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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to create an engaging short story using imaginative elements, character development, and a clear plot structure. They will also practice expressing their ideas creatively and confidently.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and pencil or pen for writing
  • A quiet space to think and write
  • A timer (optional, can use a phone or clock)
  • Creative mindset and willingness to explore ideas

Activities

  • Brainstorming Session: Spend 10 minutes writing down any and all ideas that come to mind about characters, settings, and plots. Encourage the student to think outside the box!
  • In this activity, the student will let their imagination run wild. No idea is too silly or strange! They can jot down anything from a talking cat to a magical island. This is all about generating ideas!

  • Character Creation: Choose one character from the brainstorming session and create a character profile. Include their name, age, appearance, personality, and a fun fact.
  • This activity helps the student develop a deeper understanding of who their character is. They can think about what makes their character unique and how they might react in different situations.

  • Plot Development: Outline a simple beginning, middle, and end for the story. What happens to the character? What challenges do they face?
  • In this step, the student will learn about the structure of a story. They can draw a simple diagram or write a few sentences for each part to keep track of their plot.

  • Writing Time: Set a timer for 20 minutes and have the student write their short story based on the character and plot they developed.
  • This is the moment of creativity! The student will put their ideas into a complete story. Encourage them to write freely without worrying about spelling or grammar at this stage.

  • Story Sharing: Once the story is written, take turns reading the stories aloud. Discuss what they liked about each story.
  • Sharing stories is a great way to build confidence. It also allows the student to hear different perspectives and ideas, which can inspire future writing!

Talking Points

  • "What do you think makes a character interesting? Is it their actions, their background, or something else?"
  • "Every story has a problem that needs to be solved. What problem will your character face?"
  • "Remember, there are no wrong ideas in brainstorming! Let your imagination take the lead!"
  • "How can you make your character relatable? What do they feel or fear that is similar to what you feel?"
  • "Why is it important to have a beginning, middle, and end? It helps your reader understand the journey!"
  • "How did it feel to share your story? What did you learn from listening to others?"