[chocaholic]

I need something other than the typical "explain the steps to make a PBJ sandwich".
I had the same kids last year and that was so boring. I need something fresh. My curriculum states that they have to write two "Process"/How to pieces. So, it could be a paragraph or multiple paragraphs. BTW my next unit is to write an Informative Essay so I really need something fun, engaging, and relatively quick as I will spend more time on the essay to come.
Any fresh ideas for my "reluctant" writers? TIA!

[Edu-Kate]

I did this with my 8th grade, but you could easily adapt it. I used lego-type building blocks and had groups build structures and write detailed descriptions of how it was built. I then took a picture of the structure, had the group dismantle it, put the pieces in a plastic bag along with the description. I gave each bag to a different group who had to reconstruct the building using the directions. Then we compare the srebuilt tructures to the pictures. For more of a challenge, have each group include extra pieces that are not used in the structure.

[gingercat]

activity! I am going to definitely try this with my language arts classes!

[MiddlingAZ]

We have to write this, too. I can use those shoe boxes full of DS's Lego pieces (in the top of the closet--he is now 25) and engage my classes in their process pieces. Oooh la la Merci beaucoup, Kate.

Choc, right before I saw your post I had received the Nevada Writing Fix project's site Nov. lesson of the month (I got on the email list by subscribing for free). The final product is a poem, but I was thinking it could be modified for an essay. It is called With My Own Two Hands. Through prewriting steps they look at people who changed the world and how, explore what changes they feel need to be made, think about whether individuals can have an impact, and take a stance--optimistic or pessimistic.
The online lesson provides Ben Harper lyrics and two videos, including a Hugh Laurie (House) Saturday Night Live take-off on a 60s protest song.
I need to do a persuasive piece which this could fit, but it also made me think about an informative piece on people who changed history. Sounds like it might hook students, although more serious than fun. I think it could be pared down to be quick. Sorry I don't have a complete, ready to go idea, but I was intrigued by this.

  

[ajmm115]

I had my 8th graders describe how to get to their house from school - and they couldn't use street names! OK these were GATE kids, but I bet yours could do it too. Actually, it was only the first step on a mystery assignment, but they came out great. We had just finished a lesson on figurative language, a major thread these days on PT, and LOTS of that showed up in their writing.

[chocaholic]

for all the ideas...really like th LEGO one and might try that later.
Middling...love that idea, I'll have to subscribe for free too! Thanks a bunch!

[zupiter]

I have used How to Eat an Oreo Cookie for several years, in addition to the normal how to's. It is similar to the PBJ idea, but when you whip out the package of double stuff Oreos, they go crazy. Not everyone eats it the same way. I usually give them two. One to devour, and the other to really go slow and write the process of how they eat it.
My students enjoyed the activity.

[INteach6]

I love both the Lego and Oreo cookie activities. I, too, am getting tired of PB&J sandwiches. Thanks for sharing!

[jady_marie]

I gave each of my kids a card that had a picture of a monster. They had to describe the monster well enough that another student could draw it. Then I collected the monster cards and had the kids trade descriptions. The partner had to draw the monster described. The next day we compared the drawings to the cards and voted to see who had the best drawings. Both the artist and the person who had given the directions won a prize.

I also teach a unit where each student writes directions on how to do something......
how to fold a paper crane
how to make fruit salad
how to do a trick with a finger skateboard
how to draw SpongeBob
etc....

After all have finished writing and we have made final copies, we have a sharing day where everyone brings their materials to follow the directions. Everyone trades projects and follows the other person's directions. The kids love this unit.

[powellstarkey]

Who knew I could use those in my Language Arts/Reading Class.
Great idea, now I have to try to find a way to get a lot of legos.

[sky22]

You could do the lego projects with a pattern block design also. It might help those who don't have access to Legos since most schools have pattern blocks.
I love the idea, but may use the pattern blocks, in that way you could bring in the Math area and identification of the shapes.

[Teacher nts]

Wow, thank you for that idea! That will be my next writing unit. I'm a second year teacher and find that writing is my weakest area. Do you use the Step Up To Writing Program? Do you give a lot of instruction on how to write this?
Thanks for a great idea!