Big Brain Club

November, 2008 Exercise: Telling A Tall Tale

At its core, writing should be fun! I remember the first time I read a story aloud to an audience and received a positive response. It was an assignment in sixth grade to write a tall tale, and it really lit a creative writing fire in me, and made writing fun. It might do the same for you...

October, 2008 Exercise: Sports Reporting

With fall in the air, that means sports, sports, and more sports! Football is underway, volleyball is in high gear, baseball playoffs are here, hockey is ready to go, and more! So, for something a little different this month, we're going to put a reporter's hat on you. Here's how it works...

September, 2008 Exercise: A Castaway's Journal

For many people, the idea of getting away - or escaping - is a powerful emotion. That's why the concept of being stranded on a deserted island is so powerful in literature and film. This month you're going to be that castaway. Here's what you'll do...

August, 2008 Assignment: Expressing Through Poetry

When I conduct writing workshops at schools, I'm often impressed by the number of students who write poetry. And, by the way, both girls and boys use this as an outlet for their feelings. So this month let's try this poetry exercise...

July, 2008 Assignment: On The Beach

There's something about summers at the beach that create an air of romance, adventure, or mystery. The sea can be quite an interesting backdrop for one of your stories. Let's try it...

June, 2008 Assignment: You're An Animal!

I recently re-read a classic young adult novel called "Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of NIMH." It made me think about animal stories, and led to this month's assignment. Read all about it...

May, 2008 Assignment: Freezing Time!

Have you ever daydreamed that you could stop time? What if you could freeze everything and everyone around you...but you could still move about? That's the bizarre concept behind this month's writing assignment. Read more about it...

April, 2008 Assignment: Second Chance

How many times have you done something, or said something, and later wished you could go back in time and get a "do over." That's the seed for this month's creative writing assignment. Here are the details...

March, 2008 Assignment: The Diary

During my writing assemblies and workshops at schools, I'm impressed by the number of students who keep a journal. That's a great way to grow comfortable with writing on an everyday basis. Your assignment for this month allows you to transform the idea of a journal, or diary, into a vehicle for creative writing. Here's what it's all about...

February, 2008 Assignment: Leap Year

2008 is a leap year. That means we not only get an extra day on the calendar, but we have a fun prompt for what could be your best story ever. Here's what I have in mind...