Journal TopicsJournal Topics

Journal GuidelinesJournal Guidelines Before each entry, write the date. August 31Before each entry, write the date. August 31stst; Monday, ; Monday,

August 31August 31stst; or 8/31 is fine as long as it is there.; or 8/31 is fine as long as it is there. You must copy the directions that are bolded in your You must copy the directions that are bolded in your

notebook. DO NOT copy the entire entry. Some are notebook. DO NOT copy the entire entry. Some are quite lengthy!quite lengthy!

If you are absent, you do not have to make up the If you are absent, you do not have to make up the missed entry. Simply write the date and the word missed entry. Simply write the date and the word ‘absent’.‘absent’.

NO inappropriate or foul language. You will NO inappropriate or foul language. You will automatically receive a automatically receive a zerozero for the entry if this for the entry if this occurs.occurs.

How your journal is graded: I will periodically collect How your journal is graded: I will periodically collect journals. Your grade is based on completeness, journals. Your grade is based on completeness, neatness, and your ability to follow the directions. If neatness, and your ability to follow the directions. If any entries are missing, you will miss recess and/or any entries are missing, you will miss recess and/or gym class until the entries are made up. You may take gym class until the entries are made up. You may take your journal home to finish any missing entries as well, your journal home to finish any missing entries as well, however you will be penalized if you do not have your however you will be penalized if you do not have your journal in class.journal in class.

Week OneWeek One

1.1. What are your expectations of 6What are your expectations of 6thth grade? grade? What are your expectations of What are your expectations of yourself? What do you expect from me yourself? What do you expect from me as your teacher?as your teacher?

2.2. Pick three words to describe Pick three words to describe yourself.yourself. Why did you pick those Why did you pick those words?words?

3.3. Write one sentence consisting Write one sentence consisting entirely of three-syllable wordsentirely of three-syllable words. . You may use the articles (the, a, an).You may use the articles (the, a, an).

Week TwoWeek Two

1.1. Write about a girl named Dot Write about a girl named Dot without without using dotted letters (i, j). Four sentences.using dotted letters (i, j). Four sentences.

2.2. Write a paragraph with at least ten Write a paragraph with at least ten words that rhyme with words that rhyme with bebe. . No, No, be be does does not count. Repeats don’t count either.not count. Repeats don’t count either.

3.3. Write a four-sentence paragraph Write a four-sentence paragraph about a cat attacking something about a cat attacking something without using the words without using the words hiss, attack, hiss, attack, scratch, scratch, oror pounce pounce..

4.4. What advice would a dog give about What advice would a dog give about life if a dog could talk?life if a dog could talk?

Week ThreeWeek Three1.1. In one sentence, communicate In one sentence, communicate fearfear..2.2. Create a conversationCreate a conversation that uses some form of that uses some form of

each of the following words: each of the following words: bellyache, whine, bellyache, whine, complain, moan, criticize.complain, moan, criticize.

3.3. Some people can’t smell. Some people can’t smell. Describe what a Describe what a skunk skunk smells likesmells like to them. No, you can’t say it to them. No, you can’t say it smells really bad.smells really bad.

4.4. Write the un-ad which tells the absolute Write the un-ad which tells the absolute truth about a product. truth about a product. Four sentences.Four sentences.

5.5. You are a writer who has a secret You are a writer who has a secret agreement with the automobile industryagreement with the automobile industry. You . You will be paid $10.00 for every word you include in will be paid $10.00 for every word you include in your article that has the word your article that has the word carcar in it. (Example: in it. (Example: scar, carp, cart). The hope is the repetition of the scar, carp, cart). The hope is the repetition of the word will make people want to buy a car. You are word will make people want to buy a car. You are writing an article about a newly-opened grocery writing an article about a newly-opened grocery store. How much money can you make?store. How much money can you make?

Week FourWeek Four1.1. Brooke told a joke and six people found it Brooke told a joke and six people found it

funny, but reacted differently. funny, but reacted differently. Describe Describe those six different reactions.those six different reactions.

2.2. Write three sentences that make sense Write three sentences that make sense reading left to right as right to left. reading left to right as right to left. Example: Mary liked Bob and Bill. Bill and Bob Example: Mary liked Bob and Bill. Bill and Bob liked Mary. liked Mary.

3.3. List the best reasons for doing nothingList the best reasons for doing nothing..4.4. There is smoke. There is smoke. Where is it coming from? Where is it coming from?

