Mrs. Claus in Jail??? Creative Writing Gone Crazy!

Little did I know this morning that I would unleash an amazing avalanche of creative writing by my three writing classes. I have been wanting to use my Santa Pick-a-Story activity this year, but hadn't found a time to stick it in.

So...

I scheduled an entire writing period in each class for it. I wanted the students to have time to have fun with it. I was NOT disappointed. 

The students started by getting the Pre-writing organizer. I explained how to use it and then I took around my two containers with the Santa (characters) in one bin, and the Toy Bags (settings) in another. Each student chose one from each container. I learned from my Turkey Pick-a-Story freebie that students needed a place to write down the setting and character they drew.

Students then had to complete the organizer with a problem and resolution/solution. This led to a great reminder discussion of the important parts of a story!

Once students complete their pre-writing organizer, they were able to get a piece of writing stationary. Each of my three classes has an assigned class color. So you may see different colors in the different pictures. On the stationary, I had the students again write the character and setting from their drawn pieces, add the title in the box at the top, and then write their story on the lines. I didn't have the students, in this event, do a rough draft, I did it more as an extended quick write.

After students finished, they were able to share with the class if they choose to. I was excited by the number of students who shared. I must say that I had some pretty bizarre stories written. Ya know, like Mrs Santa being a 3 year war vet who ends up in jail for stealing Comet's car. Or, a war between the snowflakes and pine trees. Oh, and don't forget the story where Mrs. Claus is selling Santa's toys to make some cash on the side. I tell you, there were so many funny, crazy, and honestly FRIGHTENING stories. They were truly a joy to read over.

When everyone finished, they made an amazing bulletin board display that will be catching every student in the school's attention for the next few days! I must say, I have really enjoyed how much the kiddos enjoyed writing their stories and sharing them with each other.

What writing activities do YOU do for the holidays?

Cheers!

-MrHughes

(P.S. If you are interested in checking out this activity, you can click HERE to learn more. Below is also a picture of what you get in the kit.)