Writing a Recount
The Spark
Concept
A recount retells events that have already happened, in the order they occurred. It is written in the first person (I, we), in past tense, and uses time connectives (first, then, next, after that, finally) to link events. A recount has: an orientation (who, when, where), a series of events, and a personal reflection at the end.
Activity
Ask your child to tell you about something they did recently — a trip, a meal, a game. As they speak, say: 'That's a recount! You're telling me what happened, in order, using 'I'. Today we're going to write one properly.'
Check
Does the recount have an orientation, sequenced events with time connectives, and a personal reaction at the end? Is it written in first person and past tense consistently?
Put the Recount Events in Order
Number these recount events in the correct time order (1–5).
Match Time Connective to Its Meaning
Draw a line to match each time connective to what it tells the reader.
Is This a Recount Feature?
Circle YES if each feature belongs in a recount, or NO if it doesn't.
Written in first person (I, we)
Written in future tense (will go, will see)
Uses time connectives (first, then, finally)
Includes a personal reflection at the end
Uses commands (Do this! Go there!)
Retells real events in the order they happened
Identify Recount Features
Read this short recount. Find and label: the ORIENTATION, the EVENTS, and the REFLECTION. RECOUNT: 'Last Saturday I went to the beach with my family. First, we set up our towels near the water. Then, I built the biggest sandcastle I have ever made. After that, we all had fish and chips for lunch. It was one of the best days of the holidays.'
ORIENTATION (who, when, where): ___
EVENT 1: ___
EVENT 2: ___
EVENT 3: ___
REFLECTION: ___
Sort: Recount or Not a Recount?
Sort these text extracts into the correct column.
Add Time Connectives
Rewrite this recount adding time connectives (First, Then, Next, After that, Finally) to connect the events.
Original: 'We got in the car. We drove to the market. We bought vegetables. We came home. We cooked dinner.' Your version with time connectives:
Plan Your Recount
Choose something you have done recently. Fill in the plan below using dot points.
ORIENTATION — Who? When? Where?
EVENT 1 (with time connective 'First...')
EVENT 2 (with time connective 'Then...' or 'Next...')
EVENT 3 (with time connective 'After that...')
REFLECTION — How did you feel? What was the best part?
Write Your Recount
Use your plan to write your full recount. Write in first person (I, we) and past tense. Use time connectives from this list: First, Then, Next, After that, Finally, Later, Eventually.
Title:
Orientation (who, when, where):
Events (use time connectives):
Reflection (how did you feel? what was the best part?):
Past Tense or Present Tense?
Recounts use past tense. Circle the past tense version of each verb pair.
we ___
she ___
they ___
I ___
he ___
it ___
Fix the Tense
This recount has mistakes — some verbs are in the present tense. Find and correct them.
Original: 'Last week I go to the zoo. First we see the lions. Then we walk to the reptile house. Finally we eat ice cream before we go home.' Corrected:
Match Recount Part to Its Purpose
Draw a line to match each part of a recount to what it does.
Tip: Recounts Use First Person Past Tense
A recount is personal — you are telling YOUR story. Use 'I' and 'we'. And because it happened already, use past tense verbs: went (not go), saw (not see), felt (not feel). Check your writing every time using these two rules: 1) Is it first person? 2) Is it past tense?
- 1Read your last recount aloud — are all verbs in past tense?
- 2Find 3 past tense verbs in a recount in a book
- 3Write 5 verbs in present tense and then write their past tense form
- 4Circle every 'I' and 'we' in a recount — this is the first person perspective
Sort Time Connectives by Position in a Recount
Sort these time connectives by where they most naturally appear in a recount.
Write the Orientation
A good orientation answers: Who? When? Where? Write an orientation for each topic below in 1–2 sentences.
Topic: a day at the beach. Orientation: ___
Topic: a visit to the vet with your pet. Orientation: ___
Topic: your first day at a new activity. Orientation: ___
Write a Reflection
A reflection tells the reader how you felt about the experience — what you thought, felt, or learned. Write a reflection for each event below.
