Creative Writing: Super Seller Story Prompts (One-Time / Trial Class)

In this one-time class, students will write persuasive short stories to convince readers to buy a randomly chosen object, then they can share their stories with the group at the end of class.

This class is a great way for students to try out a class without an ongoing commitment. If your student enjoys the class and would like to participate weekly, I also offer "Creative Writing: Super Seller Story Prompts (Ongoing / Weekly)" where they can be enrolled on an ongoing basis.  

Class Activities: 

- Introduction

- Choose our object: 
             A student will be randomly chosen to choose the object we will use as the topic of the persuasive short story each student writes. The student will choose from a variety of boxes or seasonally themed items (summer may include a beach ball, a sand castle, a sun, etc.) which when clicked, reveal the item we will use as our topic. Since the object is chosen randomly during class time and is student-directed, there are no definitive objects to list for each week. Some examples of objects we may use include but are not limited to: 
     - an old sock without a match
     - an already chewed piece of bubble gum
     - a broken glass
     - a rock
     - a clothespin

- Brainstorming:
          The teacher will facilitate a time of brainstorming, discussion, and answering questions about the object to help students develop ideas for their stories before writing.

- Writing time: 
          Students will write a persuasive short story about the chosen object as if they are trying to convince the class to buy that object. They can give reasons why someone should buy it, how they can use it, or how it will be helpful to them. Students will write their stories in a private (just one student) breakout room for 10 to 20 minutes. The time given varies based on the number of students in class and how long other activities take. Most weeks, most class sections will have 15-20 minutes. On some occasions, in full classes, or where there is more discussion during brainstorming time, students may have less than 15 minutes, but never less than 10. Students are encouraged to write as much as they can in the time they have and are reminded that it is okay if their story is not completely finished when time is up.

- Sharing time: 
          Students are welcome to read their stories aloud (though not required). The teacher and students will offer positive comments, emojis, and reactions to each other. After students have shared their stories, the teacher will often share a story she has written about the prompt as well! Students are free to leave when class time is over or stay a few extra minutes to hear the teacher's story. 

*Please note that this class does not focus on helping students to improve spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, or other writing mechanics.