Fellow teachers:
Here are some creative writing exercises you can share with your students.
Steal ’em. Make ’em your own. Add fun twists. Let me know how it goes.
“Borrow a Memory” (In class) – This is a great introductory exercise where your students will interview one another, then write memories from their partner’s point of view. It stretches the imagination in a fun way. I use it as a getting-to-know-you exercise on the first day of class, then have everyone share.
“Interview a Parent or Grandparent” (Homework) – This is a great way for your students to learn more about their family history. It gives them a chance to ask questions that would otherwise go un-asked. And it forces them to imagine the world from another person’s perspective. Win-win-win.
“Character Sketch” (Homework) –
1) Find a book that has a great, memorable character. This may involve (gulp) going to the library, or a bookstore. Once you’ve found your book, find where the character is first introduced/described, and write out that passage, word for word. That’s it. You can do some selective editing if the introduction is spread across multiple pages. Best case: you find your all-time favorite book/character. (Harry Potter not allowed.)
2) Now it’s your turn. Choose someone in your life – a worthy character – and present them in a short narrative scene. 400-500 words. Hint: Set it in an interesting place, where something interesting is happening.
Other Resources:
- You can have your students write a series of Memory Postcards, on The Spaces Between Your Fingers website, and make them into a book.
- Contact me to set up a school or Skype visit.
Hi Matt! I heard about you and your book in the Prep newsletter. (My son is a freshman.) I look forward to reading about Lizzy- it looks great!
I teach gifted support and writing at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. Do you ever do author visits?
Rachel
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Rachel,
Believe it or not, I am just seeing this! Yes, I will be doing some digital school visits in spring 2021 around the release of my new book. Would love to set something up. Drop me a line via the contact form on this site.
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