Thanksgiving Haiku

There is so much for which we can be thankful...starting with a two-part blog post!!! :)

First, I want you to find a picture that to you exemplifies Thanksgiving.

Then, write a Thanksgiving haiku with the picture as your inspiration. In case you have slept since you last wrote a haiku, here is a little reminder.

Dictionary.com defines haiku as: "a major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, and employing highly evocative allusions and comparisons, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons." Here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing... ;)

Fall
Leaves have changed colors
The air is getting chilly
Fall has now arrived

Rain
Splashing through puddles
Running and jumping up high
I love rainy days

Turkey
Plump and quite juicy
It's time to carve the turkey
Can't wait to get a bite!

The title for your post will be "Thanksgiving Haiku." Make sure you title your poem in the post itself. Also, feel free to write more than one if the mood hits you!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

Story Spinner

Story Spinner is a handheld creative writing wheel that generates millions of writing ideas, topics, and exercises so you never get stuck. It’s a low-tech item that produces high-caliber results, time after time, no matter where you are. It was invented in 1998 by Bonnie Neubauer.










I found an online version of this game...but just couldn't seem to find what I was looking for in the way of topics, etc. I decided to use this idea and come up with my own "story spinners." I have come up with three options from which you can choose. I will give you a setting, starting phrase and four words that must be used (correctly) in your story. I want the four words to be a different color than the rest of your story, so that I can find them easily! You will use my exact phrase for the opening of your story, but please notice it is just a phrase--not a complete sentence--so you must complete the thought and then begin your story from there!

These stories need to be AT LEAST three paragraphs with no less than five sentences per paragraph.

I also want you to find a picture for your story and place it at the beginning of your post. You may choose to use several pictures throughout your story, as well.


I KNOW you will have fun with this!! :)


Option 1

Setting: Your childhood neighborhood

Starting Phrase: As the old man approached my friends and me...

Four words that must be included in the story: barefoot, bicycle, flashlight, gibberish


Option 2

Setting: A bus stop in Paris

Starting Phrase: The long scar just below her left knee...

Four words that must be included in the story: immature, credentials, squint, roses


Option 3

Setting: A dark alley on a rainy night

Starting Phrase: As I regained conscientiousness, I remember asking...

Four words that must be included in the story: blame, headlights, stubborn, vestibule


Now...here's is an extra "spin" on this assignment! You may get with two others in your class and do this as a group assignment. You will still have your own story on your own blog, but only the first paragraph will be yours. Your friends will write the second and third one for you. You still have to follow the format above and use the required words! This means that you are still writing three paragraphs...just on three different stories! For those of you with ADHD, this should be perfect!! ;)


OK...enjoy!!

The Dresdon Dolls & French Toast

This post is unique...not much writing involved, which should make MOST of you happy! :) You have to follow these instructions, or this will not work!

1. Google "your name thinks"

ex: Amanda thinks (enter-web)

2. Find the answer on the results that pop up and that will be the title of your new hit song.

3. Now Google your new song title

ex: Milkshake (enter-web)

4. Find the name of your band from some of the results

5. Google your band name but this time find a picture

ex: The Dresdon Dolls (enter-images)

6. Now take the picture into a program where you can "create" an album cover (I just used Word) using the picture, name of your band, and name of song.

7. Save your cover as a picture, so that you can post it on your blog.

8. The title of your post needs to be the name of your new band! :)

Here are two that I did...

Have fun!! :)

One Time When I Was an Animal...

Scroll down through the pictures and choose one that you can "relate" to in some way.



























You are going to drag and drop the picture you choose onto your desktop, then insert it into a new post on your blog. You will then BECOME the animal in the picture--complete with a new name. Your new name will be the title of your post--make it unique and applicable to the new you!

Write a short story (in first person) explaining the events leading up to this particular time in "your life" and what was going on the moment the picture was taken.

Make them fun and creative....and worth reading...and, of course, full of details!!! :)