teaching resource

Write a Short Story – The Discovery or Invention

  • Updated

    Updated:  04 Dec 2025

Get your students analyzing and writing an invention story with this engaging and fully scaffolded writing project booklet.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  4 - 5

Curriculum

teaching resource

Write a Short Story – The Discovery or Invention

  • Updated

    Updated:  04 Dec 2025

Get your students analyzing and writing an invention story with this engaging and fully scaffolded writing project booklet.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grades

    Grades:  4 - 5

Get your students analyzing and writing an invention story with this engaging and fully scaffolded writing project booklet.

Discover the Invention Story Genre

An invention story is a narrative built around creativity, problem-solving and discovery. These stories often feature characters who create something new or uncover a groundbreaking idea, leading to exciting challenges and unexpected twists. For intermediate students, this genre is perfect for encouraging imaginative thinking while reinforcing essential literacy skills.

This short story writing project is designed to give your students the tools they need to succeed as writers. Using the text The Enigma of AX29 as inspiration, students will first read and analyze the story, exploring how the author uses narrative techniques and language features to create impact. Then, they’ll plan and craft their own narrative based on the sample text, adapting either the characters, the setting or the plot. This approach builds confidence and helps students develop strong storytelling skills.

You’ll find everything you need to implement this invention story writing project in the comprehensive student workbook. The workbook contains the following:

  • Instruction page
  • Example short story, The Enigma of AX29
  • Guided analysis questions 
  • Story adaptation ideas 
  • Graphic organizers for plot and language planning
  • Lined pages for drafting and editing
  • Narrative writing checklist
  • Assessment rubric

This resource will teach students how authors use language to create characters, settings, mood and tension as they explore and adapt an age-appropriate sample text.

Support All Students to Write a Story of Invention

Every classroom is full of diverse learners, and this resource makes it easy to support students at all levels. Here are some practical strategies:

  • Visual Learners – Use the included graphic organizers to help students map out their story visually. Encourage color coding for characters, settings and plot points.
  • Auditory Learners – Read the sample text aloud and discuss narrative techniques as a class. Pair students for oral brainstorming before writing.
  • Kinesthetic Learners – Incorporate movement by acting out parts of the story or using props to represent story elements before drafting.

Download This Invention Story Resource

This invention story writing project downloads as an easy-print PDF or editable Google Slides file. Use the dropdown menu on the Download button to access your preferred version. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template before accessing it).

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing this workbook double-sided.


More Resources Like This Invention Story Writing Project

If you’re interested in exploring other narrative genres with your class, you’ve come to the right place! Click below to browse more narrative writing activities to engage and extend your upper elementary students.

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2 Comments

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  • Carrie Miracle
    ·

    These look great. Are you making any for 4th grade?

    • Natalie
      ·

      Yes Carrie, we are! Be on the lookout in the coming weeks!

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