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Posted by Kellie Hayden Jul 28, 2008 |
To get to know your students, have them all create quilt squares that include the six most important pieces of writing. The writing quilt shows how important writing is in a student’s life. Most are surprised at the variety of items that are attached. The best part is that it is a celebration of writing.
A fun way to get students into the swing of school is to complete the descriptive room essay. Students get to “cyber shop” for item and then design a room. Then, they write a five-paragraph essay. It is creative and allows students to show off their individuality.
To add interest to the school year, ask student to research different cultures. The multicultural research project includes a paper, a presentation and food from other countries. A teacher can even add a culture fair to share what the students learned with the entire school and maybe even parents.
Something to think about for the end of the year is a four-year time capsule. It is a packet of writing that the students will receive their senior year of high school. Students get to self-select items that will fit in one manilla envelope. You can tell them about it the first week of school so that they can be thinking about what to put in it.
This year make students publish their work. It makes writing more “real.” And, the prizes are a great motivator write.
So, this year, try some new and creative writing projects. Your students will like the variety.