Ready, Set... Write!

30 Ideas for Writing About Reading:
Always include the title, author, and specific details, please!

  1. Retell (summarize) what you read today.
    Try SWBST: Somebody… Wanted… But… So… Then…

  2. Describe the beginning of your book. Do you think this was an effective way for the author to start the story? Did it grab your interest right away? Why? (or why not?)

  3. Why did you choose this book? What factors went into your decision?

  4. What will happen next? Briefly explain what just happened in the plot, make a prediction, and explain your thinking.

  5. Do you think a character will change over time? Explain why you think this.

  6. Add-on to a "Stop & Jot" Post-it from class. What new details from the text caught your attention?

  7. Put yourself in a character's shoes. Write from that point of view. Be creative!

  8. Decide which character has the most power in the story. Why?

  9. Do you agree with the author's choices? Why?

  10. Do you disagree with the author's choices? Why? What would you have written differently as the author?

  11. Lift a line directly from the text. Type it as a quote in The Digital Post-it, your Google Slides reader's notebook. What do you think the author meant? Why is this line important?

  12. What is the problem (or conflict) in your book? Which characters are involved? How might the problem be resolved?

  13. Describe the setting in your book. (Remember: Setting includes time and place.) What clues does the author give about the setting? How does it affect the story?

  14. Illustrate a memorable scene. Using AT LEAST THREE strong sentences, write a descriptive caption that explains the scene and why you chose to draw it.

  15. Describe the protagonist (main character) in your book. Identify them by name and describe some of their internal traits. (Remember: Internal traits describe someone's personality and not what they physically look like.) What is their relationship like with a side character?

  16. Describe a side character in your book. Identify them by name and describe some of their internal traits. What is their relationship like with the main character?

  17. Describe the antagonist (the "bad guy/gal"). How does this character oppose (work against) the protagonist? Be specific, please.

  18. Which character do you like the best? Name them. Tell what part they play in the story and share why you like them. Be specific, please.

  19. Which character do you like the least? Name them. Tell what part they play in the story and share why you don't like them. Be specific, please.

  20. Are the events in your story realistic or unrealistic? Explain why this book should be categorized in a certain genre: fiction, realistic fiction, historical fiction, memoir, fantasy, biography, non-fiction/informational, or poetry.

  21. Explain how a character in your book reminds you of someone you actually know. Use an example from real life that connects to a character in the story.

  22. Would you like to live like one of the characters in your book? Why? (or why not?)

  23. If you were the protagonist, would you handle a situation that they have faced in the same way? Briefly describe the situation before sharing how you would handle it.

  24. Think about the title of your book. Why do you think the author chose this title? Does it fit your book? Why? If not, what would you choose as the title of the book? Why?

  25. Where did the author make you feel the MOST suspense? Describe the MOST exciting part that you've read!

  26. Name and describe an “Aha!” moment in your story. (An "Aha!" moment is a scene when a character suddenly realizes something. It's when a character’s sudden understanding or insight helps you understand the story in a new way.)

  27. Did the author give you any hints about how the book will end? Explain.

  28. Which character changed the MOST over the course of the book? Explain why you think this.

  29. Identify a strong theme in your story. (Remember: A theme is an idea that repeats throughout an author's writing. It's a quality that can be felt at the beginning, middle, and end of a story. It is often described using one word like bravery, loneliness, or acceptance.
    A theme     can be proven true with text evidence.)

  30. Write an "I've Finished My Book" entry after you are done. Share about it in a creative and thoughtful way. Remember to log your finished book on our classroom poster!

Writing Ideas:

  • At times, students will be asked to write creatively in response to a prompt. The prompt
    will be written directly in the writer's notebook or a separate sheet will be taped or glued
    in place.

  • The prompt will serve as the student's starting point, as they generate their own unique ideas and responses. If a student would prefer to try another idea of their own, this choice is always allowed and encouraged!

  • Every writer will establish an independent writing project this year for further enrichment.