Online Writing Activities
“Story Writing Game”
In this game, the child fills in the blanks of a short story. The challenge is for the storyteller to choose words that fit the kind of story that has been selected. For example, if the child chooses to tell a ghost story, then he or she must select words for each blank that would be appropriate for a scary tale.
http://www.funenglishgames.com/writinggames/story.html
“Interactives: Sequence”
Allow your child to practice ordering events with this interactive version of the fairy tale, Cinderella. The child looks at several pictures from the story and must drag them to the bottom of the screen to put the events in chronological order. When the player mouses over each scene from the story, a sentence describing the image appears and is read aloud to the student. Once the events are in order, the student can learn more about plot and other story elements with the accompanying tutorials and lessons.
http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/sequence.html
“Opinions Quiz for Critical Thinking”
Practice developing logical reasons to support a thesis with this interactive activity. Students read the stated opinion, such as, “We should have longer recess because…” The child must then select all of the possible reasons from a list that would support the given statement. The challenge lies with the fact that each statement may have more than one possible answer, and to receive credit, the student must select all correct responses. This game is best suited for older primary students.
http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/Opinion/opinion.html
“Debate Game for Kids”
In this game, kids select a debate topic and read the argument from the “other side”. The object of this game is to select the best argument (out of four possible choices) to support the opposing opinion. The player will know that he or she chose the best argument when the virtual debate audience applauds.
http://www.funenglishgames.com/writinggames/debate.html
“Mr. Koochof’s Transitional Words and Phrases Quiz”
Practice using transitional words (as a result, moreover, therefore, etc.) in the correct context with this review game. Students must select the appropriate transitional word to fill in the blank of a given sentence. This interactive quiz provides instant feedback, and
if the answer is incorrect, the correct response will be displayed.
“Story Maker”
Children can practice writing stories with dialogue with this interactive activity. First, the writer selects backgrounds, characters, and background music. Then, he or she types in the dialogue between the characters for each scene. After inputting all information for three scenes, the child simply presses “play”, and the 3-act story will appear as a cartoon, complete with a musical soundtrack!
http://www.seussville.com/games_hb/storymaker/story_maker.html
“Story Starters”
This writing activity allows the writer to “spin” the wheel for story starter ideas. Once the topic of the story has been selected, the student types a story that can be downloaded or printed out.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/writing-prompts/
“Inform, Explain, Describe”
This activity teaches the student the difference between informing a reader, explaining something, and describing an event or scene. To apply these concepts, the child must read three statements and choose the sentence that achieves its intended purpose (to inform, explain, or describe).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/english/writing/inform_explain_describe/activity/
“Trailblazing Introductions”
This online activity teaches students the elements of an effective introduction. Then, the child is asked to decide which sentences in the sample introductions state the main idea, generate interest in the topic, provide background information, etc.
http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/TrailblazingIntroductions/default.htm
(Excerpts taken from Lumoslearning.com Blog)