35. Five Simple Activities for Teaching Students to Write Narrative Hooks

Annotated ELA

In this episode, we explore teaching students to write narrative hooks. Crafting narrative hooks can be fun and a chance for students to get creative, but it often comes with its challenges—some students grasp it effortlessly, while others need more guidance and support.

I've experimented with various techniques over the years and honed in on a set of reliable strategies. Before diving into narrative hooks, it's good practice for students to have their narrative topics brainstormed and partially planned. This sets the stage for immediate application post-hook instruction.

1. Introduce Narrative Hooks with Notes & Examples - notes are not always glamorous and engaging, but a simple twist can make it less daunting for students.

2. Identify and Analyze Narrative Hooks - highlighting various hook types provide the opportunity for students to analyze real-world examples, fostering discussions on effectiveness and nuances within hooks.

3. Practice Narrative Hooks - using picture prompts, students get a chance to practice. Groups craft hooks for images, inviting discussions on hook types, writer’s craft, and evaluating published works.

4. Brainstorm - bringing concepts together, a class-wide or small-group brainstorm solidifies understanding. Co-writing examples sparks creativity, assesses student comfort levels, and encourages collaborative writing.

5. Write Narrative Hooks - students apply learned skills to their narrative hook. Crafting hooks becomes a structured yet creative process, fostering peer feedback and teacher-student conferences for refinement.

Show notes: annotatedela.com/episode35

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Links and resources mentioned in this episode

5 Simple Ways to Teach Narrative Hooks in Middle School

Hooks in Narrative Writing and the 6 Types of Hooks to Engage Readers

Narrative Writing Hooks

Plot Diagram for Narrative Writing