Descriptive Writing with Legos

When you think of writing, what stands out in your mind? Is it the words you weave together to create the perfect prose? Is it the revision process that seems to never end? Is it the teeth grinding type of memory? Or is it the wonderful feeling you get when you complete something that was completely fun? 

Teaching writing can be difficult at times. Motivating students to write can seem even harder. So, how do you get the students motivated to write? 

One tried and true writing lesson I have used is the Lego writing activity. The students absolutely love it, and they generate lots of talk in the hallway. If you have not used Legos or blocks in your classroom, read on. 

This activity is a collaborative group activity; students are divided into groups of three and assigned a job title/task to complete during the assignment. This keeps all students actively engaged and contributing to the overall product. The three jobs are recorder, designer, and contractor. 

After all jobs are chosen or assigned, I tell the students they have a super task to complete. They have to design and construct a functional item with the materials found in their group container. Not only will they just design and construct a functional item, but they will also have to write detailed instructions for other groups to be able to complete the construction of their item. Writing assignment sheets are passed out, and the students' eyes get bigger as they learn the materials are Legos (or building blocks, whatever you have on hand). 

Soon, it looks like an explosion of colors as the Legos go all over the floor and desks. I usually have to take a deep breath to regain my composure (I like order, structure, and neatness.), but it is definitely worth all of the mini-anxiety attacks I go through for them to really love the activity. 

Here is glimpse into the beginning of the assignment. 

Here, the students are making lots of progress, and the recorder is jotting down detailed instructions. 

This is a finished product from one group. It is a garage that houses a utility vehicle. 

If you are interested in implementing this activity in your classroom, click HERE. This resource provides teaching tips, writing assignment sheet, writing papers, rubric, and job titles. It is a lesson your students will remember for a lifetime!

Writing through January

I have done a complete overhaul on all of my monthly writing bundles...in fact, I have not uploaded all of the months yet because I am editing all of them. However, the January Writing Bundle is up and ready for you! I think you will find these bundles are wonderful resources to have in your possession. 

In each writing bundle, you will find 20 journal topics for the month. The journal topics come in two formats: (1) two journals per page complete with a journal cover page to make into a booklet or insert into a binder and (2) cut-and-paste topics to add into a notebook. You choose which format works best for your classroom!

Also included are three essay prompts. There is one informational prompt, one argumentative prompt, and one narrative prompt. You will get a writing prompt page with an organizer for the students to organize their thoughts, writing papers, and a scoring rubric. 

Below are some pics of what you might find in the writing bundle. I hope you will check it out!

 

Click HERE for the January Writing Bundle

Picture This! Friday Free Writing Samples

This week's Friday Free Write was a picture of the waves crashing. I know, it is still January! But I just couldn't help it. It was a bit chilly yesterday, and I was really wanting to think warm thoughts. The students did a great job with their writing and sharing! When I asked for volunteers, all hands flew into the air. This week they took ownership in their work and were proud of it (maybe the picture sparked warm thoughts for them, too!). They were all so descriptive. Here are a couple of the samples of writing from yesterday.

Student 1:

The crashing waves

The sandy beach

The things I crave

Are at my feet

There's nowhere else I'd rather be

Not castle, nor creek

Nor mountain high

Nor flying in the vast, blue sky

The beach is my home

With salt in my hair and sand at my feet

I watch waves covered with foam

It sets my soul free

Here, I will always stay young

With the air's salty taste on my tongue

Dancing waves put me in a daze

And the world flies around me twirling, twirling

Lying on the beach, nothing can beat

This feeling I have

It makes my heart flutter

For this feeling, there is no other.

Student 2's Introduction:

I watched as the waves crashed against the shore. I saw the salty foam creep up and down the shoreline as I made my way to the water. As the salthy froth touched my feet, I turned back and set my things down. Taking a running start, I rammed an oncoming wave and felt the shocking cold creep from my head to my toes. I stayed submerged for a moment trying to adapt to teh temperature, but I found myself needing to breathe. I rocketed toward the foamy surface. As I broke through the still water, I felt something hit me on my side. Terrorized, all I could think was "SHARK"! ...