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(Meaning under 100!) As I sit here with my \u003Cspan style=\"color: red;\"\u003E\u003Ci\u003Eapple cinnamon\u003C\/i\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E candle burning, I couldn't help but to share my \u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\"\u003EFall Writing Prompts!\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003EWith over 90 fall themed prompts, the ideas are endless!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2S11kpYo47c\/Wb03w54ufiI\/AAAAAAAAB_E\/K3TmXJtIXjYgphkZxjVdx6YZBbtdrgsDACLcBGAs\/s640\/slide4.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHow do I use them? There a variety of ways to use writing task cards. My favorite is to grab a few and put them at the writing center. I usually have them optional in case students are stuck with what to write about. \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWith over 90 different prompts,\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E my firsties are never at a loss!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFREE writing response sheets can be found by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Free-Writing-Task-Card-Response-Sheets-3152234\"\u003Ehere!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSome other ideas include: daily writing prompt, morning work, early finishers, conversation starters, and many more! I would love to hear your ideas!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1200\" data-original-width=\"1600\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-9NqWKZ3CeJ8\/Wb03wYHX1FI\/AAAAAAAAB-8\/7jar5veHdb8A_DA0rkScyVThkGeNhk9EgCLcBGAs\/s640\/slide09.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nYou can find \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\"\u003EFall Writing Task Cards\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking the pictures or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2qt8x3J\"\u003Ehere!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWant to test out Writing Task Cards for FREE? Grab the freebie by clicking below or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/FreeWritingTaskCards\"\u003Ehere!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/FreeWritingTaskCards\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1600\" data-original-width=\"1200\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-nAu8tC7Q5YA\/Wb03wIbH-1I\/AAAAAAAAB-4\/ybO1mr4Wqbgk91gpYQ0cshX0LRbsL1DfwCLcBGAs\/s640\/slide3.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cspan id=\"goog_385635510\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cspan id=\"goog_385635511\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI hope you are all enjoying the beginning of Fall!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHapping Writing!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/2273909441472649798\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/09\/fall-writing-prompts.html#comment-form","title":"24 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/2273909441472649798"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/2273909441472649798"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/09\/fall-writing-prompts.html","title":"Fall Writing Prompts"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-EJHla5c4MeM\/Wb03wXUe_SI\/AAAAAAAAB_A\/m9gu_jq-Jg8ugGbJo0JL4dOx7ei0BMBCACLcBGAs\/s72-c\/slide03.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"24"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-3152134486069447106"},"published":{"$t":"2017-03-18T10:04:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2017-03-18T10:04:18.889-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"literacy centers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"writing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Silly Story Starters - Cupcakes"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"Who wants a dull writing block? Not you and especially not your students. As teachers we are constantly thinking new and creative ways to engage our young writers. Here is one new activity that I love to use with my students, just be sure to have some real cupcakes on hand, because you'll be hungry! You can fins this\u003Cb\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESilly Story Starters\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u0026nbsp;by clicking on any of the picture or by clicking\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IQ9va3QGE-M\/WM1DeNlRvfI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/70ukRhDNh7Yh1uHovokt9z6QM5-8xeKGQCEw\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStudents begin by picking different elements of a cupcake (story elements) that they want to build.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;They will begin with a cupcake liner which lists characters to be used in their creative story.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-y-2AxvwobPA\/WM1DIrNkxMI\/AAAAAAAAByY\/58tEY0iqDMQS_oFs-qFkJZQ6SHacls4PwCLcB\/s1600\/Slide2.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u0026nbsp;Next, students choose the cake (chocolate or vanilla) to be given a problem they will write about.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-eMWqwdBKpWY\/WM1DQQcGMhI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/5rLs3GPlbjAGu_agnTVh7eCuLaL3ymdZQCEw\/s1600\/Slide1.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nLast, a frosting flavor is chosen to give the story setting place.