Writing Journals

The students have begun responding to thought provoking prompts like this one as part of our morning work routine.  After unpacking and handing in our homework, a single powerpoint slide like this is waiting for our emerging writers along with some math or science practice.  There is always time to read a few of these writing pieces when we meet and do calendar math each morning.  The students are more and more excited to share their writing with the class with each new prompt.  Today I had to apologize for not having enough time to let all the volunteer readers present.  How was I to know all 22 would be so eager? It was a dream come true!
Some of the responses to today's prompt involved buried treasure, an underground cave, and a magical secret key.  Another imaginative writer made this character the world record holder for holding his breath.  One of most creative responses was from Brennan, who used some great problem and solution examples in his story.  First the character had to swim past sharks and eels.  As he swam deeper a friendly octopus guided him the rest of the way.  The treasure was waiting for him when he safely reached the secret underwater cave.
The prompt below was the one we warmed up with on Wednesday morning.  But the kids' writing made me soooooooo hungry that I resolved to screen the prompts more carefully in the future.