Grades 3–5
Show, Don’t Tell
Four telling sentences (Lucy was happy, the dog was tired) to rewrite with actions and details that show.
Writing worksheet · Narrative writing organizers
Dialogue Planner: Two Characters Talk
Plan a conversation between two characters, pick stronger words than said, then write the scene.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 30 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Narrative writing, Story planning, Sequence and transitions, Details and description
What kids do
“Two characters meet and talk. Plan what each one says, then write the scene with quotation marks.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Character 1 says
- Character 2 answers
- Try a word instead of said
- Write the scene. Start a new line each time a different character talks.
Words on this sheet
askedshoutedgiggledreplied
Teacher tip
Make a class list of words to use instead of said: whispered, shouted, giggled, grumbled.
How to use it
- Plan a class story together on the board using the same organizer.
- Retell a well-known picture book with the organizer before kids plan their own.
- Keep a word wall or a word bank in reach so spelling does not stop the ideas.
Watch for
Plans that list events without a problem. Ask what goes wrong.
Talk about it
- Where does your story get exciting?
- Where else do writers use this skill?
Take it further
Turn the plan into a draft in writing workshop the next day.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
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