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-xlgdd-jwXrs\/WM1DQPXMAFI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/Bx_h9KkLAXgWpAdkCy0DVZzuKVX-PDxlACEw\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAn optional topper is offered for differentiation which adds to the setting by giving the time in which the story takes place.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-8L45PN5AzhA\/WM1GTazzvDI\/AAAAAAAABzI\/IN-JFM7vzoAEwJN54vNh0Vx7cojbwC6rwCLcB\/s1600\/silly%2Bcucpakes%2BWM%2BVert.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nNow the fun begins! With the given setting, characters, and problem students begin to create their own story. Using character traits and setting, how will the characters solve the problem? Having an astronaut in space may be helpful, but how is a frog going to help you get gas in your car?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-nzm8EykTStI\/WM1Dsg1hayI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/IsADnu85ku44SvJj_LhwgTbxQKgCBJVKwCEw\/s1600\/Slide5.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003EYou can fins this\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cb style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESilly Story Starters\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E\u0026nbsp;by clicking on any of the picture or by clicking\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" style=\"text-align: start;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-G7veS_UXxcU\/WM1DruMb8ZI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/_tPFbjTcKaQth2hO_3-v8Y2GGdsHgEwSgCEw\/s1600\/Slide3.png\" width=\"300\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\nWith over 6,000 different options, this activity can be done time and time again. Included are story writing papers for students. Such a fun activity for students to share with one another and their families!\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-937nPdHQn38\/WM1DU7HzXXI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/Y0ohd8wNB2Yyf8bBB3DZSySk8kG3-qACgCEw\/s1600\/Slide4.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou can fins this\u003Cb\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ESilly Story Starters\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/b\u003E by clicking on any of the picture or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/2m0l39p\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cb\u003Ehere\u003C\/b\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Silly Writing!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/3152134486069447106\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/03\/silly-story-starters-cupcakes.html#comment-form","title":"4 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/3152134486069447106"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/3152134486069447106"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2017\/03\/silly-story-starters-cupcakes.html","title":"Silly Story Starters - Cupcakes"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-IQ9va3QGE-M\/WM1DeNlRvfI\/AAAAAAAABzA\/70ukRhDNh7Yh1uHovokt9z6QM5-8xeKGQCEw\/s72-c\/Slide5.png","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"4"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-6969312907364445237"},"published":{"$t":"2016-04-03T14:37:00.002-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-07-23T07:54:53.671-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"science"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"writing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Garden Journals! "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"I love to use spring as a time to teach everything plants including life cycles, needs, and gardening. Our class a small garden that we planted different vegetables in. The kiddos are so excited to see the growth of vegetables and eat them at the end of the year.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tfhBmHjNh_I\/VwGKdnzrxYI\/AAAAAAAABQY\/9Amr0ZfXOHQfbUld0HRe9m3PAPcfF_m7g\/s640\/Slide1.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-j6J-vOa7A2U\/VwFFst33-6I\/AAAAAAAABPI\/nxk57kCs4MsScChy_v12OY3yRld7JLFAQ\/s640\/slide%2B3.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nTo keep track of our garden data we used these \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EGarden Journals\u003C\/a\u003E. You can find them by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E or on any of the pictures.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWe begin by drawing a picture and writing notes about what the plants looked like during the first week, which most showed no growth. This was an important step for students to record.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-DugoolulJGM\/VwGLv7QuBcI\/AAAAAAAABQg\/57VE1fUK74gzgAN4dbLl8pAcs2Dcnfigg\/s640\/Slide2.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-sb-c3Lnl_IM\/VwGKedjvodI\/AAAAAAAABQY\/LtRaoTdx7YsXHM4Zc0cBeH9bufrCX-ibQ\/s640\/Slide6.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-e-XDHYQqbJo\/VwGKeGuSbVI\/AAAAAAAABQY\/CkF5W2jB2bIcBuj_VTVniiOrB8p6Sv6jw\/s640\/Slide5.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOn one of our plants, there was growth from the previous year which was exciting for students to see and taste!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vk0C_dDU8zs\/VwGKdnDbhUI\/AAAAAAAABQE\/djpWVFcywOc9sy2Fw5qpGe3S13IbJyTKw\/s640\/Slide3.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9rYzv88DVYY\/VwGKeHf5aXI\/AAAAAAAABQM\/LLJkdtS_xjwRu_2dukovizulzBuWNFQmg\/s640\/Slide4.