Are your students ready for some ideas to jazz up their narrative writing pieces? With simple word-choice strategies during the revision process, the entire story can take a different shape. So, let's get started with some strategies and techniques you can use in the classroom to promote effective word choice.

Step 1: Modeling Revisions

First, show your students how word choice can change a story. In this example, we added a more descriptive setting and imaginative sound words. Take a look:

Original: Lying under my bed, I heard a sound in the kitchen.

Revised: Cowering in the dark under my massive bed, I noticed an unusual sound as if something were being dragged across the kitchen floor. As I peeked out, I discovered the “thud-screech-thud” I was hearing was…

Here is another example:

Original: Sitting by some bushes, I heard someone walking on leaves nearby.

Revised: As I crouched down in the bushes, I hoped the rustling noise growing louder behind me was just my dog on the hunt to find me. However, …

Step 2: Add to the Revision Toolbox

Now, it is time to give your students tools to add to their toolbox. Since we are discussing word choice strategies, why not provide your students with the Verbs of Action and Verbs of Sound chart? (We've provided it for you below!) Encourage your students to refer to this chart as they go through the revision step of the writing process.

Step 3: Keep adding to the Revision Toolbox

Of course, you don't want to stop there. As teachers, we need to constantly introduce new resources for revision to our students. Be on the lookout for more ideas in future blog posts!

Remember, as you model revision strategies for your students and give them resources to refer to, you are giving them the tools to become better communicators! These tools will prove beneficial not only during their school years, but also in their future careers.