Grades 3–5
Character Feelings Roller Coaster
Track a character’s feelings at five points in a story, with why they feel that way, then write the biggest moment.
Writing worksheet · Narrative writing organizers
Plot Twist Planner
Plan a surprise ending: what the reader expects, the twist and the hidden clue that makes it fair.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 35 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Narrative writing, Story planning, Sequence and transitions, Details and description
What kids do
“A plot twist is a surprise the reader does not see coming, but it still makes sense. Plan yours, then write the story.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Expect: the monster under the bed is scary. · Twist: the monster is scared of the kid! ·
- Clue: the bed shakes every time the kid sneezes.
- A clue you hide early
- Write your story
Teacher tip
Read a picture book with a twist ending and go back to find the clue the author hid.
How to use it
- Let kids plan in drawings or quick notes, not full sentences.
- Give kids time to tell their story to a partner before drafting.
- Give a minute at the end to reread the work out loud to a partner.
Watch for
Kids who spend the whole time drawing. Set a timer for the sketch.
Talk about it
- How does your character change by the end?
- What did you change when you reread your work?
Take it further
Have kids act out their stories in small groups.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More narrative writing organizers
Grades 3–5
Two Points of View
One event told by two characters: what each one saw, thought and felt, then a first-person retelling.
Grades 4–5
Write a Mystery: Clues and Suspects
A mystery planner: the case, the detective, three suspects, real clues, a false clue and the solution.
Grades 2–4
Sound Words: Boom, Splash, Creak
A word bank of sound words and four scenes to write with them, then a short noisy scene.
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