Activities

1. List words, phrases, and clauses that could be used to manage the sequence of events in a narrative writing.
   
   
2. Identify places in narrative writing that are already using a word, phrase, or clause to manage the sequence of events.
   
   
3. Recognize elements within a narrative writing that could be linked using a logical connection.

4. Determine which events in a narrative could best be linked, state the connection between them, and choose an appropriate connector.
   
   
5. Construct sentences with the narrative that manage the sequence of events by linking ideas using an appropriate connecting word or phrase.
   
   
6. Compare first draft sentences and revised sentences with added words and phrases to find the options that best express the intended connections.

7. Revise writing to demonstrate use of connecting words, phrases, and clauses to effectively manage the sequence of events to assist the reader.
   
   
8. Explain why writing is stronger with the inclusion of connecting elements to precisely link elements within the narrative.

Answer Key/Rubric

1. Students do not need to correctly identify each of the following categories and the words that are included within them.  They should be able to develop a list of these words and begin to categorize which ones are used to show that they manage the sequence of events in a narrative.

• Coordinating conjunctions that connect elements of equal importance.  And, but, or, nor, for, yet, so
• Subordinators connect elements of unequal importance.  Although, even though, because, since, when, while, before, after, whenever, wherever, if, unless, whether or not, as so that, whereas, anytime, anywhere
• Conjunctive adverbs-connect elements or show relationships between very different ideas. However, therefore, thus, moreover, nevertheless, first, then, next, still, besides, consequently, forevermore, specifically

2. Students identify where connecting words, phrases, and clauses are being used to connect elements in the writing.  They might mark in their writing where these words, phrases, and clauses are.
   
   
3. Student finds elements within his/her narrative writing that could be linked.  Ideal locations for words are at places within the narrative that they would serve to benefit the reader to help explain the sequence of events or other types of connections.
   
   
4. Student identifies appropriate places in the narrative that could be connected to show a sequence of events.  These might be areas of transition in time or location, or they might be places where the flow of the narrative needs more explanation.  Student lists the connection and identifies an appropriate connector word or phrase.
   
   
5. Student constructs sentences that manage the sequence of events using a connecting word that shows the appropriate relationship between the elements.
   
   
6. After comparing before and after drafts of narrative writing, student chooses the best version of his/her writing.  Use of connecting words, phrases, and clauses should not be used in “forced” ways where use sounds unnatural.
   
   
7. Student revises narrative writing piece to effectively manage the sequence of events.  Student links elements of the narrative with appropriate words, phrases, and clauses that show an accurate connection.  Student critically evaluates the elements in the writing that are connected and those that aren’t connected and make revisions when necessary to further strengthen the writing.  Connecting words/phrases should be used accurately and meaningfully.
   
   
8. Student can explain why his/her narrative writing piece is stronger with the addition of connecting words and phrases appropriately used.  Explanations might include a discussion about the connecting words chosen and the elements chosen for connecting.