Lesson Plan
Personal Narrative Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will brainstorm and generate at least three personal narrative story ideas by reflecting on significant life moments and adding sensory and emotional details.
This lesson helps students find meaningful experiences to write about, building writing confidence and self-awareness as they prepare for drafting their narratives.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Graphic organizer, reflection, peer sharing
Materials
Personal Narrative Brainstorming Graphic Organizer, Chart Paper with Reflection Prompts, Sticky Notes, Writing Journals or Paper, and Pens/Pencils
Prep
Prepare Materials
15 minutes
- Print enough copies of the Personal Narrative Brainstorming Graphic Organizer for each student
- Create a chart paper display titled “Story Moments” with prompts (e.g., “A time I felt proud,” “A challenge I overcame”)
- Gather sticky notes, journals or loose-leaf paper, and pens/pencils
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet or at their desks and ask: “What makes a good personal story?”
- Briefly define personal narrative and give a quick example (teacher’s own).
- Point to the chart paper with prompts and explain that these questions will help them uncover story ideas.
Step 2
Brainstorming Activity
15 minutes
- Distribute the Personal Narrative Brainstorming Graphic Organizer.
- Ask students to silently reflect on three prompts that resonate most and jot down a memory, sensory details, and feelings for each.
- Circulate to support students who need help fleshing out details.
Step 3
Partner Share
5 minutes
- Pair students and have them share their top two story ideas.
- Encourage partners to ask clarifying questions (e.g., “What did you see or hear?”) to deepen details.
- Invite a few volunteers to briefly share one idea with the whole class.
Step 4
Reflection and Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Give each student a sticky note. Ask them to write one story idea they’re most excited about and one thing they learned about brainstorming.
- Have students post notes on the “Story Moments” chart.
- Quickly review a few responses to reinforce the value of reflection.
Slide Deck
Session 1: Brainstorming Personal Narratives
Today’s Goal:
• Understand what makes a personal narrative
• Generate at least three story ideas using reflection prompts
Agenda:
- Define personal narrative
- See an example
- Use story prompts
- Brainstorm on graphic organizer
- Partner share
- Exit ticket reflection
Welcome students and introduce today’s objectives. Emphasize that we’ll explore our own life stories and find ideas to write about.
What Is a Personal Narrative?
A personal narrative is a true story about something that happened to you. Key elements:
• First-person point of view (I, me, my)
• Clear sequence of events
• Sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
• Personal feelings and reflections
Invite volunteers to share their definitions before revealing this slide. Highlight key elements: real event, emotions, sensory details.
Example Personal Narrative
“Last October, I climbed a tall pine tree in my backyard. The bark felt rough under my fingers and the wind whispered through the branches. At the top, I saw our neighborhood spread out like a patchwork quilt, and I felt proud that I had conquered my fear of heights.”
Read the example aloud, pointing out the sensory detail (“crisp autumn air”) and emotional reflection (“felt proud”). Ask students to listen for these elements.
Story Prompts
Choose three prompts that resonate with you:
• A time I felt proud
• A challenge I overcame
• My funniest moment
• A family tradition I love
• A day I’ll never forget
• A mistake that taught me something
Explain that these prompts are springboards for memories. Encourage students to pick the three that spark the strongest feelings.
Brainstorming Activity
- Grab the graphic organizer
- Pick three prompts from the chart
- For each prompt, jot down:
– The memory or event
– At least two sensory details
– How you felt in that moment
Time: 15 minutes
Distribute the Personal Narrative Brainstorming Graphic Organizer. Circulate to support students who struggle.
Partner Share
- Pair up with a classmate
- Share your top two story ideas
- Ask questions to deepen details:
– What did you see or hear?
– Why was that moment important? - Be supportive and curious
Time: 5 minutes
Model how to ask questions: “What did you hear?” or “How did that moment change you?” Remind students to be positive and constructive.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
- Take a sticky note
- Write:
– The one story idea you’re most excited about
– One thing you learned about brainstorming - Post your note on the “Story Moments” chart
Time: 5 minutes
Explain exit ticket expectations. Remind students to write neatly and post on the chart paper.
Next Steps & Closing
Great work today! In Session 2, we will:
• Turn one of these story ideas into a draft
• Add more sensory details
• Practice writing engaging beginnings
See you next time!
Preview the next session: drafting their first paragraphs, using details they brainstormed. Encourage students to review their notes.
Worksheet
Brainstorming Organizer for Personal Narratives
Use this organizer to capture three story ideas. For each, choose a prompt, then describe the memory, add sensory details, and reflect on how you felt.
