Proud Mama and Some Writing Exercise Ideas

My 13-year-old daughter has been at the most wonderful writing camp this last week. It was through a local nonprofit organization for writers called Gemini Ink, and this was her second year to go. Only this year, she was in the upper age group.

I knew it was going to be a good week when she told me after the second day day: "It's so great to really feel like I fit in. I can say something intelligent, and no one looks at me funny... they just say something intelligent back." I can't even tell you, the happiness I felt at that statement.

At the camp, they do various writing exercises each day, and then they work on writing and developing various pieces. They share and truly listen and offer constructive feedback to each other. There's really no other better place for a kid who likes to write.

A few of my favorite exercises that they did this year were:

• Using Newspaper Headlines as a Story Prompt... the students were handed a clipped out newspaper headline (appropriate, of course) and asked to develop a story knowing only the headline.

• Drawing a Line to Represent a Feeling... the students were given a feeling word (joy, bliss, guilt, anger, etc.) and asked to draw a line representing that feeling and then describe what their line meant.

• Writing About a Event without Mentioning the Event... students were given a setting, a character whose perspective the piece must be written from, and an event and had to write about the event without ever saying what it was. Now, in the case of this camp, they gave them the event of murder, but that is not very appropriate for the classroom. But the stories that came out having to tell the story of someone committing murder without mentioning "murder" were pretty amazing.

• Share a Passage from a Book... students were told to choose a passage from a book they had recently read and read it aloud to the class. Then the whole class discussed the author's writing style.

• People Watching... the students were taken on a trolley ride through downtown and asked to make as many observations as they could. Then when they returned, they wrote about they observed. You could certainly do this, by walking your class around the school or taking them and sitting them in a place with other students such as the playground, the gym, the library, or the cafeteria

The whole time, they discussed the process and styles of writing, so much so, that my daughter's final piece (that she shared at a public reading today) was writing about writing. And one little girl who was not in her group loved the piece so much that she even wanted a copy of it. How amazing is it that a girl about age 10 would want a copy of another's child's writing? That's the power of this camp.

Finally, I thought I'd share my daughter's piece as a proud mama should... and I welcome you to share it with your class if you think it would inspire even one writer.

To Write

Hannah Friedrich

Honesty flows out of me onto the page.

That’s what writing is. Even when writing fiction, nothing is a lie. Writing is the freedom to look at the world and see what it is, even if it’s not pretty. It is a freedom, but it’s not the kind most people want. A writer is a special kind of person, who views the world a different way. It can be confusing, or out there, but it’s truth in its own. If you stand on the other side of the field, you see a different game.

When the words flow together like they should, it’s like music. Every note has a place and a purpose, everything is arranged to order. Then it can become chaotic. Then it can leave the known world and become a new experience. You need order to create chaos. When you hear someone play the piano, it doesn’t sound perfect and neat. It sounds chaotic.

Writing is like that. It always has a rhythm to it, a sequence. A kind of run. When you really get into a good sprint, every little motion matters, every step contributes. It’s not just the big strides; it’s the shifting weight, the stretch forwards and the push back. It all falls together. It’s a beauty in its own.

I say that nothing you write should ever be a lie. I’m not saying that’s an easy task. I feel like writing is the desire to experience everything, the good and the bad. It takes strength to look at oneself and ask: what would it feel like? But that’s what you have to do. That’s all you can do. Even when writing through a character, you only have your emotions to go on. That’s the only reference point you get.

So. What would it feel like? What would it feel like to write?

Love a Good Deal!!!

My husband and daughter headed off this morning to see "The Dark Knight Rises." So, I wanted to do something special for my son who in my opinion is too young to watch Dark Knight. He requested we head to the mall. Any trip to the mall is not complete without a stop at Barnes & Noble, so of course, that's where we ended up. While he headed into the children's section, I perused the 75% off display... just in case. And I was not disappointed! Look at these cool books I found ranging from $2-$4! How could I pass up these gems?

Immediately my teacher brain started thinking of how I could use them in a classroom. I can see them used as a springboard for a whole class writing warm-up, in a writing center, or as a creative outlet for early finishers. I'm sure there are so many more ways they can be used.

The one on top is called Yamodo Monsters and Aliens. It is a spiral-bound book with perforated pages. It comes with a pen. On each page is a nonsense word that sounds like it could have something to do with a monster or an alien. Also on each page is a squiggle and a sentence to complete. For example, the first page says "romatoid" and has a squiggle of two rectangle. The object is to decide what the word means and to turn the squiggle into a picture of the meaning. Then write out the definition.

The large blue book is called Squiggle Monsters. Open this one up and it has three spinners — one for a squiggle that you draw and two for monster characteristics such as "big bug eyes," "hairy toes," and "2 tongues." There is a small dry erase board in the center with six markers hidden underneath and a dry-erase fact sheet on the right. You spin the spinners, incorporating your three things into a monster, and then complete the fact sheet about it.

The smaller Squiggle Mix Up book is very similar to Squiggle Monsters, except the squiggle is drawn for you, and the drawing happens using paper and pencil. You spin the top spinners that each list different kinds of animals. Then you morph the two animals into one using the squiggle already provided.

