elementary and Middle School | 4th Grade |
Language | English Language |
Transcript
Anyway, we know that you’re not applying to college yet… [Man shrinks and becomes a kid]
… but it’s never too early to practice good story-telling – or, in this case, good
story-writing!
Narratives can be real or imagined, but for the purposes of this video, we're going the [Coop pointing at a blackboard]
imaaaaaginary route.
Ooh, sorry.
No unicorns.
We promise, we'll call you guys up whenever we tackle creative writing. [Unicorn in space]
For this assignment, you’re going to use research and imagination to practice putting [Guy walking up to a bookshelf]
yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Um, that’s metaphorically putting yourself in other's shoes. [Guy wearing high heels]
Don't actually do it…that's kinda gross...
After you’ve researched your subject, you’ll have notes on all the qualities that are unique [Kid unrolls giant list of notes]
to him or her.
Your job is to combine those elements into a story worth telling.
This might seem daunting at first –
-- but, surprise!
You actually do this sort of thing all the time. [Kid looks shocked]
For example, when your friend tells you his dog Mr. Pugsworth is sick, you feel sad because [A dog wrapped up in a blanket]
you understand the worry and anxiety he's feeling.
But when Mr. Pugsworth gets better, you feel excited and overjoyed! [The dog spits the thermometer out it's mouth]
And you're full of belly rubs, which Mr. Pugsworth certainly appreciates! [Guy rubbing his own belly]
So, with a little bit of creative thinking, you can definitely get into the head – and
heart – of anyone you choose!
Again: metaphorically.
We're not in some sort of creepy sci-fi movie here… [An alien appears]
So the next time you write a narrative, start by looking at the things your subject does [Dino pointing at a blackboard]
each day.
Then picture how you might feel in those situations.
Put it all together and boom!
You've got yourself an awesome narrative. [Dino looks excited and drops his pointer]
And yes, unicorns.
We'll pay you for being in this video…ugh. [Unicorns queuing at the payroll office]
They're so hard to work with…