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nEach week we will come back to see changes to our plants and record the data. Students are able to make predictions about plants and see how sunlight and rain is affecting their growth.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-OkWAyAXgnhY\/VwGL8stRzoI\/AAAAAAAABQk\/e04yAhIOVrwFue1fl3JIXCJTcGSlwEY1A\/s640\/Slide1.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Garden-Journal-2461298\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFind the Garden Journals Here!\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Gardening!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/6969312907364445237\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/04\/garden-journals.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/6969312907364445237"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/6969312907364445237"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/04\/garden-journals.html","title":"Garden Journals! "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-tfhBmHjNh_I\/VwGKdnzrxYI\/AAAAAAAABQY\/9Amr0ZfXOHQfbUld0HRe9m3PAPcfF_m7g\/s72-c\/Slide1.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-1930954339346090598"},"published":{"$t":"2016-03-23T19:55:00.001-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-11-11T06:23:44.606-08:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"writing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Importance of Brainstorming and How to Teach It"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0DMNDC753Uw\/VvNLy6UqVPI\/AAAAAAAABNM\/SNknM34Rpl0e_HJWVOC4fuEvwvkNnV1Yg\/s1600\/Slide3.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBrainstorming. An important step in the writing process that can be forgotten. Teaching children from a young age how to brainstorm during the pre-writing process is an important skill that will help them become better writers, but better critical thinkers and problem solvers.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-2F0a5pU2U_4\/VvNNoV6uqrI\/AAAAAAAABNg\/1aoVW-v2kB4aqDdZU4SniBGQbsha0N9Qw\/s640\/Slide5.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Winter-Writing-Prompts-2249548\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-jvvwe94HNow\/VvNOQUbP84I\/AAAAAAAABNw\/Lch2hmcyVXgr2-5QB4sqXM8P5BXuX9v2w\/s640\/Slide7.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Winter-Writing-Prompts-2249548\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nBrainstorming can be done in many different ways to reach all students. The first step is to teach students HOW to brainstorm through modeling and by getting kiddos excited to write. I always use the phrase, \"Let's get our BRAIN JUICES flowing!\" This is telling students why we are brainstorming--to get our ideas ready to write down.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/--xDSVJ53Ujg\/VvNQM3fszFI\/AAAAAAAABOc\/pvsoc78aqpE2Zvb0fEKbf6Nj8qg4MQHmw\/s640\/Slide1.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nA great way to start the brainstorming process is to use a community circle where each student takes a turn speaking. I give students a prompt (whatever it is we are writing about,) and each child takes a turn to respond. This is a great form of brainstorming that allows young writers to find their ideas.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Vn8zdS52IiY\/VvNPf3AOBUI\/AAAAAAAABOY\/Jc2NDaa73XE66G9cqSaqHW5o9olinJbQQ\/s640\/Slide7.jpg\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here.\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nAnother way to brainstorm is to manipulate objects or ideas. I have students sequence different events in order to help their brainstorming process. After this step, children feel more ready to begin their writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" target=\"\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-wsEgmcqXzKo\/VvNNCdRYvdI\/AAAAAAAABNY\/O6lciZTQqyk6UvEXAEnsBYXOWC7sy9JGA\/s640\/Slide2.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"\"\u003EYou can find this product \u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\"\u003E. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOne of my favorite ways for students to brainstorm is to use different graphic organizers. These help students organize their thoughts so they feel more ready to write. Sequencing, webs, tree maps, and circle maps are all great ways for student to think about their writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-bWdMQ1S9wRg\/VvNP1cWqEAI\/AAAAAAAABOI\/KEvkqQcjqgEYuaTZeKkGyJmdztFbpyDAg\/s400\/Slide1.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-OApmnAShw3o\/VvNP1Ra-44I\/AAAAAAAABOE\/K7HnBKhIe2YsO14nQfX3OIh8qYPnr0JBA\/s400\/Slide3.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-RP4-u_0oTIw\/VvNP1QkZsHI\/AAAAAAAABOA\/09KQCOavi3cYRYk4Qj8QMAkGNZbocH6tg\/s400\/Slide4.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6JnuIL5W_-Y\/VvNP1zZHi2I\/AAAAAAAABOM\/tGV3qkI1tM4655KzzHjKe2jo0kdsOmGcg\/s400\/Slide5.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Fall-Writing-2120421\"\u003EYou can find this product here.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Make-a-Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Sandwich-1795240\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-9sBQwrUg778\/VvNP13a2SBI\/AAAAAAAABOQ\/VYlUb2CLY6kbPSEfJnLiwVI1pxwWPqXYw\/s400\/Slide6.jpg\" width=\"400\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Make-a-Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Sandwich-1795240\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EYou can find this product \u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/null\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nOnce students are familiar with the process, their writing becomes smoother. Writing intimidates young children because they \"don't know what to write about.