Turn a word list into a writing activity

After a word puzzle, the list can become the starting point for a story. Choose a few words, give the scene a setting and write a handful of sentences. The prompts below each offer an opening and a small problem or change to write about.

Choose a few words

Ask the writer to choose three or four words they understand. Keep the list nearby for spelling. A small selection leaves room for the story to develop naturally; there is no need to fit every word into it. Other words are welcome too.

Try a prompt on paper or aloud. A labeled drawing is another way to describe the scene. Choose whichever form gives the writer a comfortable place to begin.

Camping prompt: something is missing

Choose tent, lantern and backpack from Camping, or pick three other words. Write four sentences about arriving at a campsite and discovering that something is missing. What is it, where do the characters look and what happens next?

Try this opening: “The lantern was missing from the backpack when we reached the tent.” Add a sentence about where the characters look, then one about what they find. End with what they decide to do.

Choose words from Camping→

Theater prompt: behind the curtain

Choose costume, curtain and cue from Theater, or select three other words. Describe a performer or helper just before a show begins. Include a sound, an object and an action, then end as the character gets ready to go on.

For dialogue, start with: “Wait for my cue,” whispered the helper behind the curtain. Or begin with a costume waiting on a chair and describe who comes to collect it. Add a few lines about what the character notices next.

Choose words from Theater→

A change in the weather

Use rain, wind and cloud in a scene about an outdoor plan that changes. Begin with what the characters hoped to do. What do they notice in the sky, and how does it change their plan?

An opening could be: “A cloud covered the sun just as we spread out the picnic blanket.” Add a sentence about rain, then one about the wind. Finish with the characters choosing what to do instead.

See all the Weather words→

Read it back

• Underline the chosen words and check their spellings in the list.
• Read the scene back. Is it clear where the characters are and what changes?
• Choose a sentence to read aloud if the writer wants to share.
• Try changing one action or detail, then read the sentence again.

For another attempt, change the setting or choose three different words. Ask the writer which detail they want to keep and which one they would change. They can continue the story, describe it aloud or make a drawing with labels.

Plan three nature activities →

Make a puzzle to start with →