Level 3 • Lesson 9 — Write about memorable experiences

Objective

I can plan and write a short personal narrative (5–6 sentences) about a memorable experience using a clear topic sentence, sensory details, transition words to show order, and a closing sentence that explains why it mattered.

Materials

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

Tip: Use time-order words (first, next, then, after that, finally) and sensory words (salty, crunchy, bright, chilly, echoing).

Mini-lesson — Make it memorable with details

Choose one event (first bike ride, winning a game, a beach day, a science fair).
Narrator & tense: first person, mostly past tense (I went, I felt).
Show, don’t just tell: add sensory details and small actions.
Use transitions to show order (first, next, then, after that, finally).
Close with meaning: a feeling or lesson learned.

Guided Practice — Trace & plan

Trace key words, then plan a short narrative about a memorable day at the beach (or your own event):

Key words: topic, detail, first, then, finally, sound, smell
Example outline:
1. Topic: Last summer I had an unforgettable day at the beach.
2. Detail: First we set up our umbrella and felt warm sand on our feet.
3. Detail: Then we jumped over waves and heard seagulls calling.
4. Detail: After lunch, we built a tall sandcastle with shells.
5. Closing: Finally, I watched the sunset and felt calm and happy.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Clear Narrative Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to make sentences that could fit a personal narrative. Keep punctuation at the end.

LastsummerIlearnedtoridemybike.

FirstIwobbledandgrabbedthehandlebarstight.

Nextthecoolwindrushedpastmyears.

ThenmydadcheeredasIpedaledalone.

AfterthatIcircledtheparkwithabigsmile.

FinallyIfeltproudbecauseIdidnotgiveup.

Thestadiumlightsflickeredandthecrowdroared.

Iheldthetrophyandmyhandsshookwithjoy.

Thesaltybreezeandcrashingwavesmademelaugh.

AtthefairItastedsweetpopcornandheardmusiceverywhere.

Becauseitrainedwedancedinpuddlesandsplashedourboots.

IntheendIlearnedthatbravemeanstryingagain.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which sentence best starts a personal narrative?

I like bikes. Last summer I finally learned to ride my bike. Bikes can be blue.

2) Which detail is a sensory detail?

I went to the game. The game was fun. The crowd roared and lights flashed.

3) Best transition to show time order:

After that However Therefore

4) A personal narrative is mostly written in…

second person future first person past third person present

5) Which sentence adds meaning to the ending?

Then I went home. I was tired. I felt proud because I kept trying.

6) Which is the best topic sentence?

Our class trip to the museum was unforgettable. Museums have many rooms. I like buses.

7) Which detail fits a beach narrative?

I sharpened my pencil. The salty breeze made my hair fly back. The library was quiet.

8) “Show, don’t tell” example:

My knees shook and my hands were sweaty at the start line. I was nervous. I like races.

9) Best transition to end a story:

Next Finally Also

10) Which sentence is off-topic in a bike narrative?

My mom ran beside me at first. I turned onto the sidewalk. Pizza is my favorite lunch.

11) A closing should…

tell how the event mattered or how you felt. start a new topic. repeat every detail.

12) Which word is a transition?

bright after quietly

13) Best way to fix: “I was happy. I won the race.”

I was happy and I was happy. I was happy. Winning was happy. I felt happy because I won the race.

14) Which sentence uses first person?

I carried my project to the table. The student carried the project. Projects were carried.

15) Which helps readers picture the moment?

I have a backpack. My backpack thumped on my shoulders as I ran to the bus. The bus is big.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Clear topic sentence starts the narrative Sensory details show what happened Uses transition words to show time order Closing sentence explains feeling or lesson

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write about a memorable experience with strong details 🙂 I need more practice adding sensory details 😅 Time-order words were tricky

I will practice…

Using first, next, then, finally Adding sounds, smells, textures Ending with a feeling or lesson

Lesson 9: Write about memorable experiences