Writing Activity Ideas
I love to use mentor texts for writing lessons with my class. We read the story and enjoy it as readers. Then we inspect it as writers and use it as inspiration for our own writing! Scroll down for some ideas to use with each book.
Also, email me if you have a favorite book and need some ideas! I am happy to help.
Practice Makes Better
Writing Activity Ideas
You can give kids a choice of any or all of these options:
- Write a true story about a time when you struggled with something, and someone helped you achieve success.
- Write about an activity that you practiced and practiced and got really good at. Describe what you did to practice to get better.
- Make up a story about someone who struggles like Stephen did. Maybe your character has the opposite struggle... Maybe they are really good in school and struggle with sports!
- Take a Stand! Pick one statement to support with reasons and evidence (think Opinion Essay). 1. Stephen is the hero in this story... or 2. Mrs. Redmond is the hero in this story. Decide who the hero is and tell why you hold that opinion.
Grandpa's Lessons on Surviving a Quarantine... and Life!
Writing Activity Ideas
You can give kids a choice of any or all of these options:
- Pick your favorite lesson and tell why you like it.
- Make up your own lessons for surviving a quarantine based on your own experiences.
- Pick a lesson and write a "true story" about your experience with that lesson.
- Take a Stand! Pick one statement to support with reasons and evidence (think Opinion Essay). 1. Surviving a quarantine is easy! or 2. Surviving a quarantine is tough! Tell why you hold that opinion.
Good Deeds Gone Wrong
Writing Activity Ideas
You can give kids a choice of any or all of these options:
- Tell a true story about a time when you tried to show kindness, but it didn't turn out how you expected.
- Make up a story about different good deeds going wrong.
- Tell "Part 2" of Good Deeds Gone Wrong. What happens next? What does Stephen bring for Bobby the next day?
- Take a Stand! Pick one statement to support with reasons and evidence (think Opinion Essay). 1. Stephen should have given up sooner! or 2. Stephen should keep on trying to show kindness! Tell why you hold that opinion.
Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life
Writing Activity Ideas
You can give kids a choice of any or all of these options:
- Tell a true story about a time you went fishing. Tell what happened, describe the setting, and who was there. Also use dialogue.
- Tell a true story about a time you did something with a grandparent.
- Make up a story about a fishing trip that went well, or one that went horribly wrong!
- Take a Stand! Decide whether you agree or disagree with this statement. Be sure to support your opinion with reasons and evidence (think Opinion Essay). "The worst day fishing is still better than the best day working!"