The Narrative Writing Diamond

We encourage students to use the Narrative Writing Diamond as a pre-writing graphic organizer to plan their narrative stories.  This provides a simple, basic story plan on which to build. Student’s can use organizers like this to help them translate their story summary or pre-writing plan to a fully elaborated piece of writing. The Narrative Writing Diamond is needed to guide beginners through the development and the elaboration of a successful, entertaining narrative story.

The diamond is, essentially, a reminder of the shape and proportion that a successful story takes, as well as a reminder of the key skill elements needed for an entertaining piece of writing.

We suggest that each student have a copy of the Writing Diamond in their writing folders to help them organize and develop their stories, and that a copy is posted in the classroom at all times.

Remember – the diamond is not a rigid rule or formulaic pattern – rather, it is a basic guide to help students channel their creativity into what others recognize as story. In time, the diamond will disappear into the writing, providing shape and structure for their creative ideas.