Make Writing Class Fun

How do you get your class to write? Sometimes it can be difficult, but depending on the group of kids, there are many different ways to spice up your language arts class. Here are some of my favourite creative writing ideas for junior / intermediate grades.

Word  Wheels

Retrieved from https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cgle_rDWYAAF49r.jpg

These are great tools for helping students with vocabulary and synonyms. There are also many different types of word wheels that are based around different topics, so students could use it as a resource for developing sentences in relation to their writing theme.

For example, for a writing assignment, instruct students to pick three base words from the center of the wheel and have them expand using at least one additional word from each of the following levels on the wheel. So, as a student, if I choose to write using the word "angry", I would also include words like "frustrated" and "annoyed" from my word wheel in my writing.

This activity allows students to form their own ideas, with the help of word suggestions. Word wheels can be useful to students with everyday writing and would make for a great handout to keep in their binders or even to put on display in the classroom.

Snowball  Writing

 I love the idea of snowball writing! It can really get the wheels turning and allow for an interactive collaborative writing activity. So what is snowball writing? Let me explain how it works. First, students begin by writing part of a story on a piece of paper (it can be based on an image or idea). Then the students crumple their papers into a ball (the snowball) and throw them to the front of the class. Next, the students go to the front and pick up a new snowball and continue the story. Once finished, the story returns to the first writer who then rewrites a good copy. 

This is an activity that can be done in a variety of different ways. The writing can be based on a specific topic, subject, or story discussed in class, and the snowball effect can even be extended between 3 or 4 different student writers. There are so many ways to adapt this activity for desired grade levels and writing strands.

Retrieved from https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/WRITING-ACTIVITY-SNOWBALL-WRITING-649424

Newspaper  Generator

Here is an interesting way to use technology for a writing activity with your class. Most students should be familiar with newspapers and the purpose of news articles. Even if they are not, it's still exciting to see your work transformed into an "old fashioned" newspaper article... or at least I think so. The website www.fodey.com has a fast and easy newspaper generator that allows you to add your own date, title, and story. With the click of a button, your work is converted into an newspaper image that you can download onto your computer and print or share online. Take a look at a sample that I created in under two minutes on the fodey website:

Created with https://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

Curriculum Connections 

Although it is great to introduce fun and creative activities with your class, it's also important to make sure they are grade appropriate and correspond with the curriculum. In relation to the writing strand in the Ontario Curriculum for Language, students should develop four overall expectations (Page 12).

1) "generate, gather, and organize ideas and information for an intended purpose and audience." 
2) "draft and revise their writing, using a variety of informational, literary, and graphic forms." 
3) "use editing, proofreading, and publishing skills and strategies." 
4) "reflect on and identify their strength as writers" 

There are very many creative writing activities for students of all ages that can relate to the curriculum. As long as you find resources that appeal to your class, students can develop language skills in school and even enjoy the process.