Event: watching a brilliant fireworks display. Reflection: ___
Event: losing a chess game to a younger sibling. Reflection: ___
Event: finishing a long book. Reflection: ___
Tip: Select the Best Events
Children often try to include EVERYTHING in a recount: 'Then I woke up. Then I had breakfast. Then I brushed my teeth...' Good recount writers are SELECTIVE — they only include the most interesting or important moments. Ask yourself: if I could only tell THREE things about that day, what would they be?
- 1Choose an event you want to recount
- 2List everything that happened
- 3Circle only the 3 most interesting or important moments
- 4Write your recount using only those 3 events
- 5Compare: is the selective version better than the list version?
Order the Recount Sentences
Number these sentences 1–6 to put them in the correct order for a recount.
Write a Recount About a School Experience
Write a recount about something that happened at school (or during learning at home) recently. Include an orientation, at least 3 events with time connectives, and a reflection. Use past tense throughout.
Title: ___
Orientation: ___
Events:
Reflection: ___
Recount Journal
Keep a simple recount journal this week — write one short recount (3-5 sentences) each day about something that happened.
- 1Write a 3-5 sentence recount of today using at least two time connectives
- 2Illustrate one event from today's recount
- 3Re-read yesterday's recount and add one more detail you forgot to include
- 4Share your recount at dinner and ask the family if they remember it differently
Spark: Recount in Different Forms
Recounts can be written in many forms: diary entries, letters, news reports, memoirs. This week, write the SAME event as three different types of recount.
- 1Choose one event you want to recount
- 2Write it as a diary entry
- 3Write it as a letter to a friend
- 4Write it as a short news report ('Yesterday, a local child...')
- 5Compare the three: what changed? What stayed the same?
Add Personal Reaction to Events
Recounts become more engaging when the writer adds personal reactions — feelings, thoughts, and opinions — to the events. Rewrite each plain event sentence adding a personal reaction.
Plain: We arrived at the airport. → With reaction: ___
Plain: I won the running race. → With reaction: ___
Plain: We got lost in the forest. → With reaction: ___
Plain: The cake collapsed in the oven. → With reaction: ___
Sort: Which Type of Recount?
Recounts come in different types. Sort each text extract into the correct type.
Which Time Connective Fits Best?
Circle the time connective that best connects the events in each sentence pair.
We arrived at the park. ___, we set up the picnic rug.
We waited in the queue for an hour. ___, we reached the front.
The match started. ___ it began to rain.
I ate my lunch. ___ I went back outside to play.
Recount From a Different Perspective
Think of an event you were part of. Write it first from your own point of view (first person). Then rewrite it from someone else's point of view (third person — he/she/they).
Event: ___
First person recount (I, we): ___
Third person recount (he/she/they): ___
What changed between the two versions? ___
Match: Recount Opening to Its Purpose
Draw a line to match each recount opening to what it does for the reader.
Write a Strong Recount Opening
The opening sentence of a recount should hook the reader AND set the scene. Write three different openings for the same event (a trip to the market).
Opening 1 (begins with time and place): ___
Opening 2 (begins with an action): ___
Opening 3 (begins with a feeling or thought): ___
Which opening is most engaging? Why?
Sort: Selective vs Exhaustive Events
A good recount selects the most important events. Sort these into 'worth including' and 'can leave out'.
Write a Recount of a Favourite Memory
Choose a favourite memory and write a full recount with: a strong opening, 3–4 selected events with time connectives, personal reactions during events, and a thoughtful reflection at the end.
Memory chosen: ___
My recount:
First Person or Third Person?
Read each sentence. Circle whether it is written in first person (I/we) or third person (he/she/they).
She ran to the finish line and collapsed with exhaustion.
I had never seen anything so incredible in my life.
We decided to turn back when the storm hit.
