Social Studies 4: How to Write a Narrative

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…