You investigate and are surprised by what you You investigate and are surprised by what you find. find. Describe what you discovered.Describe what you discovered.

5.5. King Kong King Kong stompedstomped along the street. He along the street. He crushedcrushed cars with his toes. He cars with his toes. He rippedripped people people from their cars. from their cars. What else did King Kong What else did King Kong dodo? Use descriptive verbs.? Use descriptive verbs.

Week Five1. Write a paragraph that includes fifteen words with

double vowels (peep, needle, look, etc.)2. How many ways can you say no? Write six sentences

that say no without using the word no.3. In one paragraph, describe a sport scene (real or

imaginary) using the following words: bounced, struggled, spied, roared, collapsed, giggled. You may change the endings of the words to fit your scene.

4. Create a sentence with words that begin with the letters in the word ‘sentence’ in that order. In other words, the first letter of the first word of your sentence should start with ‘s’, the second word ‘e’, the third word ‘n’, etc. Following this pattern, your sentence should only be eight words long.

5. Here’s what the artist called her painting: Polar Bear Eating Ice Cream in a Blizzard. To viewers, it looked like a piece of white canvas. How might the artist describe a black canvas? Blue? Green?

1. Create an impression of a person (real or imaginary) by describing only their hands. Three sentences.

2. Many products come with warnings that seem pretty obvious and ridiculous. For example, a hair dryer warning says: “Do not use in bathtub” or an iron says “Do not iron clothes while on body” or a chainsaw box says “Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with your hands”. Create six more ridiculous and obvious warnings.

3. Write a sentence about a dog using no letters of the alphabet before m.

4. Describe a car, using at least five comparisons to food. Use a color comparison only once.

5. You can use 25 words – no more, no less – for a billboard advertising a new product called Zebra Wink. Sell your Zebra Wink product in those 25 words.

1. Write a paragraph in which each word begins with a letter of the alphabet in order from A to Z. In other words, the first word begins with A, the second word B, the third word C, etc.

2. Write three different sentences, each using the word crumpled. Create an entirely different image with each sentence.

3. “Yankee Doddle went to town/Riding on a pony./Stuck a feather in his cap/and called it ‘macaroni’.” Why on earth would Yankee Doodle call his feather “macaroni”? Write a plausible explanation in six sentences.

4. Write a paragraph that starts with the following sentence: “The grass smells red.”

1. Chris walks into a room. By describing only the reaction of the others in the room, tell us something about Chris.

2. Write a four-sentence paragraph using only four-lettered words.

3. Write a sentence in which the first word is one letter long, the second word is two letters long, the third is three letters long, etc. Try to make it to ten letters on the tenth word. Minimum – eight words.

4. Write a rhyme paragraph. Each sentence must begin and end with a pair of rhyming words. For example: Spring is a wonderful thing.

5. Update the story of Cinderella. She wouldn’t be sweeping cinders – what would she be doing? She wouldn’t be riding in a carriage drawn by horses. What would she ride in? Retell the story for very modern children in very modern times. Six sentences.

1.1. Write anWrite an incredibly awesome incredibly awesome paragraph about your paragraph about your absolute favorite actor, singer, or celebrityabsolute favorite actor, singer, or celebrity, using the , using the most outstanding, excellent hyperbole in the whole entire most outstanding, excellent hyperbole in the whole entire universe. HINT: Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration.universe. HINT: Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration.

2.2. People often say “People often say “If we can send a man to the moon, If we can send a man to the moon, surely we can figure out how to …”surely we can figure out how to …” Complete the Complete the sentence five different ways.sentence five different ways.

3.3. What is a ditz?What is a ditz? How might a person act ditzy? Describe the How might a person act ditzy? Describe the meaning to an immigrant from Lower Katzangorbia who has meaning to an immigrant from Lower Katzangorbia who has been learning English from a book and doesn’t understand been learning English from a book and doesn’t understand slang. You may not refer to real people.slang. You may not refer to real people.

4.4. Oh, please don’t sneezeOh, please don’t sneeze! ! Write a paragraph including at Write a paragraph including at least ten words that rhyme with least ten words that rhyme with sneezesneeze. You many use . You many use sneezesneeze as one of your words. Repeats don’t count. as one of your words. Repeats don’t count.

5.5. List at least ten words that use the letters List at least ten words that use the letters ph ph to stand for to stand for the the ff sound sound.. Example: phrase. Use all ten words in a Example: phrase. Use all ten words in a paragraph.paragraph.