They arrived at the station just as the train was leaving.
I told Mum what had happened as soon as I got home.
Tip: The Best Recounts Are Selective and Personal
The two most important qualities of a great recount are: 1) SELECTIVE — only include the most interesting events; 2) PERSONAL — include your feelings and reactions. This week, practise writing a recount that passes both tests.
- 1Before writing, list all possible events — then circle only the 3 best ones
- 2In every event sentence, try to add how you felt or what you thought
- 3Read your recount aloud — does every sentence add something valuable?
- 4Cut any sentence that adds no interest or detail — a shorter, better recount is better than a long one
Evaluate a Recount
Read this recount. Evaluate it using the checklist. Then write two suggestions to improve it. RECOUNT: 'On Monday we went somewhere. We did some things. It was good. Then we came home. I liked it.'
Does it have an orientation (who, when, where)? YES / NO
Does it use time connectives? YES / NO — which ones?
Is it in first person? YES / NO
Is it in past tense? YES / NO
Does it have a reflection? YES / NO
Suggestion 1 to improve it: ___
Suggestion 2 to improve it: ___
Spark: Recount Journal Week
Write a recount journal entry every day this week. By the end, you will have 5 recounts — one per day. On Friday, read them all back and choose the best one to share.
- 1Monday: Write a recount of something you did on the weekend
- 2Tuesday: Write a recount of a funny moment
- 3Wednesday: Write a recount of something surprising
- 4Thursday: Write a recount of a meal or outing you remember
- 5Friday: Read all 5 entries. Choose the best one and improve it
Recount With Dialogue
A recount can include snippets of dialogue to bring it to life. Write a short recount that includes at least 2 lines of direct speech. Use speech marks correctly.
My recount with dialogue:
Dialogue lines I used: ___
Order a More Complex Recount
Number these sentences 1–7 to put them in the correct recount order. Look carefully at the time connectives.
Write a Recount From an Unusual Viewpoint
Write a recount from the perspective of an object or animal — not a person. For example: a dog's recount of a day at the park, or a backpack's recount of a school day. Use first person and past tense.
Viewpoint chosen: ___
My recount:
Match: Recount to Its Type
Draw a line to match each recount extract to the type of recount it is.
Tip: Time Connectives Are the Skeleton of a Recount
Time connectives hold a recount together. Without them, events feel jumbled and confusing. This week, every time you write an event in a recount, ALWAYS begin it with a time connective. Don't skip this — it is one of the most important habits for recount writers.
- 1Write the time connective FIRST, then the event — never the other way
- 2Make a list of 10 time connectives and keep it next to you when writing
- 3Try using a more sophisticated connective like 'Shortly afterwards' or 'As soon as'
- 4Find time connectives in a book you are reading — notice how authors use them
Improve the Recount
This recount is factually correct but very dull. Rewrite it making it engaging: add a strong opening, personal reactions, varied time connectives, and a meaningful reflection. ORIGINAL: 'We went camping. We put up the tent. We cooked food. We slept. The next day we came home. It was okay.'
My improved recount:
Sort: Features That Improve a Recount
Sort each feature by whether it is a structural feature (how it is organised) or a language feature (how it is written).
Write a Recount for a Specific Audience
Write the same event (a trip to the market) as two short recounts: one for a young child (simple language, fun tone) and one for an adult (more formal, precise details).
For a young child:
For an adult:
What language changes did you make? Why?
Which Opening Is Stronger?
For each pair of recount openings, circle the stronger one and explain why.
A: 'On Saturday I went to the shops.' B: 'It started as an ordinary Saturday morning — until Mum said we were making a special trip.'
A: 'Last week we had the most embarrassing experience of our lives.' B: 'Last week things happened.'
Write a Newspaper-Style Recount
Newspaper recounts use third person and formal language. Write a short newspaper-style recount (5–6 sentences) about something that happened in your community or home. Use a headline, and write in the third person (he/she/they).
