If you need to practice writing with your students and have a class that treats writing as an ordeal, try this exercise.
Instructions
- First, go to a website that offers free pictures like Unslpash (link below under pictures);
- Pick more than 3 pictures – it gives the students more room for creativity and makes the practice longer;
- Pick pictures that are related to the topic you’re discussing with the class. Make it easy for the brain to make connections but at the same time, you want to surprise your students and receive a few laughs along the way.
- Show pictures separately and give enough time for everyone to complete their parts. Perhaps comment on the pictures as to what might be happening and how the story might continue or give some additional vocabulary, or keep it silent – you decide!
- Once finished, let the students share their work!
Variation! You can also make it a mix-up exercise – each student gets a clean piece of paper. Once they see the picture, they write their part of the story, then fold the piece of paper to hide their words and pass their work. The next student will write the next part of the story, then fold and pass it to the next person. This way it will get even crazier! It may also motivate your students to write a better or more correct story.
A possible set – theme travelling
Photo by mos design on Unsplash
It was a wonderful night in Tokyo, Japan. Lisa was having the time of her life! She loved taking the night stroll among the shops and stalls, breathing in the culture and listening to the sounds of the city. Today was also the night when her friend Tom arrived in Tokyo and they would spend five more days in Japan. She was excited!
Photo by Maryna Khomenko on Unsplash
Suddenly, she felt that something wasn’t right. She must have taken the turn as the street got narrower and there were fewer people there. She felt uneasy. Then she noticed that someone was walking behind her…
Photo by Taylor Grote on Unsplash
Lisa was scared to death! She started walking faster but the person behind her was still closer and closer. In the dim light, she could not his face! She took her phone out and saw a message from Tom: “Lisa is that you? I have been walking behind you trying to keep up but you’re too fast!”
Photo by Herlambang Tinasih Gusti on Unsplash
Lisa stopped and turned! It was indeed Tom who was walking behind her! They hugged and laughed. What a story!
Let me know what you think! Happy teaching!
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