CREATIVE WRITING PROMPTING PRE-WRITING STRATEGIES FOUR-SQUARE ORGANIZATION

Vinnitsa Teacher Training 2013Peace Corps Ukraine - Sophia Trumbauer

What do you see?

Describe in detail...

Where is this?

What is happening?

Who is there?

Why...why?

Creative Writing Strategies Prompting with half

sentences - “If I were an American....” - “...and it was lost forever.” Visual Aids Focused DescriptionKeep asking questions about the

same detail and do not accept duplicate answers

5 W’s or Question Words

Who, What, When, Where, Why

Chain Stories Ingredients Provide a few key terms

that must be included in a composition: rainbow, key, red elephant

Present hypotheticals, unbelievable situations or mysteries.

UFO landing, Ghost Hunters,

Winning the lottery

Write On Contest International Creative Writing

Contest created by Peace Corps Volunteers

Provides six weeks of pre-contest Creative Writing lessons and suggestions

Creates an open environment for creative expression. Essays are judged upon their ideas, originality and vocabulary.

5 Steps of the Writing ProcessStep Description Strategies

Prewriting An activity that causes the writer to think about he subject. The writer organizes his thoughts before he begins to write.

DrawingTalking

BrainstormingGraphic organizers

ResearchListing

Field Trips

Drafting The process of putting ideas down on paper. The focus is on content not mechanics

Taking notes,Organizing thoughts

into paragraphs,Writing a first draft

Revising The process of refining the piece of writing. The writer adds to a writing piece. The writer reorganizes a piece of writing. The writer shares his story and gets input from peers or teacher.

Peer editingConferencing

Share Chair or Author’s Chair

Editing Mechanical, grammatical and spelling errors are fixed in the writing piece.

ChecklistsRubrics

Editing ChecklistsProofreading

Publishing The writing piece is prepared in final form, including illustrations. The writer shares his writing with others.

Reading aloudReading to a group

Displaying in the roomPrinting the books

Web publishing

Pre-Writing

Depressurize the situation Pressure and timing can help to produce writing, but more

creative writing comes with enough time, a positive environment and allowing for mistakes.

Keep writing (don’t get distracted) - Students will come up with any excuse to avoid writing

compositions. Someone may not like their first attempt or cannot think of the right word - ignore any ‘hiccups’ on the way and keep your class focused on the task.

Utilize a Pre-Writing Strategy -

Listing Listing is a good

way to quickly gather many ideas on paper.

Simply make a list of as many ideas as come to you as quickly as possible.

Topic: Essay About An Important PlaceList:Bed, my comfy chair, the mountains, the ocean, my office, the garden, anywhere with a book, Starbucks, home, the shower, the right state of mind…

Mapping Mapping is a form of

free association that creates a visual image of ideas and their connections. Using mapping can give you not only ideas for an essay - but connecting ideas that may turn into paragraphs.

Favorite Place

Comfort

Starbucks

Aesthetics

Books

TastesSmell

Hanging outwith friends

Writing Studying

Energy

FreewritingStarbucks

“Coffee calls from shelves and walls. I can’t not stop in. Who will be waiting for me today? Chatting till I have to run to class, my latte sloshing with each step. I don’t even mind when it splashes on my fingers: my sugar-free, non-fat liquid gold. Keeping me sane. The barista knows my name. Here I sip the taste of home. “

Write, write, write and don’t stop. Freewriting means taking an idea and running with it wherever it leads. Don’t think about it - just keep writing. When you free yourself and just allow the ideas to come, you might end up with a great essay topic that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

5 W’s / Journalists Standard Use the standard

questions every journalist must answer.

Who What When Where Why How

Thinking of different ways to answer those questions might lead to a fresh perspective on your topic.

The Taste of Home

Who: Either alone or with friends.

What: Coffee, coffee, coffee!When: Day, night, when

studying, when socializing, when thinking, when chilling…

Where: Starbucks, Coffee Haus, my office, home, pretty much anywhere

Why: Energy, inspiration, comfort, mental and emotional health

How: With all the senses engaged.

Cubing Similar to Journalist Questions, cubing involves considering your topic from six different angles.

Describe it (colors, shapes, sizes, etc.)

Compare it (What is it similar to?)

Associate it (What does it make you think of?)

Analyze it (Tell how it's made)

Apply it (What can you do with it? How can it be used?)

Argue for or against it

Describe it: Engage the senses - how does it look and taste and feel - what do you hear and smell?Compare it: Like finding my muse. Associate it: A luxurious bubble bath; slipping into silk pajamas.Analyze it: It gives me a moment to breathe in my surroundings, to organize my thoughts. When drinking a cup of coffee with friends, I am sharing my real self.Apply it: Coffee can be an effective and relatively safe energizer. It can help get through massive amounts of graduate school readings.Argue for or against it: Strangely, I think of home and comfort when I drink a cup of coffee during the day, despite the fact that no one in my home is terribly fond of coffee. When I make coffee at home, it never seems to be as comforting as coffee I share with friends at work.

