Writing Prompt Flow Charts

"I don't know what to write about . . . "

Sound familiar?

When I first started teaching, I was shocked to discover how many students felt completely lost when given a "free write"  assignment.  I love coming up with new writing ideas -- doesn't everybody?  

I soon learned that not everybody is exactly like me (thank goodness, actually) and decided to come up with some creative alternatives for students who prefer writing prompts to stimulate their imagination.  My favorite idea so far:  writing prompt flow charts.

Flow charts allow students to find their own personalized writing prompts based on their interests and/or current mood.  Check out the flow chart below!  If a student doesn't like the first prompt he chooses, he can answer the questions again for a different outcome.  I'm feeling inspired to make a whole notebook full of these and keep it at the back of my classroom for students who need inspiration.  What do you think?

Liebster Award

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by Literary Sherri, Secondary Sara, and Tickled Pink in Primary!  (Thank you, ladies!)  This is a fun way for new bloggers to get to know each other, and I will now accept the nomination by answering a few questions about myself and nominating several other bloggers.  

1.  When did you start your blog?

I started this blog about a year ago but have hardly had a chance to post yet!  I can't wait to begin sharing our fun classroom projects on a more regular basis.

2.  What is the purpose of your blog?

I love having fun with my students in the classroom, and I enjoy sharing ideas with other teachers.  When teachers share their inspiration, there's no stopping us!

3.  What is your favorite blog post so far?

I especially like my blog post about vocabulary games, mostly because that's my students' favorite part of class.  It's fun to watch them get so absorbed in an activity!

4.  What do you like best about teaching?

I love when my students say, "Mrs. Gold, I took your advice and . . ."  Many times, I don't even remember giving the advice!  Either way, it feels amazing to know that kids can take my ramblings and use them toward their future successes.  Go kids, go!

5.  What is one blog post you would like to write but haven't yet?

Novel Shoebox Projects.  Details at Eleven.  (Or in a few weeks. : )

6.  Which blogs would you like to nominate for the Liebster Award?

I have been impressed with the following blogs.  I don't know whether or not some of them have been nominated for the award already, but these bloggers are amazing!

 

http://myclassroomcallouts.blogspot.com/

http://cantstopsmilinginsecond.blogspot.com/

http://teachingtykesblog.blogspot.com/

http://createlearnexplore.blogspot.com/

http://theresasteachingtidbits.blogspot.com/

http://smartsyandartsyteachers.blogspot.com/

http://gottaluvitcreations.com/

http://teaching-internationally.blogspot.com/

http://twoboysandadadteacher.blogspot.com/

http://www.englishohmy.blogspot.com/

http://firstgradeenigmas.blogspot.com/

http://mrspreziososkindergarten.blogspot.com/

http://caffeinequeenteacher.blogspot.com/

http://www.curriculumandcrayons.blogspot.com/

www.theeslconnection.blogspot.com

http://www.thepowertoteach.com/

http://www.thepowertoteach.com/

http://www.thepowertoteach.com/

http://aharwelltheteachermom.blogspot.com/

www.vivifystem.com/blog