Back in term 3 we experimented with what I called "free writing". I would encourage the class to "warm up" asking them to write what they liked on small prompts to a time limit (usually 2-3 minutes). Topics would include things like:
The above is a picture of two of the girls work who though struggling writers, would engage if I let them draw on our whiteboard table (another thankyou must go out to Furnware for decking out our classroom). I think they liked the ability to rub out words quickly and have a finished product that may have been written flawlessly if I hadn't seen the smudges of erased words. This of course isn't ideal as there is so much profit in seeing the editing, however they were happy writing away and that was a huge encouragement to both the students and myself!
- How would you describe an orange to an alien who'd never seen one?
- If you could have any animal for a pet what would it be?
- Describe someone who was a hero to you an explain why.
The above is a picture of two of the girls work who though struggling writers, would engage if I let them draw on our whiteboard table (another thankyou must go out to Furnware for decking out our classroom). I think they liked the ability to rub out words quickly and have a finished product that may have been written flawlessly if I hadn't seen the smudges of erased words. This of course isn't ideal as there is so much profit in seeing the editing, however they were happy writing away and that was a huge encouragement to both the students and myself!