I can add dialogue to my story using quotation marks, a comma before the closing quote when a tag follows (e.g., “Let’s go,”said Max.), and simple speaking tags such as said or asked.
Materials
Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Ruled paper or tablet
Tracing Pad (below)
Tip: Read dialogue aloud to check it sounds natural. Keep each speaker’s words in quotes.
Mini-lesson — How to write dialogue
Use quotation marks around the exact words a character says: “I’m ready.”
Speaking tag tells who’s talking: said, asked, shouted.
Punctuation goes inside the quotes. If the tag comes after, use a comma: “Let’s skate,” said Bella.
New speaker, new line to keep reading easy.
Keep it short and use words kids say every day.
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Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad
Trace the dialogue marks and write two short lines of dialogue for a scene at the playground:
Key marks/words: “ ” , ? !said, asked
Model:
“Race you to the slide,” said Max.
“Okay! Ready?” asked Mia.
Tracing Pad
Drag & Drop — Build Clear Dialogue
Drag the chips into the slots to form correct dialogue sentences. Keep punctuation inside the closing quote and use simple tags.
“Let’sskate,”saidMax.
“Okay!”shoutedMia.
“Whereshouldwestart?”askedMax.
“Let’sracetotheswings,”saidMia.
“I’mready,”saidMax.
“Don’tforgetyourhelmet,”saidMom.
“Thanks,”saidMia.
“Canwetimetherace?”askedMax.
“Three,two,one—go!”shoutedMia.
“Youwin,”saidMax.
“Let’splayagain,”saidMia.
“Greatidea,”saidMax.
Quick Check (15 questions)
1) Which sentence correctly uses quotes?
2) Pick the speaking tag.
3) Where does the comma go?
4) New speaker means…
5) Choose the best tag for a question.
6) Which is correct?
7) What do quotation marks show?
8) Which line needs a comma?
9) Which is a natural-sounding line?
10) Where should the question mark go?
11) Pick the best tag for a loud voice.
12) Which line puts punctuation inside the quotes?
Next Gen Learning