Headline: ___
My newspaper recount:
Match: Time Connective to Sophistication Level
More sophisticated time connectives make a recount sound more mature. Draw a line to match each simple connective to a more sophisticated alternative.
Write a Recount Using Sophisticated Time Connectives
Write a 5-sentence recount using at least 3 of these sophisticated connectives: subsequently, prior to this, simultaneously, meanwhile, ultimately, as a result, following this.
My recount:
Sophisticated connectives I used: ___
Analyse a Published Recount
Find a diary entry, memoir extract or news report (in a book, magazine or online with a parent). Read it and answer these questions.
Source title and type (diary/memoir/news): ___
What is the orientation (who, when, where)?
List 3 time connectives the author uses: ___
Is it first or third person? ___ Past or present tense? ___
What does the author do well? What could be improved?
Recount of a Historical Event
Write a recount from the perspective of a historical person (real or imagined) — a pioneer, an explorer, a First Nations person during colonisation, or a child in wartime. Research a little first if needed. Write in first person, past tense.
Historical person chosen: ___ Time period: ___
My historical recount:
Tip: Recounts Teach You to Notice Your Own Life
Great recount writers notice things others don't. This week, practise NOTICING: what details made today interesting? What did you smell, see, hear? What surprised you? These details are the raw material of vivid recounts.
- 1At the end of each day, write 3 things you noticed
- 2Pick the most interesting detail and write it as a recount sentence
- 3Describe one sensory detail from today (something you saw, heard or smelled)
- 4Keep a 'noticing notebook' this week — add to it every day
Compare Two Recounts of the Same Event
Imagine two people attended the same event but experienced it very differently. Write two short recounts (3–4 sentences each) of the same event from two different perspectives. Show how personal perspective shapes a recount.
Event: ___
Person 1's recount: ___
Person 2's recount: ___
How did perspective change the recount?
Sort: Features of Fiction vs Features of Recount
Recounts and fiction stories share some features but differ in important ways. Sort each feature.
Extended Recount: A Multi-Day Experience
Write a recount of a multi-day experience (a holiday, a sports tournament, a special week). Structure it across days using time connectives for the overall sequence AND within each day. Aim for 10–12 sentences.
Experience: ___ Duration: ___
My recount:
Time connectives used: ___
Advanced: Which Recount Is Most Effective?
Read three versions of the same recount moment. Circle the most effective and explain why.
The finish line: A: I ran and finished the race. B: I crossed the finish line — my legs gave way and I sat down right there on the track. C: I ran really fast and I won and it was amazing and everyone cheered.
Write a Memoir-Style Recount
A memoir is a form of recount written from a distance in time — looking back on an event and reflecting on what it meant. Write a memoir-style recount of a moment from your past (2–3 years ago). Include: what happened, how you felt then, and what you think or feel about it NOW looking back.
The memory: ___
My memoir-style recount:
What does this memory mean to me now?
Evaluate Your Own Recount
Choose any recount you have written in this worksheet. Evaluate it honestly using this checklist.
Which recount am I evaluating? ___
Orientation: Does it clearly state who, when and where? YES/NO — Comment: ___
Events: Are they in order with time connectives? YES/NO — Comment: ___
Personal voice: Does the writing sound like me? YES/NO — Comment: ___
Tense: Is it consistently past tense? YES/NO — Comment: ___
Reflection: Is it thoughtful? YES/NO — Comment: ___
One thing I am proud of: ___
One thing I would improve: ___
Design a Recount Checklist
Create a recount writing checklist that a Year 3 student could use before publishing their work. Include at least 8 checklist items.
My recount checklist:
Spark: Record a Spoken Recount
Record yourself telling a recount out loud (on a phone or device). Listen back — does it have a clear orientation, ordered events and a reflection? Then write the spoken recount as a polished written one.
- 1Choose a memory and speak it out loud for 1–2 minutes
- 2Record it on a phone or device
- 3Play it back and note: does it have all recount features?
