Writing: Simple Narrative
To develop the ability to compose and write a simple story with a beginning, middle, and end.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Plans story before writing
- Writes two or more connected sentences
- Applies phonics in spelling
- Edits own work with support
Materials
- Story planning frames
- Vocabulary word cards
- Independent writing books
- Editing checklists
Instructions
Begin with oral composition: 'Before we write, let's plan our story. You decide: who is in it? Where are they? What happens? How does it end?' Use a simple planning frame (beginning/middle/end boxes with space for drawing first).
Model the writing process transparently: 'I'm going to write my story now. I'm thinking about my first sentence. At the beginning, a little girl found a key. Let me write that... A-T... space... T-H-E...' Think aloud every decision.
Teach sentence boundaries explicitly: 'I write a capital letter at the start of each sentence. I put a full stop at the end to show it's finished. Now here comes my next sentence — capital letter!' Make the rule concrete and consistent.
Support phonics application during writing: 'Found — let's sound it out: f-ou-n-d. What letters? F... and 'ou' makes the sound ow... n... d. F-OUN-D. Write it!' This encoding work is as important as the decoding work in reading.
Teach simple editing: 'Read back your first sentence. Does it make sense? Have you got a capital letter and a full stop? Have you left spaces between words?' An editing checklist supports independent revision.
Celebrate finished stories by sharing and displaying them. Create a class published book of children's narratives. Send copies home. This public authorship creates powerful writing identity.