Narratives

Making the leap into early academic writing can feel overwhelming — for learners and teachers alike! 

There are many types of writing included under the umbrella of "academic writing," and it can be beneficial to take some time to really focus on learning the elements of each particular type. 

This class focuses on narrative writing (storytelling). While we often associate narratives with fiction, they are also commonly used in nonfiction (such as memoir, personal reflections, and essays for scholarships/applications). 

We will spend this time really focusing on the core elements of narrative writing, identifying those elements at play in example texts, and write our own narratives with multiple drafts.

Gain Key Academic Writing and Reading Foundations

Narrative writing is a key academic writing component that comes up again and again throughout learners' academic writing experiences. 

This class will dive deep into the following narrative elements: 

  • Dialogue
  • Setting
  • Narrative Perspective
  • Attention-Grabbing Introductions
  • Pacing
  • Meaningful Conclusions 

Course Details

  • Self-Paced Format: This is a self-paced class, which means you can take as much time as you'd like. The suggested schedule is 8 weeks. This class will require facilitator (parent/guardian/tutor) feedback. Rubrics and feedback guidance are included.

  • Find Individual Process: The stories you tell should be your own, but this class can help you think about the components that help you tell them well! I don't tell you WHAT to write, but I'll help you figure out HOW to write it.

  • Supplies: To participate successfully in class, learners will need the following: PDF Reader, Headphones/Speakers, and Word Processing Software (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word)

Pricing options

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities.

Is this the right fit?

This class is a beginner option for my Middle School level classes (Middle School Foundations). It’s designed for learners who are new to academic writing expectations. Learners will do best if they have the following skills: 

  • Can write about 150-200 words (about one-half page double spaced) on a single topic
  • Confidently reads texts at or above ~650L on the Lexile rating

This class is a good fit for middle school readers and writers who have not had much formal academic writing experience. It’s an especially good fit for those who need practice like writing stories and could use some help with structure and strategy.

Finding the Right Challenge

This class is designed as a very early introduction to academic writing experiences.

More advanced writers with experience writing academic essays may benefit from this class if they struggle with dialogue, character development, or descriptive writing.

Writers who can confidently create narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end with developed characters may find this class too easy.

These writers may instead benefit from a Middle School Level 2 class.  

Skills Gained

We will practice narrative writing by reading multiple short stories, evaluating them for their components, and practice building those elements into our own writing.

Students will gain the following skills:

  • Crafting a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Taking on a specific narrative perspective with purpose 
  • Building characters through dialogue and description 
  • Using transitions between scenes 


Common Core Standards Alignment

For those who are using Common Core standards, this course meets the following: 

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2, 7.2, and 8.2 (identifying central ideas of stories)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3, 7.3, and 8.3 (analyzing plot in stories)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (determining word meaning in context)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 (analyze components of a story for fit with the whole)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6, 7.6, and 8.6 (explain POV and narrative perspective)
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.10, 7.10, and 8.10 (read and comprehend stories of appropriate complexity)
  • CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3, 7.3, and 8.3 (write narratives with effective techniques)
  • CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4, 7.4, and 8.4 (produce clear and cohesive writing)
  • CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 (plan, revise, edit, and rewrite)
  • CCS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.10, 7.10, and 8.10 (write routinely over extended periods of time)

Meet Your Teacher!

Michelle Parrinello-Cason

Dr. Michelle Parrinello-Cason is the founder of Dayla Learning. She has a PhD in rhetoric and composition, a passion for helping students find their writing voice, and two homeschooling children of her own. Michelle has taught in a wide variety of settings including six years as a full-time college professor. She has been teaching virtual and in-person homeschool writing and humanities classes for more than five years. Michelle believes in meeting students where they are and — as any of her previous students will tell you — believes deeply that there is no such thing as a bad rough draft!

Pricing options

This class uses a sliding fee scale for pricing options in order to build more equitable access to these educational opportunities.