New Tools for Quick Writes
Quick writes are a great way to kick off a writer’s workshop, or any class really. Give students a short prompt and ask them to write as much as they can, as well as they can, as quick as they can. Set a timer for one, three or even five minutes and let students write or "drite" (drawing + writing) about the prompt.
There are lots of ways to present prompts for quick writes.
Think about using:
- Questions
- Comparisons "Would you rather...?"
- Pictures
- Commercials
- Short Poems
- Comics
- Advertisements
Find pictures, comics, or media that relate to your units of study.
Quick writes are a great way to get students engaged in writing immediately. This type of writing is nonthreatening because the focus isn't specifically on the quality or content (at first). Initially, just getting something on the page forms a starting block that can be expanded on later in the class, unit, or year. After the quick write, follow up with a short discussion to share and see other's point of view. After the writing focus lesson, revisit the writing to revise or edit using the critical content from the lesson. This keeps the writing practice authentic and cognitively engaging.
Get our list of 25 Quick Write ideas for the First 25 Days here!