- 4Write a polished version based on the spoken one
- 5Compare: what did you say aloud that you wouldn't have written? What did you leave out?
Recount Feature: Present or Missing?
Read each extract and circle whether the recount feature is PRESENT or MISSING.
'Yesterday we went to the zoo.' — Does it have an orientation?
'It was fun.' — Does it have sequenced events?
'First we saw the lions. Then we fed the giraffes. After that we had lunch.' — Time connectives?
'We drove home at four o'clock.' — Is it in past tense?
'It was the best day ever and I hope to go again!' — Personal reflection?
Sort: Recount Sentences Into the Right Section
Sort these sentences into the correct section of a recount.
Match: Time Connective to Its Position
Draw a line from each time connective to where it typically appears in a recount.
Write a Recount: A Favourite Memory
Write a full personal recount about a favourite memory. Include: orientation (who, when, where), at least four sequenced events with time connectives, past tense throughout, and a personal reflection.
My topic: ___
Orientation (who, when, where): ___
Events (use time connectives):
My reflection: ___
Recount: First Person or Third Person?
Circle whether each sentence is written in FIRST PERSON (I/we) or THIRD PERSON (he/she/they).
I woke up early and rushed to get ready.
She arrived at the party feeling nervous.
We drove for two hours before we reached the beach.
They celebrated with a big family dinner.
After breakfast, I helped pack the car.
Order: The Parts of a Recount
Put these recount sections in the correct order.
Recount: Add the Missing Orientation
This recount is missing an orientation. Write one that sets the scene properly: '___. First, we boarded the ferry. After an hour, we arrived at the island. Then we explored the rock pools. Finally, we ate fish and chips on the beach. It was a wonderful day.'
My orientation sentence(s): ___
Why orientation is important: ___
Sort: Strong Recount Words vs Weak Recount Words
Sort these time connectives and words by whether they make a recount STRONG (varied, interesting) or WEAK (repetitive, plain).
Tip: The Recount Planning Template
Before writing any recount, use this template to plan. It takes 3 minutes and makes the writing much better.
- 1Orientation: Who? When? Where? Write 1–2 sentences.
- 2Event 1: What happened first? Write key words.
- 3Events 2–4: What happened next? Add time connectives.
- 4Reflection: How did you feel? What do you think looking back?
- 5Check: is everything in past tense and first person?
Match: Recount to Its Audience
Draw a line to match each recount description to its most likely audience.
Recount: Edit for Tense Consistency
Rewrite this recount paragraph with all verbs in PAST TENSE: 'We get to the park and I am really excited. My dog runs ahead and I chase after him. We play fetch for a long time and then we sit under a tree.'
My past tense version:
Verbs I changed: ___
Recount or Other Text Type?
Circle whether each text extract is a RECOUNT or a DIFFERENT text type.
Last Tuesday, I visited the zoo with my family...
Butterflies have four wings and six legs...
On Saturday morning we went to the farmers market...
First, add the flour and mix well. Then add eggs...
I believe students should have more say in school decisions...
Recount: Add Vivid Detail
Here is a plain recount: 'We went to the beach. I swam. We had lunch. We went home.' Add detail (sensory words, adjectives, adverbs) to each event to make it vivid and interesting.
My vivid version:
Details I added (senses / adjectives / adverbs): ___
Sort: Personal Recount vs Factual/News Recount Features
Sort these features into PERSONAL RECOUNT or FACTUAL/NEWS RECOUNT.
Recount: The Best Day of My Life
Write a full recount about the best day of your life (so far!). Use all recount features: orientation, events with time connectives, past tense, first person, and a heartfelt reflection.
My topic: ___
Full recount:
Recount features I included: ___
Recount: Strong Reflection or Weak Reflection?
Circle whether each recount ending is a STRONG or WEAK personal reflection.
'It was good. I liked it.'
