Writing Contests

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Creative Writing Resources & Links

100 Quick Writing Ideas
A list of ideas for journal topics.

Back in Time: An Historical Fiction WebQuest
Working in small groups, students write a short story set during one of five events in American history.

By the Old Mill Stream
A creative writing prompt, differentiated for elementary and middle and high school students. Students begin writing a narrative. In the second part of the prompt, they write a description.

Calling on the Muse: Exercises to Unlock the Poet Within
From Education World.

Can You Haiku? from EdSitement
Complete lesson plans for writing haiku, links to additional material.

Christmas Story Starters
Twenty-five writing prompts for elementary students.

Create interesting and believable fiction characters
Six steps to creating a character profile.

Creating Atmosphere
This activity uses the opening of "The Fall of the House of Usher" as a model text. Students analyze the first paragraph, then write an opening with an equally vivid atmosphere. Access requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible application.

Creating a character profile
Questions to help students construct a fictional character.

Creative Writing - Collaborative Stories
Students write the beginning, middle, and end of a story as a team.

Creative Writing Prompts
Roll your mouse over a number to generate a popup creative writing idea.

Creative Writing in a World Classroom on the Internet
Requires Internet access: students exchange information about their hometowns with others. A good skillbuilder.

Creative Writing with Newspaper Photos
Students make up stories about what happened before, during, or after a photo was taken.

Creative Writing Solutions
Resources, tips and curricula specifically designed to motivate reluctant students to write.

Creative Writing Using Comics
Students use comic strips to create characters and review punctuation.

Creative Writing - What Would Happen If?
Students word process stories from several prompts.

Digital Storytelling
Examples and suggestions for classroom use.

Discover Writing with Barry Lane
Among the other resources available here is a lesson plan archive with great ideas for creative writing, grades 3-8.

Don't Bore them with the Thank-You Note!
Suggestions for lively thank-you notes and prompts for practice.

Fables
Students consider a moral and a central theme in writing a fable for elementary school students.

Fiction Teachers
Click on "Fiction Class" and "Fiction Fun" for ideas on teaching kids to write creatively.

Five Facts of Fiction
This 47-page document is designed for middle school and above. It is rich with tips, guidelines, and models. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible application for access.

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