Teaching Imagery with Gary Paulsen
Students will read excerpts from memoirs written by Paulsen as examples of how to write a narrative piece.
OBJECTIVE
Students will:
- Demonstrate the ability to read independently for extended periods of time to derive pleasure and to gain information
- Draw conclusions and make inferences about the text
- Use skimming and scanning techniques
- Analyze figurative language: imagery
- Use graphic representations such as charts, graphs, pictures, and graphic organizers as information sources and as a means of organizing information and events logically
- Classify and organize information by categorizing and sequencing
- Present his or her research findings in a variety of formats
LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Reading Examples
Lesson 2: A Creative Presentation
REPRODUCIBLES
Sensory Details Diagram (PDF)
Rubric for Presentation Speeches (PDF)
CULMINATING ACTIVITY
My Own Memoir
Students use the lessons on imagery to write a personal narrative. This memoir must contain imagery, and you may want to require other examples of figurative language as well. The length of this memoir depends on how much class time you can offer students to work on this and the level at which your students understand the skill.
SUPPORTING BOOKS
Books for Teaching Imagery with Gary Paulsen
- Teacher Store
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Narrative Writing
The Teacher Store 
Narrative Writing
by Tara McCarthyHow can your students become better and more imaginative writers? Everything you need to teach them how to tell a story — whether it's fiction or nonfiction — is here: literary models, prewriting activities, mini-lessons on plot development and story resolution, editing and revising tips, plus rubrics and evaluation ideas.
Includes reproducibles, checklists, and evaluation forms.
$9.95
Professional Book | Grades 4-8
Grades 4-8 $9.95
- Teacher Store
-
Using Picture Books to Teach Narrative Writing
The Teacher Store 
Using Picture Books to Teach Narrative Writing
Students learn how to write personal narratives, using picture books as models. After being immersed in read-alouds that focus on key story elements - character, plot, setting, movement through time, and change - students create their own story time lines, write promise sentences, stretch their stories, and more. Week-by-week planning calendars $11.99
Professional Book | Grades 1-3
Grades 1-3 $11.99
ARTICLE
LESSON PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