1.1. Write a three-sentence paragraph that is peppered with Write a three-sentence paragraph that is peppered with pp’s’s. . In In other words, write a paragraph with as many words that begin with other words, write a paragraph with as many words that begin with pp as possible (minimum 20). Write the number of as possible (minimum 20). Write the number of pp words you’ve used words you’ve used in the margin. in the margin.

2.2. Use a thesaurus to look up synonyms for the word Use a thesaurus to look up synonyms for the word crazycrazy.. Then write a Then write a paragraph incorporating as many synonyms as possible, but no less than paragraph incorporating as many synonyms as possible, but no less than five. Four sentences.five. Four sentences.

3.3. You are a very, very sensible guy or gal.You are a very, very sensible guy or gal. You don’t believe in You don’t believe in exaggeration or pretty, flowery language. You think romantic stuff is exaggeration or pretty, flowery language. You think romantic stuff is for sissies. Write a letter proposing to the woman (for the men) or for sissies. Write a letter proposing to the woman (for the men) or man (for the ladies) you love and want to marry.man (for the ladies) you love and want to marry.

4.4. Tell a fish storyTell a fish story. . Use as many fishy words as possible (at least six) Use as many fishy words as possible (at least six) without actually writing about fish. Examples of fishy words: without actually writing about fish. Examples of fishy words: scales, scales, whale of a good time, net, clam up.whale of a good time, net, clam up.

5.5. Most people believe Most people believe vomitvomit to be an ugly word. to be an ugly word. Write a paragraph Write a paragraph that includes at least ten words you believe are uglythat includes at least ten words you believe are ugly. . Underline Underline or highlight your words.or highlight your words.

Week ElevenWeek Eleven1.1. Ok. Time to get serious. We’re going to perform a Ok. Time to get serious. We’re going to perform a Stream of Stream of

Consciousness Consciousness exercise for your journal todayexercise for your journal today.. That means I give That means I give you a topic and you write absolutely everything that comes to your you a topic and you write absolutely everything that comes to your mind about that topic, even if it doesn’t seem related. Here we go. mind about that topic, even if it doesn’t seem related. Here we go. Choose a topic:Choose a topic: cheerios, dishwashing liquid, computer cheerios, dishwashing liquid, computer mouse, clothes dryer, a bicycle tire. mouse, clothes dryer, a bicycle tire. Write everything that Write everything that comes to mind when you think of this subjectcomes to mind when you think of this subject. . NOTE: You NOTE: You should fill should fill half a pagehalf a page with random information. with random information.

2.2. Look at yesterday’s entry. Then fill out another half a page with Look at yesterday’s entry. Then fill out another half a page with more information on the same topic. more information on the same topic. ((Just write the date for this Just write the date for this entry).entry).

3.3. Look back on your last two entries. No doubt most of what you Look back on your last two entries. No doubt most of what you wrote is unrelated or dull. What is the most interesting about what wrote is unrelated or dull. What is the most interesting about what you wrote? Most insightful? Most funny? Most surprising? Highlight you wrote? Most insightful? Most funny? Most surprising? Highlight those thoughts. those thoughts. Now, assemble those thoughts to create a ten-Now, assemble those thoughts to create a ten-line poem (rhyming or not) about your topic.line poem (rhyming or not) about your topic.

4.4. Copy your poem from yesterday onto a piece of construction paper. Copy your poem from yesterday onto a piece of construction paper. Add decoration. Hand it in the basket. You do not need to write Add decoration. Hand it in the basket. You do not need to write anything in your journal today.anything in your journal today.

5.5. Free write!Free write!

Week TwelveWeek Twelve1.1. Write a blue paragraph about a heartbreaking Write a blue paragraph about a heartbreaking

eventevent. . Include at least twenty words that rhyme with Include at least twenty words that rhyme with blueblue. You may use . You may use blueblue once. Repeats don’t count. once. Repeats don’t count.

2.2. Write about an event that happened yesterday Write about an event that happened yesterday from the perspective of an inanimate objectfrom the perspective of an inanimate object. For . For example: your morning rush to get ready from the example: your morning rush to get ready from the perspective of your breakfast bowl, or the events of perspective of your breakfast bowl, or the events of recess from the perspective of the recess basket or recess from the perspective of the recess basket or swing set.swing set.

