LESSON 3.10
Create the Why Section

Grades 1-3

The Why Section tells why the troublemaker was a problem.

Sentence 1 for the Why Section

To write the first sentence of the Why Section, write down the What Statement and Why Statement together, but leave some room before the sentence and before the word because. For example:

Add One reason at the beginning of the sentence.

One reason I had a problem with a tiny pirate made of mirrors was because he turned people into pirates.

Add was before because.

One reason I had a problem with a tiny pirate made of mirrors was because he turned people into pirates.

Task 3.10.1 – Small Groups

Turn the following into first sentences for the Why Section.

1. I had a problem with my alien basketball because it never missed the basket.

2. I had a problem with our house on the moon because it thought it was a flying saucer.

3. I had a problem with the computer in my brain because it kept eating my thoughts.

Planning the Why

The Why Section consists of two parts:

  • The actions the troublemaker takes
  • The actions the hero takes to try and fix the problems

Task 3.10.2 – Small Groups

In groups of 3-4, brainstorm three bad things that result from the troublemaker’s actions. Then come together as a class, list the actions, and decide on 2-3 actions.

Keep these things in mind: Have a limited—

  • Time period
  • Place
  • Number of people

Things Should Get Worse

As the problem part of the story goes on, worse things should happen.

For example, if the crowd from the beach follows you and the man made of mirrors, do they break into a costume shop for pirate clothing?

Stay with the Problem

Make sure you stay with the main problem.

For example, don’t have the hero break a leg. That has nothing to do with the story. Instead, if you have a man of mirrors, the hero can get cut by a piece of mirror. Do you see the difference?

Task 3.10.3 – Class

Tell the reader how you feel. Don’t say I felt terrible. Say something like, My brain was buzzing with fear.

Task 3.10.4 – Class

  • Add precise details
  • Add sensory details
  • Name things