With all of these, I think the next step in a classroom would be to write a story about your new creation, tell about its adventures, and describe its challenges. My son is currently working on his third monster in a group of monsters destined to become friends and have many adventures. My son has never been excited about writing, and he is busily telling me about all the things these monster friends will accomplish. What a wonderful outlet for creativity in thinking, drawing, and writing, while at the same time practicing some writing skills. How often do students really get to explore their imaginations anymore?

If your Barnes & Noble does not have these books and you are looking for them, here is an Amazon link. And I discovered, there are also several other versions of each available.



What a fun time filler for subs too. I think at least one of these will be coming with me everyday I sub.

Are You Qualified to Fill in for the Easter Bunny?

During this time of year, there just doesn't seem to be much extra time for fun things. So when persuasive writing was the next writing unit that came up right around Easter with my current second-graders, I started looking around on Pinterest (where else?). And I was not disappointed. I found this fabulous Easter Bunny application posted by Welcome to Room 36.

When it was time for writing, I got the students settled down and ready to listen. Then I launched into my speech:

"Boys and girls, I have some really bad news. [It was dead silent in the room] I got a call from the Easter Bunny. He is really sick and will not be able to deliver all the eggs and Easter baskets on Sunday. [A few gasps of surprise mixed with a few mumblings of 'did he really call you.'] But, he did say he was looking for a replacement to substitute for him on Sunday... he needs a Substitute Bunny. So, you need to fill out this job application and draw a picture to go with it. And remember, you are trying to persuade, or convince, him that you are the best kid for the job."

Whether they bought it or not, I don't really know. But the whole class LOVED the assignment and got to work immediately. Even my student with special needs who always refuses to write, was trying this one. And I was so impressed with some of their responses. I mentioned that they should think about what qualities the Easter Bunny has, and the students were writing things like, "I will make a good Easter Bunny because I am caring and generous. I am also fast." Many were tying in the Pillars of Character... it was wonderful!

My favorite parts? Seeing them excited about writing something was for sure number one for me. And also hearing some of their conversations as I was walking around the room. The best one was, "Of course, Santa is real. But a bunny? How does he go all around the world?" The whole experience just brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart. I will definitely do this activity again next year!

Animal Picture Writing Prompts Freebie

Picture writing prompts are making their way into standardized testing. As a sub, you can kill two birds with one stone with a picture writing prompt... you can fill time, and it can be purposeful. And many other bloggers are on the picture writing prompt bandwagon with a collaborative Pinterest board and a linky party at Diary of a Wimpy Teacher and co-hosted by Classroom Magic. But I know that not all subs have computer access in the classroom (I don't), so I created a freebie document of Animal Picture Writing Prompts you can download and print.

Or you can visit the Writing Picture Prompts Pinterest board for these and plenty of other picture writing prompts from other fabulous bloggers. Here are my prompts that can be found on the board and in the download.

Baby Math... with Some Writing

Since I have gotten so many long-term sub jobs covering for teachers on maternity leave, many students have dubbed me the "baby teacher." It is a nickname I wear proudly. If teachers trust me enough to want me in their classroom when they can't be there for weeks, I can think of no better compliment.

This is a two-part activity I have done at the start of most of those maternity sub jobs. It worked so well the first time, that I have continued to do it with each one. I will caution you to use your discretion because one of my last jobs was for a teacher who had a sweet little preemie. Luckily everything worked out with her and the baby, but I skipped the first part (the measurement part) of this activity because I felt it was in poor taste. And I also did not do this activity when I took over for another long-term sub who could not complete the job since the baby was already a week old.

You need to wait for the announcement about the birth of the baby and the inevitable height and weight declaration. When I get this information, I cut curling ribbon that exact length, and fill a plastic container with water so it weighs roughly the same as the baby. A gallon-sized container filled with water will weigh roughly 10 pounds, so you can adjust from there. Then when I announce that the baby was born and give all the details, I can pass around the ribbon and plastic container so the students have an actual visual of how big the baby is. I also like to discuss that just like the ribbon, babies are all curled up and the nurses have to stretch the baby out to get the length. You can discuss comparisons such as, "What else do you know that is about this size?" Or, "What surprised you about this?" For the little ones, I usually put the water and ribbon in a science center so they can explore further.

After we have our measurement discussion, I always let them make cards. Those work as both a language arts and an etiquette lesson. My favorite thing to ask is "what advice would you give the baby." Those responses are always so cute and insightful. The cards can all be sent with a teacher or someone else who is close to the mom. I have had teacher after teacher tell me how appreciated those cards were.

The whole activity usually doesn't take too long since I only give them 20 minutes or so to initially work on the cards and then they can finish them as they finish other work. Plus it helps the class stay connected to their teacher.