3.3. Write about a toddler eating his/her first piece of Write about a toddler eating his/her first piece of birthday cakebirthday cake without using the words without using the words sticky, sticky, messy, toddler.messy, toddler.

4.4. Write a conversation between two people who Write a conversation between two people who only ask questionsonly ask questions. . Your conversation must include Your conversation must include at least ten questions.at least ten questions.

Week TwelveWeek Twelve

1.1. Imagine you are an author.Imagine you are an author. What genre What genre would you write? What would your book would you write? What would your book be about? Write a summary of your be about? Write a summary of your novel.novel.

2.2. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.If you can dream it, you can achieve it. What would you like to achieve? What What would you like to achieve? What are some of your goals in life? Where are some of your goals in life? Where do you see yourself in fifteen years? do you see yourself in fifteen years? How can you achieve those goals?How can you achieve those goals?

Week ThirteenWeek Thirteen1. Write a paragraph about your Thanksgiving day

that does not include any words with the letter t.2. Create your own fairy god-mother. What does she

look like? What does she have to offer you? Explain how she helps you. Describe her personality.

3. Write a three-sentence paragraph using only the first half of the alphabet - letters a-l.

4. Finish this sentence in three different ways, creating a different feeling with each sentence: As Antonio opened the door, he gasped to see …

Week FourteenWeek Fourteen1. Some ideas are just bad. Washing red underwear with

white shirts is bad. Buying a pet mouse when you already own a pet boa constrictor is a bad idea. List ten more bad ideas.

2. Fatima is a very spoiled teenage girl. Show that she is spoiled, without saying she is spoiled, by describing what happens when she doesn’t get a car for her birthday.

3. “You’re pulling my leg,” is an expression that has nothing to do with real legs. Write an explanation that describes how the expression originated.

4. Write an argument. Make each sentence start with the last letter of the previous sentence. In other words, if the first sentence ends with a e, the next sentence should start with e. Do this for ten sentences.

5. What’s icky? Write six sentences describing six icky things.

Week FifteenWeek Fifteen1. Your life may depend on it. You’re a spy. You’re in danger. You have

to get off an island, fast. You have arranged a signal with the owner of a boat. If he receives a note inviting him to a party, but without using the letter a, he knows to come for you, fast. To avoid suspicion if the note is intercepted, you want to be sure and include all the details about the party, including the reason for it. Write your note. Be careful, though. One accidental a means you won’t be rescued!

2. Write a three-sentence paragraph about the view out an apartment window without using the word the.

3. The young woman her friends call the “Queen of Cute” has a new puppy, and she’s pampering it. How does the “Queen of Cute” describe her new little darling?

4. Write a four-sentence paragraph about winter using only words that begin with ‘w’.

5. The young man his friends call the “King of Cool” has a new Bengal tiger, and he’s teasing it with his mom’s pet rabbit. How does the “King of Cool” describe his new companion?

Week SixteenWeek Sixteen1. You know what an orfinbellydorper is. Most

people don’t. Explain to the ignorant people what to do with one.

2. Only the best is good enough for Bartholomew. (Never call him Bart!) Describe a typical evening for Bartholomew.

3. What if the sky were red, not blue? List five ways this would impact our daily life.

4. Shoot for the moon. Write a story that includes 20 “oo” words.

Week SeventeenWeek Seventeen

1.1. Write four sentences made up of four four-lettered Write four sentences made up of four four-lettered words eachwords each..

2.2. Oddly enough, many Oddly enough, many –unk–unk words suggest something words suggest something unpleasantunpleasant. . Write a Write a pleasantpleasant paragraph using the words paragraph using the words drunk, dunk, junk, skunk, stunk, drunk, dunk, junk, skunk, stunk, andand gunk. gunk.

3.3. List three tactful but true things a person might say List three tactful but true things a person might say about Aunt Krissieabout Aunt Krissie’s’s awful beet juice and lima bean Jell-O awful beet juice and lima bean Jell-O salad.salad.

4.4. Write a very, very, very, very long questionWrite a very, very, very, very long question (at least (at least twenty words long) twenty words long) with a two word answerwith a two word answer. And no, you . And no, you may not write may not write veryvery more than once. more than once.