Story Prompts (choose three):
- A time I felt proud
- A challenge I overcame
- My funniest moment
- A family tradition I love
- A day I’ll never forget
- A mistake that taught me something
Story Idea 1
1. Which prompt did you choose?
2. Memory/Event Description:
3. Sensory Details (at least two):
- Sight:
- Sound:
- Smell/Taste/Touch:
4. Feelings & Reflections:
Story Idea 2
1. Which prompt did you choose?
2. Memory/Event Description:
3. Sensory Details (at least two):
- Sight:
- Sound:
- Smell/Taste/Touch:
4. Feelings & Reflections:
Story Idea 3
1. Which prompt did you choose?
2. Memory/Event Description:
3. Sensory Details (at least two):
- Sight:
- Sound:
- Smell/Taste/Touch:
4. Feelings & Reflections:
When you’ve finished, choose the story idea you’re most excited to draft first!
Lesson Plan
Personal Narrative Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will draft the opening paragraph of their personal narrative by selecting one brainstormed idea and incorporating an engaging hook, vivid sensory details, and personal reflections.
Transforming ideas into a written draft helps students strengthen narrative voice, organization, and detail—key skills for confident, compelling storytelling.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Modeling, guided practice, independent writing
Materials
Personal Narrative Brainstorming Graphic Organizer, Personal Narrative Drafting Outline, Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist, Writing Journals or Paper, Pens/Pencils, and Projector or Whiteboard
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print copies of the Personal Narrative Drafting Outline and Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist
- Review students’ exit tickets from Session 1 to note popular story ideas and common support needs
- Queue an example paragraph on the projector or write it on the whiteboard
Step 1
Introduction & Recap
5 minutes
- Briefly revisit Session 1: ask a few volunteers to share which story idea they chose and why
- Explain today’s goal: turn that idea into a strong opening paragraph with a hook, sensory details, and reflections
Step 2
Modeling a Strong Beginning
7 minutes
- Display an example opening paragraph on the board/projector
- Read it aloud, then highlight:
- The hook (e.g., question, vivid image)
- Sensory language (sight, sound, touch)
- Personal reflection or emotion
- Think aloud: discuss why each element grabs the reader’s attention
Step 3
Guided Drafting
10 minutes
- Distribute the Personal Narrative Drafting Outline
- Instruct students to choose their top idea from the Brainstorming Graphic Organizer
- Model filling in the outline: hook idea, key detail, emotional reflection
- Students work independently to complete their own outline and begin writing their opening paragraph
- Circulate and confer, offering support with descriptive language and structure
Step 4
Peer Feedback
5 minutes
- Pair students and exchange opening paragraphs
- Give each pair a Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist
- Partners read aloud and use the checklist to note:
- Is the hook engaging?
- Are there at least two sensory details?
- Is the emotion clear?
- Encourage constructive comments ("I liked…" and "You could add…")
Step 5
Reflection & Exit Ticket
3 minutes
- Ask students to write on a sticky note:
- One strength in their draft
- One detail they plan to add or improve
- Collect notes as exit tickets to inform Session 3 planning
Slide Deck
Session 2: Drafting Your Narrative Beginning
Today’s Goal:
• Write a compelling opening paragraph
• Use an engaging hook, vivid sensory details, and personal reflection
Agenda:
- Recap & objective
- Model a strong beginning
- Guided drafting with outline
- Peer feedback
- Reflection & exit ticket
Welcome students and introduce today’s goal: crafting a strong opening paragraph with a hook, sensory details, and reflection.
Recap & Today’s Objective
Recap of Session 1:
• Brainstormed three story ideas
• Shared ideas with partners
Today’s Objective:
Turn your top idea into a strong opening paragraph:
• Grab the reader’s attention with a hook
• Include at least two sensory details
• Show your personal reflection or emotion
Ask a few volunteers to share which story idea they chose and why. Then explain today’s objective.
Modeling a Strong Beginning
Example Opening Paragraph:
“The shrill whistle of the school bell still rings in my ears as I step onto the stage. The bright lights dazzled my eyes, and my heart pounded like a drum. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and embraced the moment I had practiced for months.”
Notice:
• Hook with sound
• Vivid sensory details (sound, sight, touch)
• Emotional reflection
Display the example on the board or projector. Read it aloud, then highlight the hook, sensory details, and emotional reflection.
