A Creative Writing Workshop Project
A Writing Exercise for Middle and High School Students
May 14, 2009
This writing project can be fun for writers who struggle with story ideas. It is a positive way to encourage students to work together while each student is responsible for his or her own part of the story.
A Creative Writing Project
Before class begins, move all desks into four separate circles, or three if that works more evenly.
The teacher should assign numbers out loud. In each group, numbers will be assigned from #1 to #6 until each person has a number. The teacher should make an effort to assign #6 to the strongest writer in each group to write the ending, as this is usually the most difficult part of this exercise.
Choose a Reader
Ask each group to choose their best reader, the one who will read the finished project out loud. Help determine who the reader is for each group.
Writing Process
After all the numbers have been assigned, ask the class to get out writing paper and give it to the person in the circle who is in the #1 position.
The teacher will address all the #1 students in the class: "You will be writing the opening sentence. Write a line or two, at the most, which should include:
- time
- place
- character
Once this has been done, the paper is passed in each group to the #2 writers. They will be told to begin their sentence or sentences with the following line: " I don't know why, but...", while including the following:
- an observation about the first character
- a problem between the first character and the 2nd character, who they will introduce briefly
The #3 writers will begin their sentence or sentences with, "I wonder..." and they should introduce a further conflict in the story. Any problem is a good problem and should include:
- a third character
- a new place
- an action between characters
The #4 writers will add two or three sentences which will include:
- past history between the characters
- a new connection between the characters
The #5 writers will write a scene which will include:
- one character catches the other character or characters in a lie or a situation that will progress the story to its climax.
The #6 writer should be a strong writer as he will be asked to:
- create a way to solve the problem
- write the ending, perhaps leaving the readers in suspense or with a question
Each group will be asked to give their story a TITLE.
Each group's reader will read the story out loud to the class. The class will vote on the best story, and students will be asked to explain why the best story was so successful.
Class Ends with Discussion
As the class comes to an end, the teacher can reiterate how a good story works in this way. There are always characters with problems or complications, there will always be a setting, some history to give a backdrop to the story, and there will always be an ending. Sometimes the problems are solved and sometimes the ending is filled with suspense or a suggestion.
Allow the class to talk about how real life doesn't always offer a solution that makes one feel good. Discuss happy endings, mysterious endings and endings that are questions or leave readers wanting more.
For more on Narrative Writing, Teaching Expository Writing or a Mini Lesson on Metaphor and Simile, feel free to check out these articles.
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