writing-tools

= Writing Tools = toc

oneword
A simple writing prompt generator. Students are presented with one word & have sixty seconds to write whatever comes to mind.

PicLits
A fun tool pairing visual literacy & text literacy; select a picture & then drag words based on a concept, theme, story, reflection, etc. They can be as simple as 5 words or as many as 50. A good tool for encouraging concise writing & reflection. While an obvious tool for writing poetry & exploring figurative language, it can be a good way to apply those skills to less obvious subject areas like science, history, & even math. You can share creations via email, social media & save them. Be aware that this is not a monitored site but most content is fine, just a caution for those at the elementary &/or middle school level.

Story Starters
//** Scholastic **//

A great tool for elementary students by giving them writing prompt to help them start a short creative story. Four themes are offered – adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, & scrambler. Simple to use by selecting a theme, choosing a grade, & giving the wheel a spin. Four wheels spin to give them a silly starter prompt to get them writing.

StoryToolz
A collection of tools for writers who are struggling with writing ideas. Features a story idea generator, random conflicts, cliché buster, & more.

The Art of Storytelling
From the Delaware Art Museum, students can Tell a Story, by writing & recording a story inspired by a work of art. They can also Picture a Story, by creating their own masterpiece & telling the story behind it.

Video Writing Prompts
// **TeachHUB** //

Weekly prompts using engaging videos on current events & student-tailored topics, for journal & writing activities your students will love to spice up their writing! TeachHUB is a great resource for any educator. Each week a video is uploaded to the website with various prompts for every level of learner. The videos are meant to engage the learners through the use of controversial, discussion-starting conversations. The videos are uploaded for all different subject areas & for all grade levels. These prompts encourage creative thought to answer the question.

Don't forget to browse through older prompts to find one over a topic or event that is being discussed. Can't decide which clip? Have your students find a clip & create their own writing prompt to trade with one another.

**Live Angry Birds** examples,
 * K-2: Angry Emotions
 * Those are some angry birds. Have you ever been angry? How do you behave when you feel angry? How should you behave when you feel angry?
 * 3-5: Bringing Games to Life
 * If you could bring any game to life, what would it be? Would it be possible? Write down all the things you would need to make that game a 3D reality.
 * 6-8: Game Instructions
 * Explain step-by-step instructions for playing your favorite game. It could be Angry Birds, a video game or a sport. Be sure to explain each step clearly, so your readers can play the game themselves without any other help.
 * 9-12: Design Your App
 * Angry Birds is a very popular smart phone app. Brainstorm a new phone app. It can be a game, a service or anything you can think of. Describe your app & how it will be valuable to customers.

//Last Updated - March 2014//