Narrative Flow Word Bank
Personal Narrative Toolkit • Part 1
Narrative Flow Word Bank
Power up your storytelling: Level up your sequence transitions!
Name:
Date:
Ditch the "And then..." Trap! Repeating then and next puts your reader to sleep. Use these transition bridges to guide your reader through the timeline of your true story!
1. Launching the Moment
Beginning your narrative adventure
Key Words & Phrases:
It all started when Early one morning Without warning The moment I awoke On a crisp Saturday I never expected
Sentence Starters:
- It started out like any normal day, until...
- The minute I stepped through the doors...
- Little did I know, that day would change...
💡 Tip: Give your reader a clear sense of place and time right away!
2. Moving the Action Forward
Step-by-step events unfolding
Key Words & Phrases:
Immediately after As soon as Right before my eyes In the blink of an eye Just then Seconds later
Sentence Starters:
- Before I even had time to think...
- Almost instantly, my partner yelled...
- Without missing a beat, I reached out and...
💡 Tip: Match the transition speed to how fast events happened!
3. Shifting & Leaping Time
Skipping ahead or slowing time down
Key Words & Phrases:
Minutes felt like hours By late afternoon Gradually As time slipped by Meanwhile After what seemed forever
Sentence Starters:
- While I waited nervously, the clock ticked...
- By the time we arrived at our destination...
- As the sun began to sink, shadows stretched...
💡 Tip: Don't tell every single minute; jump to the next exciting part!
4. Wrapping Up the Memory
Resolving the event and reflection
Key Words & Phrases:
When the dust settled In the end Looking back now At long last From that day forward As things quieted down
Sentence Starters:
- Looking back on that day, I realized that...
- Whenever I think of that memory, I still...
- From that day on, I always remembered to...
💡 Tip: End with what the memory taught you or how you changed!
,
The Writer's Golden Rule: Don't Forget the Comma!
When you begin a sentence with a transition phrase, take a breath and drop in a comma.
In the blink of an eye, the ball flew away.
Personal Narrative Toolkit • Part 2
Heart & Emotion Transitions
Show your inner feelings right inside your transition starters!
Name:
Date:
What is a Feeling Transition? Instead of just writing "I was scared" and then "I walked forward," a feeling transition blends your emotion with the next action into one powerful sentence starter!
Shock & Surprise
Sentence Starters:
- • To my utter shock, ...
- • I couldn't believe my eyes when ...
- • Out of nowhere, ...
- • My jaw dropped as ...
Sentence Makeover
Boring: I saw a huge dog.
To my utter shock, an enormous Great Dane bounded over the fence!
Suspense & Nervousness
Sentence Starters:
- • With a pounding heart, ...
- • Holding my breath, ...
- • My stomach twisted into knots as ...
- • Trembling with hesitation, ...
Sentence Makeover
Boring: I got on the roller coaster.
With a pounding heart, I pulled down the heavy lap bar.
Excitement & Joy
Sentence Starters:
- • Bursting with excitement, ...
- • A giant grin spread across my face as ...
- • With a surge of energy, ...
- • I could barely contain my joy when ...
Sentence Makeover
Boring: I scored a soccer goal.
Bursting with excitement, I sprinted toward my cheering team!
Relief & Calm
Sentence Starters:
- • Letting out a deep sigh of relief, ...
- • To my absolute relief, ...
- • Feeling the heavy weight lift off me, ...
- • Suddenly at peace, ...
Sentence Makeover
Boring: I found my backpack.
Letting out a deep sigh of relief, I zipped up my lost folder.
Try It Out: The Upgrade Challenge!
Independent Quick Practice
1. Finish the Sentence: Pick an emotion starter from above and complete the action.
With a pounding heart, I
2. Sentence Makeover: Upgrade this boring sentence: "I heard someone knock on my door."