6 Creative Writing Projects that Inspire Student Storytelling
1) Six-Word Memoirs in the Classroom
Teacher: Jenny Rich
What we like about this project:
A new school year can be daunting, especially when faced with meeting a new teacher and classmates. But the Six-Words format is a safe way for students to introduce themselves! Giving students agency over what they share with their peers can empower them to share further!
Takeaways:
- Introduce yourself!
- Safe way to share
- Empowers students to choose what they share
2) Creative Writing for Teens
Teacher: Mary Hannah Wilson
What we like about this project:
Six-Word Memoirs is accessible for all classrooms and writing levels! This particular two-week challenge was built as a journaling project for a homeschool classroom - a writing project that can bridge age disparities. The challenge being in boiling down a full journal entry into - you guessed it - six words!
Takeaways:
- The Two Week Challenge
- Accessible for all classrooms
- Accessible for various writing levels
3) Teaching Ideas for ELA
Teacher: Betsy Potash
What we like about this project:
Six-Word Memoirs is a great way to begin a character study for a story. Initially, the Six-Word format allows the student to focus on the most essential aspect of the character, which can then be fleshed out in additional writing projects.
Takeaways:
- Explore new characters
- Additional writing engagement
4) How to write a Six-Word Memoir that’s worth a thousand words
Kaitlin Goldin
What we like about this project:
Humor is a great way to engage reluctant writers! Although this isn't a traditional classroom project, try having students write a punchline only using six words! Humor has been known to stimulate long-term memory and improve retention in all ages.
Takeaways:
- Write jokes!
- Reluctant writer engagement
5) A Tool for Distilling and Sharing Stories
Lisa Pinkerton, Linda Randall, and Amy Smith
What we like about this project:
Children who have experienced grief and trauma deserve every possible outlet available. Six-Word Memoirs is a safe and simple way for students to begin to process these lived experiences.
Takeaways:
- Process trauma or lived experiences
- Express anxiety or uncertainty
6) Our Family Stories - Immigration, Welcoming, Belonging
Warwick (RI) Public Library
What we like about this project:
Try using six words to discuss immigration, welcoming, and belonging as a way to build fellowship amid a local community! The writing prompt is also a great way to make welcome and celebrate diversity at a local community or classroom level!
Takeaways:
- Builds community
- Celebrate and welcome diversity
Try the lesson plan by clicking the button below 👇 and if you want, we can turn what your students create into a book!
Written By:
Holly Gibson
Curly Hair. Irish. Beatles are Life.
Team Six