Guided Drafting with Outline
- Grab your Personal Narrative Drafting Outline
- Choose your top story idea from the brainstorming organizer
- Fill in the outline:
– Hook idea
– Key sensory details
– Personal reflection or emotion - Begin writing your opening paragraph based on the outline
Time: 10 minutes
Distribute the drafting outline and model filling in each section. Encourage students to follow your example as they work.
Peer Feedback
- Pair up and exchange opening paragraphs
- Use the Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist to guide feedback:
– Is the hook engaging?
– Are there at least two sensory details?
– Is the emotion clear and personal? - Offer feedback with “I liked…” and “You could add…”
Time: 5 minutes
Pair students and model how to use the checklist. Emphasize positive, specific feedback.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
- On a sticky note, write:
– One strength of your opening paragraph
– One detail you plan to add or improve - Post your note on the board as you leave
Time: 3 minutes
Explain exit ticket expectations and remind students to write legibly.
Next Steps & Closing
Great job today! In Session 3, we will:
• Revise and expand your draft
• Enhance details and organization
• Practice smooth transitions
Be sure to review your peer feedback before next time!
Preview Session 3: revising and expanding the draft using feedback and focusing on transitions and organization.
Worksheet
Personal Narrative Drafting Outline
Use this outline to organize and draft the opening paragraph of your chosen story idea. Refer back to your Brainstorming Organizer for details. Fill in each section below, then write your paragraph at the end.
1. Story Idea
Which story idea are you drafting?
2. Hook
What type of hook will you use? (e.g., vivid image, sound, question)
Draft your hook sentence:
3. Key Sensory Details
Detail 1 (sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch):
Detail 2:
4. Personal Reflection or Emotion
What emotion or reflection will you include to connect with the reader?
5. Transition Sentence
Write a sentence that smoothly leads the reader into the rest of your story:
Draft: Opening Paragraph
Combine your hook, sensory details, and reflection into a strong opening paragraph below.
When you’ve finished drafting, use the Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist to review your paragraph and make improvements.
Worksheet
Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist
Use this checklist during peer feedback to help your partner strengthen their opening paragraph.
- Hook: Grabs the reader’s attention right away.
- Sensory Details: Includes at least two vivid details (sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch).
- Emotion/Reflection: Clearly shows how the writer felt and why it matters.
- Transition: Smoothly leads the reader into the rest of the story.
- Clarity & Mechanics: Writing is easy to understand with correct punctuation and spelling.
Feedback Notes
What I liked:
Something to improve:
Questions for the writer:
Lesson Plan
Personal Narrative Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will revise and expand their personal narrative drafts by applying peer feedback, strengthening transitions, and elaborating sensory and emotional details to improve clarity and engagement.
Revision develops stronger storytelling through clearer organization, richer detail, and smoother flow—essential skills for confident, polished personal narratives.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Peer review, modeling, guided revision
Materials
Personal Narrative Revision Planner, Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist, Personal Narrative Drafting Checklist, Writing Journals or Paper, Pens/Pencils, and Projector or Whiteboard
Prep
Prepare for Revision Session
10 minutes
- Print copies of the Personal Narrative Revision Planner and Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist
- Review exit tickets and peer feedback from Session 2 to identify common revision needs
- Prepare an example “before and after” paragraph on the board or projector illustrating added transitions and elaboration
Step 1
Introduction & Feedback Review
5 minutes
- Remind students of peer feedback from Session 2 and display summary of common suggestions
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one piece of feedback they received and how they plan to address it
- Explain today’s goal: revise drafts for stronger flow, detail, and emotional impact
Step 2
Modeling Effective Revisions
7 minutes
- Project the example draft paragraph and read it aloud
- Think aloud as you:
- Add a transition sentence to improve flow
- Insert an extra sensory detail (sight, sound, touch)
- Clarify or deepen the emotional reflection
- Highlight how each change strengthens the narrative
Step 3
Guided Revision with Planner
8 minutes
- Distribute the Personal Narrative Revision Planner
- Instruct students to select one key feedback point from their peer reviews
- Complete the planner sections:
- Feedback Point to Address
- Revision Strategy (e.g., add transition, elaborate detail)
- Draft New or Expanded Text
- Circulate to confer and support students in planning precise revisions
Step 4
Independent Revision
7 minutes
- Students apply their planner entries to revise their opening paragraph (and beyond, if time allows)
- Encourage them to refer to the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist as they work
- Teacher circulates to provide targeted feedback and help with word choice or organization
Step 5
Peer Check & Exit Ticket
3 minutes
- Pair students to exchange their revised drafts
- Use the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist to confirm:
- Transitions are smooth
- Sensory and emotional details are vivid
- Overall clarity and mechanics are polished
- On a sticky note, students write:
- One revision they’re proud of
- One area they’ll continue refining
- Collect notes as exit tickets
Slide Deck
Session 3: Revising and Expanding Your Narrative
Today’s Goal:
• Revise your draft using peer feedback
• Strengthen transitions, sensory details, and emotional impact
Agenda:
- Review peer feedback
- Model effective revisions
- Guided planning with Revision Planner
- Independent revision
- Peer check & exit ticket
Time: 30 minutes
Welcome students and remind them that today we’ll build on peer feedback to make their narratives stronger and more engaging.
