Level 3 • Lesson 11 — Tell about challenges and how you solved them

Objective

I can write a short personal narrative (5–6 sentences) about a challenge I faced and how I solved it, using time-order transitions, sensory details, and a closing sentence that explains what I learned or felt.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Planning sheet or notebook
Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Think of a real challenge (learning a skill, fixing a mistake, solving a problem with a friend) and how you overcame it.

Mini-lesson — Problem ➜ Attempts ➜ Solution ➜ Meaning

Set the scene: Who, where, and the problem you faced.
Show attempts: What you tried first; add sensory details and small actions.
Solution: What finally worked. Use time words: first, next, then, after that, finally.
Meaning: End with a feeling or lesson learned (I felt proud because…).
Stay focused: Keep all sentences on the same event.

Guided Practice — Trace & plan

Trace key words, then plan a narrative about a challenge you solved (e.g., learning to swim, finishing a hard puzzle, fixing a friendship):

Key words: problem, first, next, then, finally, detail, lesson
Example outline:
1. Topic: I struggled to tie my shoes.
2. Attempt: First I pulled too hard and the laces slipped.
3. Attempt: Next I watched a video and practiced slowly.
4. Solution: Then I made two loops and crossed them.
5. Closing: Finally I felt proud because I kept trying.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Challenge & Solution Sentences

Drag chips into the slots to make strong narrative sentences about a challenge and solution.

Atfirstthemathpuzzlelookedimpossible.

NextItriedanewstrategyandcheckedeachstep.

ThenthepatternclickedandIsolvedtheproblem.

BecauseIpracticedslowlymyhandsrememberedthesteps.

FirstIfeltnervousbutItookadeepbreath.

AfterthatIaskedforhelpandwrotenotestoremember.

SoonmypracticepaidoffandIfeltconfident.

ThecoldpoolwatershockedmytoesbutIkeptgoing.

Irereadthedirectionsandfoundthemissingstep.

MyfriendandItalkedandwefixedthemisunderstanding.

FinallyIsucceededandfeltproudofmyhardwork.

IntheendIlearnedthatpracticeandpatiencematter.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Best topic sentence for a challenge narrative:

Challenges are things. I used to struggle with tying my shoes, but I kept practicing. Shoes can be different colors.

2) Which is a sensory detail?

I worked hard. Effort matters. My hands trembled and the laces felt rough.

3) Best transition to show a new attempt:

Next Meanwhile Also

4) A personal narrative is usually written in…

second person future first person past third person present

5) Strong ending for a challenge narrative:

Then it ended. It was fine. I felt proud because I didn’t give up.

6) Which sentence shows, not tells?

My knees shook, but I took a deep breath and tried again. I was nervous. Nervousness happened.

7) Which belongs in a challenge narrative?

Penguins live in Antarctica. I tried the steps again and timed myself. My backpack is blue.

8) Best way to fix: “I messed up. I learned.”

I messed up, but I learned by practicing the right steps. I messed up and up. I learned, learned.

9) Which is a time-order word?

crunchy after brightly

10) Off-topic sentence in a shoe-tying narrative:

I crossed the laces to make an X. I watched my cousin tie them slowly. My favorite lunch is pizza.

11) A closing should…

tell the feeling or lesson learned. start a new problem. list all attempts again.

12) Which sentence uses a clear transition?

I tried again. After that, I tried again and it worked. Trying again happened.

13) Best way to combine: “I asked for help. I practiced.”

I asked for help and it was help. I asked for help, I asked for help. I asked for help, and I practiced.

14) Which sentence is first person?

I followed each step until it worked. The student follows each step. Steps were followed.

15) Which helps readers picture the challenge?

The challenge was big. My fingers slipped, and the knot loosened again. Knots are things.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Topic sentence introduces the challenge Includes attempts and a clear solution Uses time-order transitions Adds sensory details and small actions Closing sentence shows feeling or lesson learned

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can describe a challenge and how I solved it 🙂 I need more practice using time-order words 😅 Sensory details were tricky

I will practice…

Using first, next, then, finally Showing attempts with small actions Ending with a feeling or lesson

Lesson 11: Tell about challenges and how you solved them