We suggest teachers make sure each student has a designated location (such as a folder) to store papers between lessons.

Each worksheet in this unit will be used across multiple lessons. These worksheets are labeled VIPs (Very Important Papers).

The Sample Brainstorming Worksheet can be used to support students during this lesson, or in future lessons if students were absent.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.

The Sample Story Plan and Sample Character Worksheet are the plans for Zoey’s story. They can be used to support students during this lesson or in future lessons if students were absent.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.

Students may need multiple writing sessions in addition to this lesson to complete their drafts. Students should have completed a first draft before moving on to the next lesson.

Students will need to bring their completed work from the previous lesson to this lesson.

Final drafts can be completed by hand or digitally. A digital worksheet is provided if you would like students to type their stories.

If students are copying by hand, you can print extra copies of the final draft pages in case students’ stories are longer than two pages. Students working digitally can make a copy of the second page of their story to continue writing.

This lesson is separated into two parts and can be taught in two different sessions if needed. A natural stopping point is included after students are given the instructions to write their final draft. The second part of the lesson guides students through crafting and decorating their final draft.

• This activity can be used as a way to see student progress after the unit ends. This activity can also be used as a practice activity if not scored.


• The standards-based rubric for the pre- and post-assessment is the same. Try this: Score student pre-assessments in one color on the rubric. Use a different color on the same rubric to score the post-assessment. A quick glance will show student growth and areas for further support.


• The Student Checklist for the pre- and post-assessment is the same and can be used as a student self-assessment to guide revision or to set future writing goals.