Thesis StatementThesis sentence (3 elements)

1. Topic • What the essay is about

2. Controlling idea • Must be provable

Hawaii is the best vacation spot.Dress codes should be banned.

3. May also reference the three supporting details

Topic Sentence Points to Remember

Subject = topic of paragraph Controlling idea—judgment or attitude about

the topic Complete Sentence Not the Prompt!!

Usual Locations First sentence Last sentence Middle

Introductions Catch reader’s attention

Broad to specific Ask a question Quotation Anecdote/incident Background information

The Hook

Structure of a Paragraph Introduction

Topic Sentence Subject = topic of paragraph Controlling idea—judgment or attitude

about the topic Body

3 levels supporting details Answer who, what, why, where, when,

how? Conclusion

Provides closure—clincher sentence

Basic Paragraph Topic Sentence

Transition + 1st Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic

Transition + 2nd Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic

Transition + 3rd Supporting Detail Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic Transition + Example, Incident, Statistic

Transition + Clincher Sentence

Sample Paragraph My experience in the nature study area was full of

surprises. First of all, many unexpected creatures crossed our path.

For example, as soon as we left the parking area and entered the grassy path, a long snake slithered along the edge of the high grass and quickly disappeared.

In addition, I was surprised by how colorful the grasses, which from a distance all appear to be green, actually are. Specifically, the primarily green landscape is dotted with

countless purple tassels and brown stalks. Finally and most importantly, I was unprepared for how

quickly I felt surrounded by nature. Although the noise from passing cars and airplanes

occasionally intrudes, the high prairie grasses and rolling pathways create a sense that one is removed from civilization.

Altogether, the nature study area unexpectedly allows one to enjoy an ever-changing natural environment without leaving campus.

Transition words and expressions help connect ideas within and between paragraphs. They do this by showing relationships, such as addition or contrast or result

Teacher: Your paper doesn’t show a smooth flow of thoughts. You need to add transitions between ideas and paragraphs.

Student: I have no idea what a transition is. What are some words that I can use to make my paper flow?

Body Paragraphs From Broad to Specific

Level 1: Topic Sentence Controlling sentence names

and controls the topic Level 2: Clarifying

Sentences Help make the topic clearer—

explain how support topic sent.

Level 3: Completing sentences Add specific details/examples

to complete the picture

Essay levelsAnimal

Dogs

Poodles

Fifi

Paint a picture with words

Sensory Details Sight

Description Specific Nouns Specific Verbs

Touch Texture

Hearing Onomatopoeia

Smell fragrances

Taste

Variety is the spice of life…

• Names (people, films, restaurants)• My closest friend, Mrs. Smith, Titanic, Maria’s Pizzaria

• Numbers• Three goldfish, 100 meters, a thousand years

• Dates/Times• Sunday morning, a quiet afternoon, before sunset

• Places• Blue mountains, inner city sidewalk, endless desert, Seattle

• Colors• Crimson, burnt sienna, kelly green, chocolate, toast, peach

• Comparisons• Like a mad dog, golf ball size, big as a whale

• Sensory Details• Wiggle, clammy, murky, boom, clank, spicy, tangy

• Active Verbs• Looked—glanced, squinted, peeked

WRITING PROMPT:

IF YOU COULD ONLY EATONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WHAT WOULD IT BE?

We will answer this prompt using the FOUR SQUARE Method

Reasons why people choose foods TASTE

texture, ingredients, sweet, sour, spicy APPEARANCE

how the food looks, smells, presentation MEMORIES & TRADITIONS

Holidays, special occasions, ethnic foods COST

cheap fast foods, budget constraints CONVENIENCE

food is ready to eat, available EASY TO FIX

Few ingredients, simple recipe HABIT

food is familiar and safe, know what to expect PEER PRESSURE

Advertising, friend’s favorite

Favorite Prefer Nothing better Crazy about Enjoy Partial to Desire

Food Meal Repast Cuisine Menu Dishes

Alternative words Fun

Entertainment Amusement Pleasure Satisfying

Easy Simple Trouble-free Effortless Uncomplicated

Delicious Tasty Mouth-watering Yummy Appetizing

Thesis statement: “My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

Fold your paper into four squares.Darken in the lines.

To begin…

Write your basic thesis statement above the line in the middle to remind you of what you will be proving.

My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

Now we have to answer the question—Why? Provide reasons, examples, incidents, facts/statistics to support our thesis.

Topic Sentence: “My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.”

One reason I enjoy spaghetti and meatballs is because it is fun to eat.

Next, there is nothing better than spaghetti and meatballs when I need a quick, simple meal.

Most of all, spaghetti and meatballs is great because it makes a mouth-watering meal.

Finally, spaghetti and meatballs is definitely the best meal.

easy to fix

fun to eat

delicious

Basic Thesis Statement (because) + the three reasons, examples, facts, or incidents in Box 1 of each section

My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs because (1) it’s fun to eat, (2) it’s easy to fix, and (3) it’s delicious.