Week EighteenWeek Eighteen1.1. Jack and Jill went up a hill/to fetch a pail of water./Jack fell down and Jack and Jill went up a hill/to fetch a pail of water./Jack fell down and

broke his crown/ and Jill came tumbling after.broke his crown/ and Jill came tumbling after. There is too much There is too much information missing from this story. Who were Jack and Jill? Why did information missing from this story. Who were Jack and Jill? Why did they need water? Why didn’t they just use the faucet? How did they get they need water? Why didn’t they just use the faucet? How did they get to the hill? What made Jack fall down? How badly was he hurt? Why did to the hill? What made Jack fall down? How badly was he hurt? Why did Jill fall? Jill fall? Rewrite the story of Jack and Jill giving more detailsRewrite the story of Jack and Jill giving more details..

2.2. Olivia has been criticized by her boyfriend for not expressing her Olivia has been criticized by her boyfriend for not expressing her feelings enoughfeelings enough. “I never know what you think about anything!” he says. . “I never know what you think about anything!” he says. “You never give me details. You shut me out of your life!” Olivia decided “You never give me details. You shut me out of your life!” Olivia decided to teach her boyfriend a lesson. When he comes to pick her up one night, to teach her boyfriend a lesson. When he comes to pick her up one night, she shares, completely, every detail and thought in her head from the time she shares, completely, every detail and thought in her head from the time they leave the house until they get in the car and shut the door. What does they leave the house until they get in the car and shut the door. What does Olivia say?Olivia say?

3.3. You are a farmer and want a personalized license plateYou are a farmer and want a personalized license plate . You aren’t . You aren’t allowed to use more than seven letters and one hyphen or space. Come allowed to use more than seven letters and one hyphen or space. Come up with at least three ideas for your plates.up with at least three ideas for your plates.

4.4. Everyone knew better than to ask Mildred “How are you?”Everyone knew better than to ask Mildred “How are you?” Once Once again, though, someone forgot. Write down Mildred’s lengthy (eight again, though, someone forgot. Write down Mildred’s lengthy (eight sentences) response.sentences) response.

5.5. Free writeFree write!!

Week NineteenWeek Nineteen1.1. Write a four-line song or poem about mayonnaise.Write a four-line song or poem about mayonnaise. Yes, it must Yes, it must

rhyme.rhyme.2.2. Write a paragraph on a subject of your choosing, using only Write a paragraph on a subject of your choosing, using only

one-syllable wordsone-syllable words..3.3. You are paying $10.00 per word to advertise in the classified You are paying $10.00 per word to advertise in the classified

section of the Upscale Times, a newspaper for a very wealthy area section of the Upscale Times, a newspaper for a very wealthy area of town. of town. You want to offer your services as a dog sitterYou want to offer your services as a dog sitter. . Write a Write a convincing ad, but don’t spend more than $200.00.convincing ad, but don’t spend more than $200.00.

4.4. Here’s what William hopes: He sincerely hopes that with time and Here’s what William hopes: He sincerely hopes that with time and patience and firm but gentle guidance, his daughter Angelica, who patience and firm but gentle guidance, his daughter Angelica, who has insisted upon being called “Cobra Girl” ever since she got the has insisted upon being called “Cobra Girl” ever since she got the tattoo down the left side of her neck, will have someone besides tattoo down the left side of her neck, will have someone besides the police escort her home sometimes. He hoped she might start the police escort her home sometimes. He hoped she might start volunteering at the nursing home again, and maybe even get a job volunteering at the nursing home again, and maybe even get a job using that high school diploma of hers for something besides a using that high school diploma of hers for something besides a liner in her sock drawer. liner in her sock drawer. Tell what Cobra Girl sincerely hopes.Tell what Cobra Girl sincerely hopes.

5.5. In writing, show that a room has a very, very bad smellIn writing, show that a room has a very, very bad smell – but – but without saying it has a very, very bad smell.without saying it has a very, very bad smell.

Week TwentyWeek Twenty1.1. Unbeknowst to a lot of people, Unbeknowst to a lot of people, the chicken had a the chicken had a lotlot of reasons of reasons

for crossing the roadfor crossing the road.. What were ten of them? What were ten of them?2.2. Write six food and people similesWrite six food and people similes. . In other words, compare a In other words, compare a

person (real or imaginary) to food. For example: Franco is as person (real or imaginary) to food. For example: Franco is as assertive as a piece of lettuce. Your comparisons should create a assertive as a piece of lettuce. Your comparisons should create a very clear image of the person.very clear image of the person.