'Looking back, it was a day that reminded me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family.'
'Then we went home.'
'I felt proud and happy — it was the first time I had ever done something like that on my own.'
'The end.'
Order: Writing a Recount Step by Step
Put these writing steps in the best order for producing a quality recount.
Recount: Write About a Challenge You Overcame
Write a recount about a time you found something difficult but kept going. Include your thoughts and feelings at each stage — before, during, and after.
My challenge: ___
Before (orientation + how I felt): ___
During (events + feelings): ___
After (reflection): ___
Recount Reading: Find Examples in Real Texts
Find two real-life recounts — one in a newspaper or news website, one in a book or journal. Note the features of each and compare how they are written.
- 1Find a news article that recounts an event
- 2Find a personal recount in a book, blog or diary
- 3List the recount features each one uses
- 4Compare: how are they the same? How are they different?
- 5Write 2–3 sentences about what you noticed
Recount: My Learning About Recounts
Write a recount of learning about recounts! Describe what you knew at the start, what activities you did, and what you understand now.
Orientation (when I started this topic): ___
Events (what I learned / did): ___
Reflection (what I understand now): ___
Match: Recount Language Feature to Example
Draw a line from each recount language feature to an example of it.
Recount: Past or Present Tense?
Circle whether each verb is in PAST TENSE (correct for recount) or PRESENT TENSE (needs fixing).
We walked along the path.
She is very excited.
He spotted a koala in the tree.
We eat our lunch by the river.
They arrived just in time.
Recount: Imaginary Historical Recount
Write a recount as if you were a famous historical figure living through a key event (e.g. a young convict arriving in Australia, or a child during the gold rush). Use first person and past tense.
Who I am and when: ___
My historical recount:
Historical features I tried to include: ___
Recount Peer Edit: Share and Improve
Share your recount with a family member or friend. Ask them to check: Did I include an orientation? Did I use time connectives? Did I stay in past tense? Did I reflect at the end?
- 1Share your recount with a reader
- 2Ask them to tick each recount feature they find
- 3Note any feature they couldn't find
- 4Revise your recount based on their feedback
- 5Write one sentence about what you improved
Sort: Recount Vocabulary from Simple to Sophisticated
Sort these time connectives and linking phrases from SIMPLE to SOPHISTICATED.
Recount: Write and Self-Edit
Write a short recount (6–8 sentences) about anything you choose. Then use the self-editing checklist: orientation ✓, events in order ✓, time connectives ✓, past tense ✓, first person ✓, reflection ✓.
My recount:
Self-edit results (what I found and fixed): ___
Recount Self-Assessment and Goals
Reflect on your ability to write recounts. Write what you do well, what you find difficult, and your writing goal for next time.
I write recounts well when I: ___
I still find this difficult: ___
My goal for my next recount: ___
One recount technique I want to get better at: ___
Spark: Recount Portfolio
Over the next month, write one short recount each week about something that happened. Collect them in a portfolio. At the end of the month, read back through and notice how your recounts improve over time.
- 1Week 1: Write a recount about something small (a meal, a walk)
- 2Week 2: Write a recount about something exciting
- 3Week 3: Write a recount about a challenge
- 4Week 4: Write your best recount yet
- 5End of month: Read all four. What improved? What would you change?
Recount Vocabulary: Which Time Connective Fits?
Circle the best time connective for each sentence in a recount.
___ we arrived at the beach, we set up our towels.
We swam for an hour. ___, we had lunch in the shade.
The journey took all morning. ___, we reached the summit just before noon.
___ the sun set, we packed up and headed back.
Sort: Recount Time Connectives by Sophistication
Sort these time connectives from SIMPLE to SOPHISTICATED.
Recount: A Nature Experience
Write a recount about a time you experienced something in nature (a storm, a sunset, finding an animal, a rainy day, a walk in the bush). Use sensory details in every paragraph.
