10 Hands-On Activities to Support Narrative Writing at Home

What is Narrative Writing?

Narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story, real or imagined, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It often includes characters, a setting, and a plot that follows a sequence of events. Narrative writing helps children develop creativity, organization, and storytelling skills while expressing their thoughts and emotions. It can take many forms, such as personal stories, fictional tales, or retellings of real-life experiences. Using descriptive language and dialogue, narrative writing engages readers and makes the story come to life. This type of writing encourages students to think critically and connect their experiences to the world around them.

​

Narrative writing allows children to express their creativity while developing essential literacy skills. Parents can support their child’s storytelling abilities through fun and engaging activities. Here are 10 hands-on activities to help primary-grade children practice narrative writing at home.

1. Story Stones

Decorate small stones with pictures of characters, settings, and objects. Have your child pick a few stones and use them to create a story.

2. Picture Prompt Stories

Show your child a fun or unusual picture and ask them to write a short story based on what they see.

3. Storytelling Jar

Fill a jar with slips of paper containing different story elements (characters, settings, problems, solutions). Have your child draw a few and write a story using them.

4. Comic Strip Creations

Have your child create a comic strip with illustrations and captions to tell a short story.

5. Write a Letter to a Character

Encourage your child to write a letter to a favorite book character, asking them questions or imagining a new adventure for them.

6. Change the Ending

After reading a book, ask your child to rewrite the ending with their own creative twist.

7. Story Walk

Take a walk outside and observe different things in nature or the neighborhood. Have your child create a story based on what they see.

8. Sentence Starters

Provide fun story starters like “One day, I found a magic key…” and have your child continue the story.

9. Family Storytelling Night

Take turns making up parts of a story as a family. One person starts, and each person adds a new part.

10. Book-Making Activity

Staple blank pages together and have your child write and illustrate their own short book to share with family and friends.

Encourage Creativity Through Narrative Writing!

These activities make storytelling exciting and interactive, helping children develop their narrative writing skills in a fun way. Try them out and watch your child's imagination soar!