← Progression Step 3 · Ages 8–11
Literacy
Narrative Writing – Openings & Tension
Plan stories, write strong openings and build tension.
Good stories hook the reader quickly and make them want to know what happens next.
Plan
Character, setting, problem, resolution. Keep it simple.
Openings
Action, dialogue or description – avoid One day I woke up every time.
Tension
Short sentences, questions, sensory detail, delay the reveal.
Weak opening vs better?
It was dark. A floorboard creaked behind her. raises questions.
Practice
1. Name four story ingredients.
2. One way to create tension?