My nature experience: ___
Orientation:
Events with time connectives:
Reflection:
Recount: Identify the Weak Spot
Read each recount extract and circle what is MISSING or WEAK.
'We went to the zoo. We saw animals. It was good. The end.'
'Last Tuesday I visited the museum with my class. There were interesting exhibits. I enjoyed it.'
'On Saturday morning, Mum and I go to the market. We buy fruit. It is very busy.'
Match: Recount Opening Lines to Their Orientation Type
Draw a line from each recount opening to what orientation information it provides.
Recount: Write a News-Style Recount
Write a short news-style recount (4–5 sentences) of a school or community event. Use third person (he/she/they) and a formal tone — but keep it in past tense with clear time ordering.
Event: ___ Date: ___
My news recount:
Differences from a personal recount I noticed: ___
Recount Reading Hunt: Find Features in Real Books
Open an autobiography, memoir, or narrative non-fiction book. Find one recount passage. List all the recount features it uses.
- 1Find a recount passage in any autobiography or memoir
- 2List the recount features you can find
- 3Note: does it use first or third person?
- 4Copy down the best time connective you find
- 5Share your favourite line from the passage
Recount: Cross-Curriculum — Recount a Science Experiment
Write a recount of a science activity or experiment you have done. Use past tense, first person, time connectives, and a reflection on what you discovered.
Experiment name / topic: ___
Orientation: ___
Events (what we did step by step): ___
Reflection (what I discovered): ___
Sort: Recount Reflection Quality
Sort these recount endings from WEAKEST to STRONGEST reflection.
Recount: Upgrade the Reflection
Here are three weak recount reflections. Upgrade each one to make it more thoughtful and specific: 1) 'It was fun.' 2) 'I liked it.' 3) 'Then we went home and that was the end.'
Upgraded reflection 1: ___
Upgraded reflection 2: ___
Upgraded reflection 3: ___
Recount Grammar Check: Right or Wrong?
Circle whether each recount sentence uses grammar CORRECTLY for this text type.
We walked to the park and played for two hours. (past tense, first person)
The birds are singing in the trees all morning. (present tense)
After that, I felt happier than I had in weeks. (past tense, first person)
Finally, they go home and eat dinner. (present tense)
First, we arrived at the beach and set up our spot.
Order: The Events of a School Excursion Recount
Put these recount sentences in the most logical chronological order.
Recount: Write About Something You've Never Recounted Before
Write a recount about an event you've never written about before — something small but memorable: the day you learned something difficult, a funny moment, or a quiet, perfect afternoon.
My memory: ___
My recount:
Why I chose this memory: ___
Recount Mastery: Final Reflection
Write your final reflection on what you now know and can do with recount writing. Be specific about what you have improved and what you will do differently next time.
My best recount skill is: ___
I used to struggle with ___ but now I: ___
Next time I write a recount, I will: ___
One piece of recount advice I would give to a friend: ___
Spark: Recount Your Day, Every Day for a Week
Each evening this week, write a 3–5 sentence recount of your day. Focus on: one key event, a clear time sequence, and a personal reflection. At the end of the week, read back and choose your favourite.
- 1Day 1: Recount a moment from this morning
- 2Day 2: Recount something new you tried today
- 3Day 3: Recount a conversation or interaction
- 4Day 4: Recount something you saw or noticed
- 5Day 5: Recount your favourite moment of the week — then pick your best recount
Recount: The Moment That Changed Something
Write a recount about a small moment that changed how you thought or felt about something — learning to ride a bike, helping someone, making a mistake. Show the before and after.
The moment: ___
Orientation: ___
Events: ___
Reflection — how it changed me: ___
Recount Editing: Find the Tense Error
Circle the verb that is in the WRONG tense for a personal recount (should be past tense).
We arrived at the beach, then runs down to the water.
She felt nervous but decided to try anyway.
After lunch, we walked to the park and play on the equipment.
First, I woke up early. Then I pack my bag in a hurry.