Full Description
When we read a nonfiction text, what is the difference between one that keeps us interested and one that merely informs? Especially when the topic may be a bit, well, dry? The difference is narrative. The writer who threads a story throughout her text - using the tools of human connection, of narrative - is the writer who brings information to life. The argument she makes is compelling and real, because we care about the story within her story. This writer understands the power of narrative.
In Story Matters, Liz Prather provides activities, lessons, exercises, mentor texts, and student samples to help teens learn to seamlessly weave narrative into their nonfiction writing. She provides concrete ideas for using the tools and techniques of narrative, including:
finding stories within any topic
using characters
creating tension
exploring structure
selecting details
crafting words and sentences.
Give Liz's ideas a try and watch your students' writing rise to new levels. Because story matters. Samples Preview sample pages from Story Matters
Contents
Ch. 1: Narrative as Home Base, Ground Zero, Mother Ship
Ch. 2: Ideas: Finding Stories in Topics and Topics in Stories
Ch. 3: Grounding Nonfiction in Human Stories
Ch. 4: Tension: Propelling Readers Forward in Nonfiction
Ch. 5: Structure: Weaving Narrative, Argument, and Information Into Seamless, Purposeful Writing
Ch. 6: Details: Showing and Telling in Nonfiction
Ch. 7: Language: Crafting Words and Sentences for Powerful Effect
Conclusion: In the Real World
