If I Were In Charge of the World
creativity
Rejected Reindeer–Holiday Writing Incorporating Creativity, Technical Writing, and Letter Writing
This is an activity that I have used in different variations. My students are always actively engaged as they create a reindeer that Santa rejected. They are even excited to write about their reindeer.
This Year’s Version–completed in class
Rejected Reindeer Directions 2014
Previous Year’s Versions–completed at home
Rejected Reindeer middle school
This is a student sample from several years ago.
Imagination vs Creativity
Journal Ideas
I am always on the lookout for creative or unusual prompts that can be used for fairly quick journaling sessions. Here are some that I have come across.
**Heather E. Wright: Resources for Teen and Preteen Writers and Their Teachers
What kind of scene can you build around these lines of dialogue.
1. Where are you going?
Why?
Look at the sky.
2. I want to go now.
That’s impossible.
Why?
You haven’t met Sirus yet.
3. The place has changed since I was here last.
One thing has stayed the same though.
What’s that?
It’s still dangerous.
**The Daily Post–Posts a prompt a day.
1. Odd Trio Redux
Time for another Odd Trio prompt: write a post about any topic you want, in whatever form or genre, but make sure it features a slice of cake, a pair of flip-flops, and someone old and wise.
2. Object Lesson
Sherlock Holmes had his pipe. Dorothy had her red shoes. Batman had his Batmobile. If we asked your friends what object they most immediately associate with you, what would they answer?
3. Nosey Delights
From the yeasty warmth of freshly baked bread to the clean, summery haze of lavender flowers, we all have favorite smells we find particularly comforting. What’s yours?
** Photographs This link will take you to one of my Pinterest boards where I have pinned cool pictures that act as wonderful prompts.
Write a narrative from Mona Lisa’s point of view. How does she feel having people stare at her all day? What kinds of sights and sounds does she view from her perspective?
Professional Learning: Connection Between Boredom and Creativity
Bored? Good, You’ll Be More Creative
Do you have a friend who you hardly ever see but seem to be on the same wave length in your thoughts and beliefs? I do, and I thank her for sharing this post with me.
I so value creativity and believe that creativity is really more important than base intelligence because it is what moves us forward in the world. The post from edutopia.com is short but thought-provoking. Below are two things that stuck with me as I read.
“To create, we need to make space for our creation. Think of it this way — Emily Dickinson might not have written a word if she kept getting text messages. Thomas Edison might not have created the light bulb if he was sitting on his Facebook page. Steve Jobs might not have made the Mac if he was sucked into Candy Crush. Yet this is the world that we live in. We are highly over-stimulated.”
“When you are not consumed by technology, your brain has space to breathe and to create.”
So, what does this mean for me in my classroom? How can I encourage creativity with my students?
The blog post recommends giving kids time to think and then ask them where their thoughts went.
ASCD suggests modeling creativity and making mistakes meaningful Developing Students’ Creative Skills for 21st Century Success
Thinkhub.com suggests that language arts teachers infuse classroom activities with art and music. Teachers Must Encourage Student Creativity
Opened.com provides a list of 30 things that teachers can do to promote creativity. 30 Things You Can Do To Promote Creativity
Weird Al, Language Arts Teachers Across America are Saying, “Thank You”
My email, Facebook, and Twitter feed are full of language teachers sharing the new song by Weird Al, “Word Crimes.” A new generation will be introduced to Weird Al as teachers welcome students back to school in a few weeks. Here is the video found on YouTube–“Word Crimes.” Watch and enjoy.
Fictional Bucket Lists
Fictional bucket lists are just what they sound like. Instead of creating a list of things you want to do in life like skydiving or running a marathon, you create a list of fictional things you would like to do if possible. For example, you might want to go down Alice’s hole or have Fancy Nancy’s closet. This is a great activity to get students thinking about books. This can also be used as a journal prompt. Attached are a couple of articles about bucket lists as well as a PowerPoint going through the steps of creating fictional bucket lists with students.
A Teacher's Ponderings 