Writing Workshop - The Elements of a Good Story

A small group of older students have been discussing the important elements of a great story. First we considered setting and the children created a drawing or map of a place or setting that intrigued them. The following week we discussed character and the importance of considering the inner as well as outer traits of a character. Children created character sheets listing their main character’s outer (physical) traits as well as his/her inner traits. Inner traits include thoughts, feelings, and dialogue. Finally we discussed plot and the importance of having a beginning, middle and end to a story. Often children struggle with ending their stories so it took effort to think of a problem and events leading up to its resolution! 

When asked what were the elements of a good story the children shared: 

• good stories have adventure, problems and a plot. Good stories have settings.
• a good story has interesting vocabulary and words.
• a good story has humor.
• a good story has feelings and characters.

When considering what makes an interesting character the children shared: 

• a character has to have personality and we need to know what motivates him or her.
• a character has to show his or her feelings.
• a character has to have a way of speaking.
• we need to know what a character likes or dislikes.