Differentiated Story Writing

When students begin story writing, they often feel confused and anxious. While they love creativity, it can be hard to develop an entire story. Therefore, they often become so stressed that they cannot focus on their writing skills. Thankfully, there are ways for students to work on story writing in supportive ways. Best of all, the Differentiated Story Writing Prompts ensure students write on a level appropriate for their needs. Students will love story writing with this activity! 

Differentiated Story Writing Prompts

This differentiated story writing resource has 50 prompts for students! This ensures they have a consistent activity to see their growth as the year progresses. 

Each prompt has students “finish the story” to guide and support their creativity. Thankfully, this will help scaffold emergent short story writing in an exciting way! The instructions for each prompt will vary based on the level to provide true differentiation. 

Honestly, students gain so much confidence with each prompt. As their confidence builds, they surprise themselves with how much more they want to write!

Story Writing Included Levels

Many times,  students do not want their classmates to know they need extra help and support. Therefore, this resource ensures differentiation is discreet without providing additional work for the teacher. This is because all students can use the same story template for the basis of their story. The differentiation occurs within the tasks students need to complete. Honestly, this is an incredible way to provide differentiation for each student. 

In level 1 differentiation, students use a word bank to label the picture. Then, they will illustrate with a picture. Students will practice reading the word labels to themselves and their peers. 

In level 2 differentiation, students fill in three sentence frames using the provided prompts. This will allow students to create simple sentences. Then, they can read their simple sentences to themselves and their peers. 

In level 3 differentiation, students can use sentence frames to create a more complex and detailed story. Specifically, students can work on descriptive vocabulary and longer sentences. Students will also work on self-editing using a checklist. Then, they can read to themselves and their peers. 

In level 4 differentiation, students will use the first three sentences from level 3 as the story’s beginning. Then, they will have the task of completing the story. Even if students are responsible for one additional sentence, they use their creativity and writing skills. 

Higher Grade Differentiation 

Students and their needs vary each year. Sometimes, students need a bit more help. However, there are also years when a few students need more challenging work. That is why the Differentiated Story Writing Prompts include a level 5 for higher grades or students requiring a challenge. Students will use the same simple framework to write a longer, more advanced story at this level. After writing, they will use a provided checklist to self-edit their work. 

Story Writing Implementation 

Every teacher likes to teach in different ways. This is one of the best parts of being a teacher! Thankfully, the Differentiated Story Writing Prompts work in so many ways! For instance, students can work on their prompt in an independent literary center or as a writer’s workshop task. Likewise, this is a fantastic way to complete a whole group morning writing assignment. Honestly, the options are endless!

The Differentiated Story Writing Prompts are a fantastic way to ensure students receive lessons based on their ability. All levels ensure the class works on the same topic while each creates their own spin on the story. Honestly, this is a great way to build classroom collaboration while meeting the needs of students. 

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