Fantasy Writing: Creative Prompts for Ages 9-11

This four-week class class follows Natalie Goldberg's 'Wild Mind' writing strategy, allowing small stories to unfold right from our pens (or keyboards!)--without thinking or planning too much beforehand. 

After we gather and greet, I give a writing prompt designed to inspire a fantasy tale. Then I set a timer (we generally start with 10 minutes) and students dive in and go wherever their thoughts take them. In Wild Mind fashion, I will encourage students to 'go with' whatever ideas arise as they write. 

When time is up, students can choose whether to share their work. If they would like to, they can read it aloud, or share their screen (if they typed) and I can read aloud. It is no problem if a student chooses not to share...that is always an option!

Students have some choice in ways to approach this class. Some students like to start a story and continue it through the four weeks, making each prompt a new turn. Some prefer to write a new Wild Mind piece each session, creating separate narratives. Students are always welcome to add to the work they started in class on their own, but that is not required. 

Reluctant and avid writers alike will expand interest in and confidence with written expression. 

Example of prompts:

Begin with one of the following sentences. 

--The eggs began to hatch overnight
--Only I knew what was hiding under the castle floor