Make Writing Fun This Year with Twisted Fairy Tales

Now that school is settling into a rhythm, it’s the perfect time to launch a big, exciting writing project. One of my favorite ways to kick off the year is with narrative writing—but instead of the usual personal narratives, I love to give students something extra fun: a twist on a well-known fairy tale!

Personal narratives are great, but they can feel a bit predictable. Twisted tales let students stretch their imaginations, play with familiar characters, and practice essential narrative skills like dialogue, description, and conflict. Best of all, it keeps writing fun and engaging—a win for both students and teachers!

How I Run the Unit:

1. Choose a familiar fairy tale: I usually give students a list of classics like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, or The Three Little Pigs.

2. Brainstorm a twist: Students decide how they’ll change the story—maybe the villain becomes the hero, the setting changes, or the ending is completely different.

3. Plan their story: Using a simple narrative organizer, students outline characters, setting, problem, and solution.

4. Draft: Students write their narratives, focusing on creativity, voice, and detail.

5. Revise and edit: Peer feedback and mini-lessons on grammar and storytelling polish their work.

6. Publish: Students can create a “storybook” version, complete with illustrations, or even a digital version to share with families.

   
   

Making It Even More Engaging:

Once students start writing, the excitement really picks up! Many love drawing illustrations of their twisted characters or acting out scenes in small groups. I encourage students to share their stories with classmates or even create a classroom “storybook gallery” where everyone’s work is displayed. This helps build confidence, gives purpose to their writing, and turns the classroom into a creative storytelling hub.

Enrichment & Extension Activities:

• Art integration: Students create storyboards or illustrations for their twisted tales.

• Drama and performance: Have students act out their stories in small groups or create a reader’s theater.

• Compare and contrast: Students compare their twisted tale with the original story, analyzing how changes affect characters and plot.

• Writing challenges: Encourage students to write a second version from another character’s perspective or create a sequel.

• Cross-curricular tie-in: Explore fairy tales from different cultures and have students write their own “twisted” versions inspired by those stories.

Fun tip! I always love to start a new unit by reading a children's book that piques their interest. Here are a few I love! (I am an Amazon affiliate and do earn commission at no cost to you)

• The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas

• Little Red & The Very Hungry Lion by Alex T Smith

  
  

This unit is a fantastic way to get students excited about writing while helping them develop essential narrative skills. Watching students take a familiar story and make it completely their own is always a highlight of my year!

Here is the unit! Get it here!