\" but when students brainstorm, they know exactly what to write. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Winter-Writing-Prompts-2249548\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-jifVB4uxNYk\/VvNLt4pgBlI\/AAAAAAAABNI\/cibYdeMUHfchYv3ZgQ6IC0-tUg3wogWJQ\/s640\/Slide8.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Winter-Writing-Prompts-2249548\"\u003EYou can find this product here.\u0026nbsp; \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Ctable align=\"center\" cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"tr-caption-container\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-6KnN40pHtzU\/VvNQFaX7KpI\/AAAAAAAABOU\/1vismQvyLuMNGGQIBSMqkWEBtaHaRBdcQ\/s640\/Slide4.jpg\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd class=\"tr-caption\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\"\u003EYou can find this product here. \u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\nI hope you use brainstorming and pre-writing in your classroom to help young writers. I would love to hear how you teach brainstorming in the comments below!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Brainstorming!!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/1930954339346090598\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/03\/the-importance-of-brainstorming-and-how.html#comment-form","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/1930954339346090598"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/1930954339346090598"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2016\/03\/the-importance-of-brainstorming-and-how.html","title":"The Importance of Brainstorming and How to Teach It"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-0DMNDC753Uw\/VvNLy6UqVPI\/AAAAAAAABNM\/SNknM34Rpl0e_HJWVOC4fuEvwvkNnV1Yg\/s72-c\/Slide3.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228079125721694173.post-7308870417884129420"},"published":{"$t":"2015-07-25T14:13:00.004-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2016-10-21T05:30:47.937-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"writing"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"5 Ways to Make Writing FUN!"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"When most kids think about writing in school, they think, \"Ugh!!\" In the past I have worked with students who complain that there is too much writing or that their hand hurts or that there was no point. I started brainstorming about my writing instruction and practice. I came up with these creative ideas to help keep students motivated about writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Store\/Classroom-Confetti\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gke1hPLR6Hw\/VezL2if8tZI\/AAAAAAAABA0\/x3jV7xnlyRM\/s640\/Slide2.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"background-color: white; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EMake it INTERACTIVE\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nInteractive journals are a great way for students to interact with the material being taught, so why not bring that into writing? My students are always eager to work with their interactive journals and become excited about the material. Lifting up tabs, writing, drawing, and sharing with their peers keeps students engaged, which leads to learning.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Interactive-Grammar-Journal-Conventions-of-Standard-English-1960164\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-eplP8Y0IO5Q\/VezMXzyimII\/AAAAAAAABA8\/lrOl0I1Ywss\/s640\/Slide4.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nClick \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Interactive-Grammar-Journal-Conventions-of-Standard-English-1960164\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E to look at my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Interactive-Grammar-Journal-Conventions-of-Standard-English-1960164\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EConventions of Standard English Interactive Journals\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;or click on the pictures.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnother way to have students interact with writing is to have them manipulate the material with their hands. For example, in this long vowel word work, students were learning different vowel team patterns to help them with their spelling and writing. In this activity they sorted the brightly colored picture cards into the correct vowel team. Students were excited to manipulate and interact with the material.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-MjfT49K8IYk\/VezMhOsBuRI\/AAAAAAAABBE\/eCFkUaNfgyo\/s640\/Slide5.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou can find this \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELong Vowel Team Word\u003C\/a\u003E work by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere \u003C\/a\u003Eor on the picture.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nInteractive Journals\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAnother way to make your writing interactive is to have a real life activity tied to it. Writing about making peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in class! (or use almond butter or Sunbutter to be safe for students with allergies.) Are you writing a personal narrative about a time you played nicely at recess? Take your students out for a quick recess as a brainstorming activity.