Reviewing Peer Feedback
Common Feedback Themes:
• Need smoother transitions between ideas
• Add more vivid sensory details
• Clarify and deepen emotional reflections
Take a moment: Which of these feedback points applies to your draft?
Highlight common themes from Session 2 feedback and encourage students to think about which apply to their own drafts.
Modeling Effective Revisions
Before:
“I was nervous at the fair. It smelled like food. Then I rode the roller coaster and I screamed.”
After:
“My stomach flipped as the carnival lights danced around me. The sweet scent of cotton candy lingered in the air. When the roller coaster roared down the track, my voice joined the wind in an excited scream.”
Notice:
• Added transition (“My stomach flipped…”)
• Vivid sensory details (sight, smell, sound)
• Deeper emotional reflection
Read the before-and-after aloud. Point out each type of revision and why it strengthens the narrative.
Guided Revision with Planner
- Grab your Personal Narrative Revision Planner
- Select one key feedback point to address
- In the planner, write:
– The feedback you’ll focus on
– Your revision strategy (e.g., add transition, elaborate detail)
– Draft the new or expanded text
Time: 8 minutes
Guide students through each part of the planner, ensuring they select a specific feedback point and draft precise revisions.
Independent Revision
Use your planner entries to revise your draft:
• Improve transitions and organization
• Enrich sensory and emotional details
• Check your work against the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist
Time: 7 minutes
Encourage students to consult the Revision and Elaboration Checklist as they revise independently and circulate to support word choice and flow.
Peer Check & Exit Ticket
- Pair up and exchange revised drafts
- Use the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist to confirm:
– Transitions are smooth
– Details are vivid and engaging
– Clarity and mechanics are polished - On a sticky note, write:
– One revision you’re proud of
– One area you’ll continue refining
Time: 3 minutes
Emphasize positive, specific feedback. Remind students to reflect on their own growth as writers.
Next Steps & Closing
Great progress today!
For homework or next class:
• Continue refining your full narrative
• Consider sharing your story in our writing journal or with peers
Be proud of your revisions and keep writing!
Reinforce the importance of ongoing revision and preview sharing options. Encourage a growth mindset.
Worksheet
Personal Narrative Revision Planner
Use this planner to guide your revisions and ensure your narrative becomes more engaging and clear. After completing, use the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist to review your work.
1. Feedback Point to Address
Which feedback will you focus on?
2. Original Text Excerpt
Copy the part of your draft you plan to revise:
3. Revision Strategy
How will you address this feedback? (e.g., add transition, elaborate detail, deepen reflection):
4. Revised or New Text
Write your revised version or the text you’re adding:
5. Expected Improvement
What difference do you expect this revision to make in your story?
Once you’ve completed this planner, implement your changes in your full draft and consult the Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist for self-review.
Worksheet
Personal Narrative Revision and Elaboration Checklist
Use this checklist for your final self-review to polish your personal narrative. Place a check mark next to each item as you confirm it, then reflect below.
- Smooth Transitions: Ideas and events flow naturally from one sentence or paragraph to the next.
- Vivid Sensory Details: Story includes rich, specific details for at least three senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
- Deep Emotional Reflection: Your feelings are clear and connected to the events, helping the reader understand why it matters.
- Logical Organization: Events are presented in a clear sequence or structure that enhances understanding.
- Engaging Word Choice: You’ve used precise verbs, varied adjectives, and avoided clichés.
- Correct Mechanics: Spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar are accurate.
- Clear Purpose & Voice: Your narrative has a strong sense of who you are and why this story is important.
Self-Review Notes
What I improved during revision:
What I still want to enhance or add:
Questions or feedback requests for future support:
Once you’ve completed this checklist and your notes, prepare to share your polished narrative in our next sharing session!