Teachers

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.