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nWhatever the writing topic is, there is a way for students to interact with it. Be creative and fun with it!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: x-large;\"\u003EMake it RELATABLE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-7bPh4JZDx3M\/VezMqLbFyGI\/AAAAAAAABBM\/5kcbj_au-aM\/s640\/Slide2.PNG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStudents often wonder, \"Why does this mean?\"It is important to expose students to new things, as educators, that is what we do. When teaching writing, it is important students are focused on learning the writing process by using experiences they have has already. \u0026nbsp;Have students write about topics they can relate to.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nFor example, writing about \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Make-a-Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Sandwich-1795240\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich\u003C\/a\u003E is important because students will need to know how to write directions for someone one day. Also, most of your students have witnessed an adult make them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before. They can relate to it, so it will increase interest and engagement.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-rZrX4fi59l4\/VezMyayPdNI\/AAAAAAAABBU\/QYWhqE37i_0\/s640\/Slide1.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nYou can look at these\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow-To Writing activities here\u003C\/a\u003E. In my store I have four different\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow-To Writing\u003C\/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;packets including \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Make-a-Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Sandwich-1795240\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow To Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-to-Grow-a-Flower-Informative-Writing-1903039\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow To Grow a Flower\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Make-a-Smore-1808337\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow to Make a S'More\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-to-Make-a-Pizza-Informative-Writing-1888301\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow To Make a Pizza\u003C\/a\u003E. You can save by purchasing the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow-To Writing Bundle\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nAll of these topics are topics that students can \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ERELATE\u003C\/span\u003E to and makes writing \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EFUN!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EMake it USEFUL\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\"Why does this matter?\" It matters because.... (fill in the blank.) There are hundreds of reasons why writing is important. As students move through their school years and into adulthood they will face the challenge of expressing themselves through writing. As we take on the technology age, writing is at its peak of importance. This matters because one day you will need to fill out a job application, because you will need to write a letter to a business colleague, because you will need to write directions for a friend. Writing matters and students need to know when and why they will USE this type of writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-ptkjap5CY0Q\/VezM93oy2uI\/AAAAAAAABBc\/ioPax-gCykA\/s640\/Slide3.PNG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nSpelling is important part of writing and needs to be practiced. While my students were doing the above \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELong Vowel Teams Word Work\u003C\/a\u003E activity, I explained to them why this lesson was \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EUSEFUL\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;to them. (Knowing common spelling patterns will help improve your writing and learn new words.) (You need to know how to spell correctly when you reach higher grades and while you are working later in life.) Done. They understand why this was a \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EUSEFUL\u003C\/span\u003E activity and it became fun and exciting.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-Gra0HoqXI1o\/VezNLni9LiI\/AAAAAAAABBk\/dG_oyIU1K-w\/s640\/Slide3.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nThe above example shows a student writing directions for \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Make-a-Smore-1808337\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EHow To Make a S'More\u003C\/a\u003E. This activity was useful because writing steps and directions is a skill adults use. You can find this activity by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Make-a-Smore-1808337\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E or by clicking on the picture. Check out the \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBundle\u003C\/a\u003E to receive four different\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E How To\u003C\/a\u003E writing activities!