Think about changes...

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On the morning the letter came, Dad had shouted out excitedly, “We’re setting out on a new adventure,” but I wasn’t convinced I wanted to leave behind my life in the city. Two months later, removal day had come and gone, and we had arrived at our new house in the country. The hallway looked like a pigsty. It was cluttered up with piles of boxes; full of dusty old books we never read, ancient ornaments we didn’t look at and other family heirlooms even Granny didn’t want. There was a musty sort of smell that you associate with old things that are stored in the loft. It was a horrible muddle and looked as if we were collecting for a jumble sale. This made me feel even more miserable; the adventure hadn’t got off to a good start.

“Why can’t we go for a walk,” I pestered Dad whose feet were hanging out of the loft. “You promised that we would explore the area.”

“Look, you’ve got to understand,” he moaned, “Mum and I have to get these crates unpacked before we start work tomorrow.”

“It’s just not fair,” I retorted indignantly, digging my heels into the carpet. “You said you’d make time.”

“We didn’t know how long it would take. Look, I give you my word, that this weekend we will... “ I didn’t wait to hear another string of false promises from Dad, but stormed angrily down the stairs and stood contemplating the view from the big window in the lounge. There were a row of identical houses, built in the same coloured brickwork and painted in shiny white paint with a small, neat front garden laid with lawn. Suddenly, I felt isolated and alone. Something deep within me yearned to go back to the city street where I used to live. As I wrestled with my thoughts, I yearned to see again: Mr Patel’s corner shop by the old railway bridge, my friend Reg and my teacher Mr Wong. My head was full of pictures of familiar places. A terrible sadness overwhelmed me. My eyes misted over. If only Dad hadn’t applied for that new job.

A few minutes later I had made up my mind to go out alone. I wouldn’t wait. My parents were now employed by Global Oil and started tomorrow and we had started a new life. I would explore the area myself. Swiftly I grabbed my anorak, put on my trainers and went outside, banging the door firmly behind me. I strolled purposefully down the new street. A group of boys about my own age were playing football, arguing about who scored a goal... but they ignored me completely. Had I become invisible? Was I really bothered? Deep in thought, I walked on until I came to a small park with benches and play equipment for tots. By now I was sure there was nothing here for boys like me, so I was about to turn back when I heard a voice calling me. I turned and saw a dark haired girl smiling at me through kind brown eyes. She beckoned me over. “Are you new round here?” she asked. “Yes, I’ve just moved into number 22.”

“Me too, a bit further up the road. My Dad’s got a new job. We’ve all moved to England from Dubai - me, my parents and my twin brother.” “Not Global Oil,”

“Yes, that’s the one.” “My Dad works there too.”

“Try a date,” she added, thrusting a packet of fruit at me. “I brought them from old house. They’re yummy.” There was so much to talk about and I just knew we were all going to be friends. Dad was right we were going to start a new adventure.

Continue the plan for this story.

Introduction:

Middle

Ending

Complete the lists.

This could be the first chapter of a children’s novel. The main character and his new friend could have several adventures as they explore their new life. You could write another chapter...

Now write your own story about moving to a new house. Write about how sad and lonely you felt at first, but then you met a new friend.

Write in paragraphs. Remember to start a new paragraph if you change the place, time, person or situation.

Plan your story. Think about the following points.

Write an introduction

Middle paragraph, building up suspense

Winding the plot up or conclusion

OPENING > DEVELOPMENT > COMPLICATION > SUSPENSE & TENSION > RESOLUTION

Now write the story you planned.