Writing can be overwhelming for middle school and high school English Language Arts students, but adding low stakes writing activities to your teaching arsenal can help. Samantha from Samantha in Secondary has 10 ideas to add to your teaching toolbox.
Low stakes writing activities are a great way to get those creative juices flowing without consequences. By reducing the amount of pressure students feel surrounding a writing task, we can give them the opportunity to just let go and explore ideas in a less formal way. This reduces the “I don’t know what to write” anxiety that often comes with a writing assignment.
Low stakes writing doesn’t mean that quality is sacrificed. These activities still require thought and contemplation, however, with an overall goal that is lighter in nature. Some examples include journaling, free writing, or brainstorming to explore new topics or text.
Whatever it may be, low stakes writing activities are here to allow us to express our creativity freely and simply enjoy the process. Here are ten ideas to get your students writing without all the stress.
#1: Daily Writing Prompts
Take ten minutes at the beginning of class and provide an engaging writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to be silly! Students love a fun challenge, especially when they know the stakes are low. If you’re looking for no-fuss, done-for-you writing prompts, click here to check out my resource.
#2: Journaling
Journaling is a great way to provide low stakes writing opportunities for your students. Have students bring in a favorite notebook and provide some time for them to write down their thoughts. You can do simple freewriting or provide more structure with journaling prompts.
#3: Creative Writing Roll a Stories
Roll a Stories are one of my favorite ways to allow students to practice narrative without any pressure. There is no more “I don’t know what to write” because students are given their narrative elements before they even start. The concept is simple. Give students a set of dice, provide six options for each narrative element, and have students roll the dice to see what they’ll write about. Need some inspiration? Check out my full set of done-for-you Roll a Stories right here.
#4: Blogging
As the digital world becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives, it’s crucial for students to hone their writing skills through mediums beyond traditional assignments or essays. That’s where blogs come in. By starting a blog, students can express themselves in a creative and informal way, while still working on grammar, structure, and analysis. Not only that, but blogs can also serve as valuable tools for networking and professional development, allowing students to showcase their interests, knowledge, and unique perspectives to a wider audience. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing or simply have a passion you want to share with others, starting a blog is a great step in the right direction.
#5: Freewriting
Freewriting is an unconventional approach that encourages students to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. It is a powerful tool that can improve writing skills, creativity, and self-reflection. By letting go of the need for structure or perfection, students can tap into their unconscious mind and explore different ideas that they may have never considered before. Freewriting can also help to overcome writer’s block and increase productivity. It’s easy to get stuck on the first few sentences, but with freewriting, students can just let the words flow and see where it takes them. In essence, freewriting is the ultimate form of brainstorming, and it can help students to discover their voice and improve their writing in ways they never thought possible.
#6: Doodle Notes
Taking notes is an essential part of being a successful student, but have you ever considered assigning notes in a way that’s both creative and fun? Enter doodle notes, which not only help students remember key information, but also encourages them to express ideas visually. With doodle notes, students can incorporate images, colors, charts, and visual aids into the learning process. These visually enticing notes can help students recall information better and increase their understanding of complex topics. Not to mention, doodle notes can make studying enjoyable and engaging instead of feeling like a chore. The best part? Doodle notes are low-stakes and stress-free. Click here to check out a set you can use with any story.
#7: Book Reviews
One of the most effective ways to improve reading and writing skills is through writing book reviews. Not only does this exercise hone our analytical and critical thinking abilities, but it also enables us to discover patterns and themes in literature that we might otherwise miss. By sharing our thoughts and opinions about the books we read, we can inspire our peers to read and engage with new material. Writing book reviews is like taking part in a conversation about literature – it allows us to express ourselves and connect with others who share our interests. Ultimately, the practice of writing book reviews empowers us to become more informed, engaged, and thoughtful readers.
#8: Exit Tickets
As every student knows, the end of class can be a chaotic time. The bell rings, backpacks are zipped up, and everyone rushes to leave the classroom. However, teachers can make the end of class more productive and beneficial for their students by implementing exit tickets. These quick assessments provide students with an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned, ask any remaining questions, and demonstrate their comprehension of the lesson. By assigning exit tickets, teachers can ensure that students are leaving the classroom with a deep understanding of the material and any lingering confusion is addressed before they head home. Additionally, exit tickets provide teachers with valuable feedback on how well their teaching methods are working and where they can improve.
#9: Reflections
Teachers should assign reflections to their students because they can be incredibly valuable tools for learning and growth. Reflections allow students to take a step back from their daily tasks and activities and think more deeply about what they’re learning, what they’re doing well, and where they can improve. This metacognitive process helps students to develop a greater understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as their progress over time. Additionally, reflecting on their experiences can help students to make connections between what they’ve learned in different subjects or contexts, and to develop a more holistic view of their learning. By assigning reflections, teachers can encourage their students to become more self-aware, more reflective learners, and more engaged in the learning process.
#10: Brainstorming
Allowing students to brainstorm can be a powerful tool in the classroom. By giving students the freedom to generate ideas and express their thoughts, teachers can create an environment that fosters creativity and encourages collaboration. Not only does this approach make learning more engaging and fun for students, it also helps them develop crucial critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Brainstorming allows students to learn from one another and to see things from different perspectives, which can lead to richer and more fulfilling learning experiences. Ultimately, by allowing students to brainstorm, teachers are empowering them to take ownership of their learning and to become more confident and capable learners.
As you can see, there are a plethora of low stakes writing activities out there to get your secondary ELA students engaging their creativity without the added pressure of tests or assignments. They can be as fun or as rigorous as you’d like! Why not try one out this week and zest-up your English Language Arts classroom?
If you decide to try any of these activities, share your student’s work with me on Instagram. I’d love to share what you’re doing in your classroom with other teachers who could benefit!
Happy teaching!
