I find so many resources on the internet that every so often, I try to return the favour by sharing a little in terms of resources and activities that have worked for me in class. Often, prepping for a lesson can be quite overwhelming, especially if you're like me and like to have something planned for every minute of your lesson, plus a few extra activities just in case! In no particular order, here are a few things that have worked for me at my book clubs and writing workshops in the last few months. Free Verse I love teaching free verse! I've used all kinds of mentor texts in the past, including "Hope is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson, which isn't in free verse at all, but still works, as you can see below. Both these poems are in issue 1 of WORDS, the e-magazine we create at my writing … [Read more...]
White Socks Only
White Socks Only is a stunning piece of literature and art, a charming book about a curious child eager to find out whether something she's heard is true. I revisited this book purely for the purpose of teaching it, and there's just so much to explore! Of course, the obvious choices would be to visit the themes of racism and segregation. But as a creative writing trainer, there's much more.The book opens with the young narrator wanting a story, and not just any story, her favourite story. And she knows just how to get her grandma to tell that story - by asking if she may go to town alone. She knows what the response will be - she may not go until she can do some good there. But she also knows that this will lead to the story of the time her grandmother sneaked out, went to town--and unwittingly did some good there.Without revealing why her grandmother went to town and what … [Read more...]
The Playwriting Module – Reflections and Resources
And just like that, the playwriting module of my creative writing programme is also over! We read two plays, played with props, explored dialogue, imagined the stage, examined the differences between writing scripts for stage and for screen ... And I'm exhilarated. As always, the generosity of the community of teachers and writers online is astounding. Some resources work for me; some don't, but each one I come across is useful.So, it's my turn. Here are a few activities I used successfully in class this time. Writing Natural Dialogue Writing dialogue that reads naturally is challenging. Even though I have been writing for so long, I sometimes find myself using long, winding sentences in dialogue and have to remind myself that we don't regularly use long sentences beginning with 'although' or 'despite'. And can you imagine using them when you're … [Read more...]
A Few More Writing Activities
A few days ago, I posted five writing activities that I created last month; here are a few more. I find that short activities of this sort are wonderful ways both to get started and to wind down. Finishing a workshop with some sort of activity leaves participants feeling energized, rather than exhausted. Quick ones of this sort are always handy! Humorous HyperbolesChildren are masters of hyperbole. Think about the way they tell stories and how, with each telling, the story becomes grander and more eventful. Adults do it too, even if they pretend otherwise!So, naturally, working with hyperboles is always hilarious. Here are two more hyperbole ideas that work well:How would you describe the most boring class you've ever had? Who has the loudest voice in your class? How loud is her voice? No, don't imitate it! Describe it.Fun with Homophones and HomographsHomophones and … [Read more...]
Five Writing Activities for Children (and Adults!)
As I was preparing to launch my online creative writing programme, I posted one writing activity per day on social media, and I loved the responses I received.Writing activities can be so much fun, and not just for children. They work just as well for adults who want to sit down and start writing too! Here are the first five; you could do one a day for the next five days to get you started. Surprising SimilesThis one is always a favourite!During a creative writing session, I asked a child to complete the simile as annoying as ____ "As annoying as my sister," she replied. I know that this child has a brother and a sister, so I asked, chuckling, "Is your sister more annoying than your brother?" There was a small pause as she looked up. He was, possibly, in the room. She gave a tiny smile and said, "No, but it's his birthday today."Have fun with your similes! Funny Fairytales We … [Read more...]