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The Dancing Prince

School: Alice B. Beal Elementary

City/State: Springfield, MA

Grade(s): 1

Format(s): Fiction

Subject(s): English Language Arts

Type(s): Narrative

Writing Assignment Description

This piece is a freewrite created before the advent of the Common Core. Although the task wasn't designed to address Common Core standards, it is a strong representation of third grade Writing standard 3.

How This Writing Can Be Useful

  • Inspiring model for elementary students for writing high-quality fiction
  • Uses figurative language and dialogue to enhance plot and character development.
  • Presents compelling evidence that even the youngest students are capable of a sophisticated and engaging writing of length
  • Demonstrates effective voice, especially when read aloud
  • Incorporates elements of surprise, tension and humor
  • Note: The question often arises in groups reading this piece as to why a number of characters with different roles in the story share the name “Matthew” - some male characters, some female characters. The author, Nate explained “Matthew is my best friend. Of course I named characters after him.”

Relevant Resources

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.3.3
  • I can craft narrative texts about real or imagined experiences or events.
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