Story Spark Brainstorm Cards

Instructions: Cut out these cards. Pick one card at a time to help you think of ideas for your story song!

Card 1: Who is in your story?

• Myself
• A friend
• My pet
• A family member
• A made-up character

Card 2: Where does your story happen?

• At school
• At home
• In a park
• At the beach
• In my imagination

Card 3: What happens in your story? (The Event!)

• I found something cool
• I went on an adventure
• I learned something new
• I played a game
• Something silly happened

Card 4: What do I see?

• What colors are around?
• What shapes do I notice?
• Are there any special objects?

Card 5: What do I hear?

• Are there animal sounds?
• People talking or laughing?
• Music or other noises?

Card 6: How do I feel in my story?

• Happy or excited?
• Curious or surprised?
• A little bit scared or brave?

Card 7: What is the main idea or feeling of my story?

• Friendship
• Discovery
• Courage
• Fun
• Learning

Verse Writing Worksheet: My Story Song

Name: ____________________________

Part 1: My Story Idea

Use your Story Spark Brainstorm Cards to help you think about your story!

1. Who are the main characters in your story?
   
   
   
   

2. Where does your story take place? (The setting)
   
   
   
   

3. What happens in your story? (The main event)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is the main feeling or message of your story?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Write Your First Verse

Now, let's write the first part of your story song. Remember, the verse tells us details!

Think about:

• How does your story start?
• What happens first?
• What details can you include about your character or setting?

Write your verse below. Don't worry about rhyming perfectly yet!

Part 3: Brainstorm a Chorus Idea

Think about the main idea or feeling of your story. What short, catchy phrase could repeat throughout your song?

Story Song Answer Key

This answer key provides examples of appropriate responses for the Verse Writing Worksheet. Student answers will vary widely due to the creative nature of the activity. Focus on whether students have genuinely attempted to answer the prompts and have grasped the concepts of story elements and basic song structure.

Part 1: My Story Idea - Example Responses

1. Who are the main characters in your story?

   • Example: Me and my dog, Buddy.

2. Where does your story take place? (The setting)

   • Example: In my backyard on a sunny afternoon.

3. What happens in your story? (The main event)

   • Example: Buddy found a new squeaky toy under the rose bush, and we played fetch until the sun went down. He was so excited he wagged his tail really fast.

4. What is the main feeling or message of your story?

   • Example: Happiness and friendship with my dog.

Part 2: Write Your First Verse - Example Response

Think about:

• How does your story start?
• What happens first?
• What details can you include about your character or setting?

Example Verse:

The sun was shining bright, a perfect day for play,
My dog, dear Buddy, wagged his tail and led the way.
Out in the yard, near the rose bush green,
He sniffed and dug, a treasure to be seen!

Evaluation Focus: Look for a clear beginning to their story, some descriptive details about characters or setting, and a sense of a coherent narrative, even if simple. Rhyming is a bonus, but not the primary focus for a first draft.

Part 3: Brainstorm a Chorus Idea - Example Response

Think about the main idea or feeling of your story. What short, catchy phrase could repeat throughout your song?

Example Chorus Idea:

Oh, Buddy and me, playing all day long,
Making a happy, joyful story song!

Evaluation Focus: Assess if the chorus idea captures the main theme or emotion of their story. It should be short, memorable, and repeatable.