Narrative Start

This worksheet helps students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 craft engaging narrative openings by using setting as a powerful storytelling tool. By choosing a vivid scenario-such as an abandoned greenhouse at sunrise or a crowded train platform during rush hour-students practice shaping mood, hinting at theme, and reflecting a character’s emotional state through rich descriptive detail, all while drawing readers into the story from the first lines.

Learning Goals

• Narrative Opening Development (Grades 5-7) – Write a compelling beginning that draws readers into a story.
• Setting as a Story Driver – Use environment and place to influence tone, theme, or character emotion.
• Mood and Tone in Descriptive Writing – Establish atmosphere through sensory details and imagery.
• Thematic Suggestion Through Detail – Hint at deeper ideas or conflicts without stating them directly.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support narrative craft and creative writing standards.
• Strong Focus on Craft – Helps students understand how setting choices shape storytelling direction.
• Guided Yet Creative – Scenario options provide structure while allowing originality and voice.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Ideal for writing workshops, independent practice, enrichment, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students see that powerful stories often begin with purposeful settings that establish mood and meaning right away. By crafting a setting-driven opening, learners build confidence in narrative beginnings, descriptive tone, and thematic development. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens storytelling craft and expressive writing skills.

This worksheet is part of our Descriptive Writing Prompts collection.