Writing Prompt – March 7, 2010
QuoteSnack offers fresh quotes daily, attributed and linked to a confirmed, published source. In addition, I’ll sometimes post a writing prompt with simple instructions. The next post will be a quote that has something to do with the prompt, so you can take a peek at differences or similarities in how someone else relates to using the same words.
There is no wrong approach. Don’t worry if something seems to be a lot more emotionally charged than it is on the surface, or if some prompts are duds for you. This is a mind-opening exercise; anything is possible.
The Prompt
Directions:
- Be ready to write, word processor open, or pad and pencil in hand. Set a timer for five minutes.
- Clear your mind.
- Click “Reveal Writing Prompt” below, and look at the prompt for the space of one deep, quiet breath.
- As you start the second breath, clear your mind of expectations.
- Write, full on, whatever comes to you, for five minutes. Do not stop to correct anything – just go.
- When the time is up, you have to stop.
- Get up and wiggle. Move. Laugh. Growl. Pat self on back.
You’re welcome to leave comments about the experience and anything that comes of it, including links or even your entire prompt-generated exercise. However, please don’t look at any comments until after finishing your own writing. What you’re doing right now is a personal thing.
March 7th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Using proverbs and quotations for writing prompts was a daily discipline in my 6th grade gifted class – but we had to write for 20 minutes. The habit has stuck. In fact, that 6th grade class might have been my best writing course until graduate school.
I’ve used the successfully technique with students in high school, adult school, and community college with various lengths.
Since I’ve never tried a five minute snack, I’ll experiment with your idea. I suspect, however, that many students will not be able to quickly respond.
March 7th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I am cautious about using whole or familiar proverbs or quotations, because I’m not hoping for definitions. “She walked along the iron fence” could go anywhere. “These are the times that try men’s souls” will take anyone who knows that quote to Thomas Paine and a series of associated details taught and supposed. Five minutes isn’t long enough to present the details of what you know. It is long enough to react.
I use these prompts myself like warm up stretches or mini-aerobics. After sitting for a while I do better if I get up and stretch and wiggle – why not the same, for my brain?
I don’t know what this quick flash writing would be like in an ESL context. I can imagine that briefly removing concerns with accurate punctuation and grammar would be freeing, but the output may be more useful for advanced students with the skills to assess their own work. I’m curious!