Components of a Story

Components of a Story

Pupils need to be made aware that there are different elements that make up the structure of a story. Most or all of these elements need to be present in the story to give it structure. These are: Setting, Period, Theme, Plot, Point of View, Characters. This...
Setting the Scene for Writing

Setting the Scene for Writing

Setting the scene in a story gives the story a sense of realism – that it is happening in a real or imagined place. It means that the author must create “word pictures” so that the reader can visualise the setting in their mind. It is important to give pupils...
Happy Endings in Writing

Happy Endings in Writing

The conclusion of a story is almost as important as the beginning. Some writers can rush the ending or not put enough thought into how to sensitively bring a story to a conclusion. The story ending can leave the reader with a variety of feelings depending on the type...
New Beginnings for Writing

New Beginnings for Writing

The opening of a story is hugely important. Its job is to catch the attention of the reader and make him/her want to read on. If the opening is boring and unimaginative, the reader will switch off. Many younger pupils write “bed-to-bed” stories –...
Subbing Countdown

Subbing Countdown

August is upon us. As a seasoned substitute teacher, you are no doubt getting ready to get back into the subbing saddle again. For many of us, we are better prepared for the subbing circuit having been on it now for a couple of years, but for others this is a new...