Bite Size Writing Assignment: Costume Party

Costume parties have been around since the 18th century, maybe longer. Also known as "fancy dress parties," these gala events have been a popular part of social life in many parts of the world.

This week, have your student(s) think about what sort of costume he or she would wear to a costume party. The first step is to come up with a costume. Guide students to think about:

• Movie characters
• Book characters
• Historical figures

Then, have students sit down and write what character they would dress up as and why. The essay can be a short paragraph or a whole page (assign according to age). The key is to encourage students to have fun and use imagination!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: Amazing Animals

Animals really are amazing. They are a useful, enjoyable, and beautiful part of God's creation. This week, why not have your little darlings write a journal page about an amazing animal.

With fall migration underway, there are lots of birds around, flocking together, going somewhere for the winter. Have your students write about bird migration. A simple exercise would be to sit outside and watch the sky or backyard feeder. What birds are around? Are there any flocks? V-formations? Ducks, geese, hawks? The sky's the limit when it comes to writing about birds.

Another option is the four-legged friends who live indoors. A dog or cat make an excellent topic for a journal page. What is your pet's name? How did your pet get the name? What breed is your dog or cat? Or maybe, your indoor animal is a fish!

There are a lot of other options in town and in the country when it comes to writing about animals. The key is to encourage your students to be creative and have fun!

Don't forget to check out the new bundled units all about baby animals at currclick.com and give your students more animal fun and learning. Check it out by CLICKING HERE!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: Colors

When I think of fall, I think of colors. This week have your little darlings write about changing colors of autumn foliage. If you live in town and there aren't a lot of vibrant hues out your windows, visit a park, a lake, a farm, or an apple orchard.

This assignment will engage your child's mind and help them to reflect on the beauty of God's creation.

Before they begin, discuss how nature prepares for sleep. Springtime is new life and summer is a time of green growth and plush, living plants. Fall changes the color of plants, grasses and trees in preparation for winter, when all of the landscape will go to sleep.

Your young writers can take this assignment in many directions. Some ideas are:

• Why do leaves change color in the fall?
• Write a poem about fall colors.
• Why fall is so beautiful.
• Favorite fall colors.

Use your imagination. Inspire young writer to use theirs. Have fun and enjoy the lovely colors of fall!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: Pick a Topic

This week, let your little darlings pick a topic to write a short (or long for bigger darlings) essay about. Fall is in full swing. Here in the Midwest, the colors are coming into full bloom. There are also a ton of animals out and about filling up for the long, cold winter months ahead. Apple crisp is in the oven. Soccer and football season are winding down. The variety of topics seems endless.

Have your young writers chose a topic. Don't forget to remind them that a rough draft is always a good idea and editing before rewriting is essential.

If topics are hard to come by, have them chose from the following list:
 

• Fall sports
• Hunting
• Fall colors
• What to do with apples
• I love pumpkins because...
• Autumn activities

Have fun! Be creative! Happy writing!