Love Is in the Air Valentine Freebie

I know. I know. It's a little early, but I am a planner. Ask anyone who knows me. So, I wrote up one of my favorite Valentine's Day activities and created some free printable cards for your students to use. This activity is based on this book, and the photo is an Amazon link if you don't have the book:

I start off by reading the book, which students love (Hello... it has stinky feet in the title!) and also has a great message of kindness and friendship. Also throughout the book are poems based on the "roses are red; violets are blue" pattern. We discuss all this, and then I challenge the students to write their own poems. They can write rough drafts, edit them, and print the final versions on the free reproducible cards I made. Be sure to print those front and back so students just have to cut on the gray lines to make four cards out of one sheet of paper. I also recommend copying them on card stock so they end up a little sturdier. I have the whole activity for Write Your Own Valentine Poems available here.

A New Year on the Horizon... And a Writing Freebie to Go with It!

With Christmas now behind me, I am looking ahead to the New Year. And, not that I am thinking about going back to school yet, but I remembered a cool writing activity I did last year with third graders and the year before with second graders. I see no reason the activity couldn't go as high or low as you'd like, as long as modifications are made to expectations and depth of writing. Even kinders could draw their resolutions if they don't yet have the writing skills.

The activity focuses on New Year's resolutions, but ties them into goals and what we know about the process of goal setting... that goals need to be realistic and measurable, you need to have strategies in mind to meet them, and you need to know who you can count on to help you meet them.. I can also see a tie-in with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with the "resolutions" becoming "dreams" to go along with the "I Have a Dream" speech. So, although the activity has a New Year's focus, it could really be used the entire month of January.

The New Year's Resolution Writing download is free and includes the lesson plan, a graphic organizer, and instructions for a foldable to go with it.

4-Square Story Map

As I was writing the third grade Just Add Water emergency sub plans, I had an idea... to make a simple story map that doesn't need to be copied AND doesn't require the students to draw anything (because often that is messy and unreadable). My idea was to fold a piece of paper into four sections, and label the sections Characters, Setting, Problem, and Solution. It can be used to show comprehension of a reading story or as a planning organizer in the pre-write stage of the writing process. I have dubbed my creation the 4-Square Story Map.

Snowmen at Christmas Writing Freebie

I am so excited about hitting 1,000 Facebook fans and the giveaway, but I am a little sad that only one of my fabulous fans can win the 1,000 prize. So I thought I'd create a little freebie for you all. That way everyone gets a prize.

One of my favorite read-alouds during this time of year is Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner. I have a created writing activity to go along with the book. It would be great for any teacher to do, but also a good one for subs to keep handy in case they have some time that needs to be filled in a meaningful way.

The Snowman Writing Activity I created follows directly out of the story where a child builds a snowman and wonders what it does to celebrate Christmas. The writing activity asks students to imagine what their snowman would do to celebrate. I deliberately left the word "celebrate" open, even though the story focuses on Christmas. Students of differing beliefs can imagine what their snowman would to do celebrate any winter holiday. I also left the head blank and some space above so students can personalize the look of their snowman, adding a hat of their choosing and other features.

So get busy downloading and let me know what your snowman does to celebrate the holidays.

FREE Fifth Grade Emergency Sub Plans

Finally, now my first set of elementary level emergency sub plans is complete! And just in time for cold and flu season. I just put the finishing touches on fifth grade plans based on the book Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. I know fifth grade teachers have differing opinions on the value of teaching through picture books. Many feel students at this age should be reading and analyzing higher level books.

However, my thinking here is twofold:
1) Practically speaking, these plans are meant to be completed in one day while a substitute teacher is in the room. A higher level chapter book cannot even be read in one school day, much less have time to complete activities.
2) Philosophically speaking, I am on the other side of the debate. I am an adult and still many times get much out of picture books. Fifth graders can take picture book analysis to a much higher level. So while, many students may already know the story in the picture book, they have not done such challenging activities with it.

All that being said, here are the fifth grade plans based on Stellaluna. As with my other plans, these contain a warm-up, a reading lesson, a language arts activity, a social studies lesson, a science activity, and some math problems.

Scary Stories for Halloween

With today being Halloween, my students and I celebrated by reading their scary stories. They had been writing the stories for a little over a week, and used a shortened version of the writing process. They began by using my Scary Story Map. They then went from the story map to their rough draft. I had them proof and edit their own story, and then they traded and had a buddy proof and edit it. We went from there to their final copy which they wrote on notebook paper, glued to black construction paper, and drew a picture in white crayon.

Today, they all got a turn to share. I turned out most of the lights and gave the author a flashlight... and the fun began! I was so proud of all their stories. While they all have plenty to work on, every single student wrote a cohesive story, even my low ones. It was great! And the students really had a spooky good time. Here are a few photos.

Paint with Words

I always tell my students that writing is like painting with words. The writer needs to paint a clear image of what is in the story, just like an artist paints details into a picture. I use this handout with a mini lesson on using descriptions and specific words. This should be used after the students know adjectives and adverbs. And you probably should have done some lessons on "tired" words to help students choose more specific ones. This activity is a culmination of those lessons. It is quite simple. The students look at the basic, boring sentence and choose words to add to it to make it a more descriptive, exact sentence. I usually have the students choose their favorite expanded sentence and illustrate it on the back according to their descriptions. So if your students need some practice with Painting with Words, then download this freebie.