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: x-large;\"\u003EMake it CREATIVE\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RgM51qnJULM\/VezNUVCzSjI\/AAAAAAAABBs\/IHDeuZJl_0w\/s1600\/Slide5.PNG\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-RgM51qnJULM\/VezNUVCzSjI\/AAAAAAAABBs\/IHDeuZJl_0w\/s320\/Slide5.PNG\" width=\"320\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\nCreativity is one of my favorite things to see from my students. It is important to allow students to still be \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ECREATIVE\u003C\/span\u003E in classroom, it makes learning more fun. When writing, allow students the chance to be creative. Giving students a specific topic with certain thing they HAVE to write about isn't allowing their creativity to shine through, and isn't always the most fun. Letting students have a choice will encourage their creativity which will increase their engagement.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nTeaching personal narratives, paragraphs, or vocabulary use? Allow students to choose their topic. Above is an Autumn writing activity that gives students the opportunity to choose their topic and begin their \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ECREATIVITY\u003C\/span\u003E. You find this writing activity in my \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EAutumn Math and Literacy Centers\u003C\/a\u003E by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Autumn-Math-and-Literacy-Centers-1416044\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E or on the picture.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-577rrndzSik\/VezNoKxzEWI\/AAAAAAAABB8\/0c4jDrzC9p4\/s640\/Slide4.PNG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\nAnother example of allowing creative writing is while teaching grammar rules or different spelling patterns. During this writing activity students were practicing spelling by using Long Vowel Teams in sentences. Students were allowed to be \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ECREATIVE\u003C\/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;in their writing and choose the words they wanted to use. You find this activity and more by clicking the picture or by clicking \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Long-Vowel-Teams-Word-Work-Packet-Bundle-1275934\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ehere\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: x-large;\"\u003EMake it a STAR EVENT\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta; font-size: x-large;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/How-To-Writing-Bundle-Informative-Writing-1909834\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-BfXpoVH5AJw\/VezNyMkIppI\/AAAAAAAABCM\/hii6HAYHe3g\/s640\/Slide1.PNG\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nStudents LOVE to show off their work because it gives them a great sense of accomplishment. When students want to feel proud of their work, they work harder to achieve an end result to be proud of, which is a great motivator for us teachers. I always let students know that they will be publishing their work, which in turn, makes the writing assignment FUN!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nAs part of the writing process, my students publish their work. During this time they can read their writing and share their illustrations to their classmates. Writing and illustrations are displayed in the classroom as a constant reminder of the hard work they have done. Allow students to share their writing and illustrations. The end result is always impressive.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teacherspayteachers.com\/Product\/Spring-Printables-Math-and-Language-Arts-1787333\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-qLb-EtKRITk\/VezN5fkFJoI\/AAAAAAAABCU\/mEBZkUG1gjQ\/s640\/Slide6.PNG\" width=\"480\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nBefore publishing their work, students need to edit and revise. Explain to your students why this is useful, important, and a skill they will use as they become an adult. Practice editing and revising becomes exciting because it is something they need to do before they can finish their \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003ESTAR\u003C\/span\u003E writing.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nI hope some of these tips and tricks will help you and your students make writing \u003Cspan style=\"color: magenta;\"\u003EFUN\u003C\/span\u003E! Let me know how you use these ideas in your classroom by commenting below.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\nHappy Writing!\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-Fvacm_PAZuE\/VRMxK7L7F-I\/AAAAAAAAAkk\/EDO14gqSeAc\/s1600\/Signature%2B1.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/feeds\/7308870417884129420\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2015\/07\/5-ways-to-make-writing-fun.html#comment-form","title":"1 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/7308870417884129420"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7228079125721694173\/posts\/default\/7308870417884129420"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.classroomconfetti.com\/2015\/07\/5-ways-to-make-writing-fun.html","title":"5 Ways to Make Writing FUN!"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Classroom Confetti"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/13154427623291685993"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-gke1hPLR6Hw\/VezL2if8tZI\/AAAAAAAABA0\/x3jV7xnlyRM\/s72-c\/Slide2.PNG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"1"}}]}});