After we've done the obligatory, "how was your summer...what do you want to accomplish this year..." I like to launch into specific prompts that enrich writing skills.

Spooky Stories

List all the titles of scary books and movies you can remember.  Now, circle the titles that are the most imaginative.  Why do they grab you?  Can you think of your own movie title?

Compare two movies in terms of plot, character, and outcome.  Which did you prefer?  Why?

 

Read the opening line of a great sci-fi or mystery.  Now write a similar beginning, using the same technique the author used.

Write an urban legend, adding your own twist.  (My students know legends from many different cultures, so this became quite interesting.)

 

Sports

10/17

Write about your favorite sport.  Describe the equipment required, the places where it is played.  Do you enjoy playing or watching? (This is a great opportunity to extend vocabulary of ELA students.)

Read the Sports section.  Write a summary using the 5 W's.  (Describe the type of summary you expect, even demonstrating by reading an article and elucidating the main points.)


9/27

Jobs

Describe your dream job.(This can be a simple warm-up or can be developed into a five paragraph essay.)

Fold a piece of paper in half.  On the left hand side, write the "pros" of a job that you have had.  On the right hand side, write the "cons."

Fill in a job application.  Apply to be a school principal, a TV chef, or a sports commentator. (Be sure to include gems on the application that include, "Why do you want to work for our company?  What are your strengths/weaknesses? What unique qualities do you bring to this position?")


Super Hero

Sketch and describe your favorite superhero.

Use all the vivid adjectives you can.

Write about a real-life hero using 5 paragraph format.

Write about a superhero from a 1st grade viewpoint to develop voice.


List all the occupations you can think of, starting with those that earn the least to those that earn the most.

 

Now start another list in terms of those that provide the most happiness, in your opinion, building to the jobs that are the most stressful.

(This can become a whole research paper which includes current job markets.)

 

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In view of recent hurricanes, I've had students write:

What would you take with you if you had half a day to pack your most valued posessions and flee?

What if the time were reduced to fifteen minutes?

What is your emergency plan?

(We live in the path of hurricane Rita)

 

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To help students recognize features of various genres:

Write, "Everything I've Learned from Scary Movies"

If students need help, start some sentences:

*  Never check out the....{attic, basement}

*Bullets don't work on....{dinosaurs, vampires}

*Always keep on hand...

This is a great lead-in for Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and Edgar Allen Poe.
 

 

*This site will grow as the year progresses.