Creator: F+W Media | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
An offshoot of Writer’s Digest Magazine, this site is great for generating different ideas for focused writing. It presents writing tasks that are short (500 words or less), and therefore can be done in half a class period or as a homework assignment. There is a place on the site to actually post the writing, and there are some good examples there; however, you <b> WILL want to preview </b> and monitor what students see. At the time of this review, one of the prompts included discussion of drinking. You can register on the site (for free), but you don’t have to, to see the writing threads. This site also has random quotes by famous writers and others that are thought-provoking and might make good class writing starters.
In the Classroom
Tired of reading 30 responses to the same prompt? Here is the opportunity to choose a variety of prompts that are short and to the point. Have students choose their own prompts from the list, or randomly assign them to spice up the lesson. Having students share their writing is a great way to generate enthusiasm and teach peer editing at the same time. Use an electronic writing space, such as a class blog or wiki for students to share their responses and comment to each other, as well.
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