Teach Your Students To Hook Readers With This Narrative Writing Lesson 

Engage your students with these engaging and visually rich ‘Narrative Writing Lesson – Story Leads to Hook Readers’ teaching slides!  Designed to spark creativity and boost writing confidence, this resource introduces students to 11 powerful hook strategies—including Onomatopoeia, Flashback, Mystery Opening and more—each paired with vivid examples and colourful visuals. 

The narrative writing lesson keeps learners engaged while encouraging them to craft their own compelling story leads. Plus, the included anchor chart and printable reference sheet make it easy for students to revisit and apply these techniques in their writing. Perfect for any classroom looking to elevate narrative writing and inspire young authors!

Strategies Included in Our Lesson On Narrative Writing 

This lesson on narrative writing includes instruction on 11 different ways for students to hook readers with their openings. Here is a summary of each strategy.

• Onomatopoeia – Start with a sound word to grab attention (e.g., Crash!, Buzz!).
• Question – Begin with a thought-provoking or curious question to engage the reader.
• Exclamation – Use an exciting or dramatic exclamation to create energy and interest.
• Fact – Share an interesting or surprising fact to spark curiosity.
• Quote – Open with a relevant or intriguing quote that sets the tone or theme.
• Direct Speech – Start with a character speaking to immediately pull readers into the action.
• Bold Statement – Make a strong or shocking statement to hook the reader instantly.
• Paint a Picture – Use vivid description to create a mental image and draw readers into the scene.
• Flashback – Begin with a memory or past event that connects to the story.
• Time Opening – Set the scene by stating the time or date to ground the reader in the story’s setting.
• Mystery Opening – Introduce something puzzling or unexplained to build suspense and curiosity.

This narrative writing lesson is not only comprehensive but also easy to use. Learn how to grab your copy below!

Download This Hook Your Reader Anchor Chart and Teaching Slides Set

Our hook your reader anchor chart set is available in PDF and Google Slides formats, and the teaching slides have been made in Google Slides and PowerPoint. To download them both, click the drop-down arrow on the download button.

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Need More Activities for Teaching Narrative Writing?

You’ve come to the right place! Check out the additional activities for teaching narrative writing below. 

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