Tompkins Ch.9 Narrative Writing

"Children use narrative writing to create both fictitious and true stories that entertain readers. A fully developed story involves a problem, which is introduced in the beginning, becomes more complicated in the middle, and is resolved at the end" (Tompkins, 2008, p.194). In narrative writing, children use various methods such as retelling familiar stories, writing sequels and new episodes for favorite characters, and composing original stories. According to Sharon (2010), "Greater narrative structure was associated with mental health gains, and self-rated emotionality of the essays was associated with lesser perceived stress in her study".

Min Gyu Kim states that this narrative writing would be the type of writing that children at a young age would be very into. In their young age, they would really enjoy being read a story, especially before they sleep. While reading his idea, I clapped my hands with a full agreement. I was one of those young children who liked to not only listen to a story but also tell a story. I think that if it is modified a little for adults, it could appeal them very much, too.  

Tompkins, G. E. (2008). Teaching Writing: Balancing Process and Product. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Sharon, D. (2010). Does narrative writing instruction enhance the benefits of expressive writing?. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 23, 341-352.