My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

Topic Sentence:My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

One reason I enjoy spaghetti and meatballs is because it is fun to eat. For example, spaghetti and meatballs makes me feel like a kid

because I can twirl it on my fork, slurp it quickly, and play with the sauce.

Next, there is nothing better than spaghetti and meatballs when I need a quick, simple meal. In other words, all I need are three simple ingredients: canned

sauce, frozen meatballs, and noodles. Most of all, spaghetti and meatballs is great because it

makes a mouth-watering meal. Specifically, I enjoy the tomatoes, Italian seasonings, and

hamburger meat. Finally, I can’t think of any food I’d rather eat than spaghetti

and meatballs.

Providing SupportWhere to start…

Basic Questions Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Which one? How many? What kind?

-Sauce

-Noodles

-Meatballs

-Twirl on my fork

-Slurp it quickly

-Play with Sauce

-Tomatoes

-Seasonings

-MeatMy favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

1. Reason, Example, Fact, or Incident easy to fix

1. Reason, Example, Fact, or Incidentfun to eat

1. Reason, Example, Fact, or Incident delicious

Now we need to clarify what we mean by each reason. In other words, why/how is it fun to eat, easy to fix, and delicious.Paint a picture with words.

Adding Flavor to your writing

1.Be specific

2.Make comparisons

3.Add color

Sauce Chunky Mushroom Chunky vine-ripe tomatoes Crimson explosion

Meatballs Ping pong balls Red golf balls Littered with parmesan cheese slivers

Spaghetti Mounds of angel hair spaghetti Twirl on fork Like a ball of yarn Swimming in sauce

-Sauce•Canned, preserved or store bought •Find it almost anywhere•Just open the jar and pour

-Noodles•Last forever •Huge stock pot•Boils in a drop of the hat

-Meatballs•Hamburger meat•Roll into ping pong balls •Throw into sauce to cook

Twirl on my fork•Ball of yarn•Twist clockwise•Use a spoon like Italians

-Slurp it quickly•Loud, smacking noises •Sloop up noodles•Noodles slap nose as loop into

mouth-Sauce

•Like finger paint•Meatballs=red golf balls •Crimson explosion

-Tomatoes•Chunky not crushed•Fresh, tangy taste•Ripe, ruby red

-Seasonings•Tingle taste buds•Garlic—add extra•Onions—chunky

-Meat•Can add pork to hamburger •Add sausage—like a gumbo •Filling as New Years dinner

My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

1. easy to fix

3. fun to eat

2. delicious

Adding Flavor

Details

Comparisons

Descriptive language

My favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs.

1. easy to fix

3. fun to eat

2. delicious

Transitions

connect paragraphs and ideas within pararaphs.

Firstly, one reason,most of all, most importantly, to illustrate

Not only but also,

Next, Then, such as,

For example,

In addition,Furthermore

In other words,

In the end,

In summary,

Finally.

- Seasonings• Tickle taste buds

• Oregano• Coarse black pepper• Thyme • Sage

• Garlic• Whole cloves• Crushed• Add extra spiciness

• Vegetables• Diced onions• Green pepper chunks• Sliced mushrooms

-Tomatoes• Base for savory sauce• Home-grown

• Vine-ripened• Better Boy• Rich, full of flavor• Organic

• Ruby red to dark pink• Vibrant color• Full of lycopene

• Chunky • Canned or fresh• Just crush w/hands• Juices run down arm

- Meat Choices• Use pork or hamburger

• Lean meat• Low in fat • Crusty brown

• Add Italian sausage• Squeeze out of casings• Spicy

• Like a gumbo• Assortment of meats floating in

sauce• Filling as New Years

• Always eat too much

“Spaghetti is not only easy to make, but provides for a truly mouth-watering meal.”

Continue Four Square process for each paragraph to add layers of detail and build ideas into paragraphs.

Second Reason – Spaghetti is delicious

Patterns of Organization Chronological Order

Narrative (story/incident) Process (step-by-step)

Description Illustration (examples) Order of Importance Comparison/Contrast

Block Point by Point

Cause/Effect Spatial Classification Definition

Organizational Patters Narrative paragraph“Last week we cooked spaghetti for family dinner...” —it was fun to eat together

Process paragraph “Came home from work late last Thursday, tired

and exhausted...” — I wanted something easy to fix

Illustrational paragraph “I crave comfort food when I’m feeling down...” - it tastes delicious and brings up my

mood

5 Paragraph Essay Structure

Conclusions Provide closure

Summarize main points-tie together -do not restate thesis exactly Call to action -Active voice,-statements Look to the futureCreative thinking leads to more complex thinking patterns, Higher level language skills and more developed people.

Four Square Method originated by Mack Gipson, Jr. Pre-Writing strategies developed by Anne Lamott

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Email: SophiaTrumbauer@gmail.com