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Today, I want to give you a glimpse into how I engage young writers—something I call “the art of the writing prompt.”
One of my favorite strategies is what I call “pregaming” the prompt. I use the term pregame because the goal is to hype students up and get their minds fired up before they ever put pen to paper.
Take a prompt on sharks, for example. I would never just hand out a worksheet cold—especially not for a topic as badass as sharks.
Instead, I like to build anticipation with a video. Turn off the lights, demand complete silence, and let the atmosphere shift. A great one to use is:
Sharks 101 | National Geographic
While watching, students can “collect” powerful words or phrases for their own writing—things like glide, murky depths,sun-kissed shallows, or awe.
Most of the time, however, I don’t ask them to write at all. I just want them to watch. To listen. To let their imagination light up.
This one simple addition—a moment of immersion before writing—has elevated my students’ work time and time again.
Here are some example writing activities on Sharks!
- Shark Encounter Writing Challenge!
2) Write a creative story about a SHARK!
Worksheet:
3) Write a Creative Story About Sharks!
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