Stories and words
Three-Box Comic
A character goes somewhere new. Tell what happens in a beginning, a middle and an end.
Thinking sheet · Stories and words
Opening Lines Lab
Try four kinds of story openings and pick the one that hooks readers best.
- Grades
- 3–6
- Time
- about 20 minutes
- Topic
- Stories and words
- Kids practice
- story openings, hooking readers, revising
What kids do
“The first line can grab a reader. Try four kinds!”
- Same story, four openings
- The best hook, and why:
How to run it
- Share famous first lines from class books.
- Write all four for the same story idea.
- Vote on hooks without names.
Talk about it
- Which made you want to read on?
- Which is hardest to write?
- What’s a boring opening?
Take it further
Write the next paragraph.
Pairs well with
Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.
More thinking sheets
Stories and words
Postcard from Another Planet
You’re on vacation on a planet nobody has visited. Draw the view and write home about it.
Stories and words
Character Passport
Invent a character and fill in their passport: photo, name, home, favorite food, superpower and biggest fear.
Stories and words
Interview a Character
Pretend you’re a reporter. Ask a character four questions and imagine how it answers.
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