3.3. Write another very long questionWrite another very long question (this time (this time 3030 words) words) with a with a very short answervery short answer (one word). (one word).

4.4. Here’s the beginning of a paragraph: Here’s the beginning of a paragraph: Quentin felt queasy after Quentin felt queasy after eating quince and quaileating quince and quail.. Finish the paragraph, using at least ten Finish the paragraph, using at least ten ququ words. (No, the ones in the sentence given do NOT count.) words. (No, the ones in the sentence given do NOT count.)

5.5. Mac is a person who loves himselfMac is a person who loves himself. . He loves himself very, very, He loves himself very, very, very, very much. Show how much Mac thinks of himself by very, very much. Show how much Mac thinks of himself by describing some of his actions in a five-sentence paragraph. describing some of his actions in a five-sentence paragraph. Describe only his actions, not his thoughts.Describe only his actions, not his thoughts.

Week Twenty-One1. Write a three-sentence paragraph about someone

who looks bored. Do not use the words: yawn, bored, stared, sighed.

2. A child finds an extraterrestrial in her backyard. It’s not E.T. Who is it? What is it like? What does the child do? What happens? Explain in five sentences.

3. “Oops,” muttered Miss Klinkfelder. Why the “oops?” Describe what led to Miss Klinkfelder’s “oops.”

4. There are only four words in the English dictionary that start with dw: dwell, dwindle, dwarf, dweeb. Write a paragraph that incorporates all four dw words.

5. Describe the gunky stuff that gets caught at the bottom of the sink. Don’t use the words gross or disgusting. Three sentences.

Week Twenty-Two1. Write a story that includes the following words/objects: water

fountain, clock, moon, magnifying glass, parachute, lock, phone, castle, apple.

2. Some people believe the word ‘door hinge’ rhymes with ‘orange’. In reality, ‘door hinge’ and ‘orange’ are called a half-rhyme. A half-rhyme are two words that share the same vowel sound and seem to rhyme, but do not because their ending consonants are not the same (or vice versa). More examples: time, line; tug, tub; moon, broom. Write a poem that uses five pairs of half-rhymes.

3. Write about a messy baby eating spaghetti without using the words: baby, messy, spaghetti.

4. Describe the book that would make you a famous author. Would it be fiction? If so, what kind? Fantasy, historical, realistic? What about non-fiction? Something about your own life, someone else’s life, or a historical event?

5. Write an advertisement trying to sell that dirty, old, object you’ve kept in the back of your closet for five years.

Week Twenty-Three1. In English, writers generally use ah-choo to describe the sound

made by a sneeze. In Russian, the sound is ap-chi. In Chinese it is han-chee. In Czechoslovakian, it is kychnuti. Create five more ways to describe the sound a sneeze makes, then use them all in a paragraph about someone with allergies.

2. Write a sentence (or more than one) about a holiday using exactly 50 words.

3. Write a sentence with no “ascenders” or “descenders”. Ascenders or descenders are letters that have parts that extend above or below the main part of the letter in most type fonts: b, d, f, g, h, I, j, k, l, p, q, t, y. (Capital letters don’t count.)

4. Madison is so happy. In one paragraph, show that she is happy, but don’t use the word ‘happy’ or any synonyms for ‘happy’.

5. How many different ways can you say that precipitation fell – without using the words “precipitation fell”? (If you don’t know what precipitation is, look it up. DO NOT ask me.)

Week Twenty-Four1. Use all five vowels at least once in ONE sentence about gravy.2. What if the shape round did not exist except as the shape of the

earth and moon? Looking at just your immediate world, how would your life be different?

3. Jasmine wrote an email to her best friend Erin, telling all about the stupid thing her boss did that day. Just as she finished, the phone rang. As she picked up the phone, she accidentally hit “Eric” instead of “Erin” in her address book. Eric is her boss. Jasmine decided to never go to work again. What on earth did Jasmine write about her boss?

4. Write a short conversation that might take place between two people who are unlikely to ever meet (it cannot be between you and another person). For example, you might have your first grade teacher talk to Benjamin Franklin or Hillary Clinton talking to the weird guy on the end of your street.

Week Twenty-FiveWeek Twenty-Five1.1. Your life may depend on it. Your life may depend on it. You’re a spy. You’re in danger (again). You’re a spy. You’re in danger (again).

You have to get off an island, fast (again).You have to get off an island, fast (again). You have arranged a You have arranged a signal with the owner of a boat (again). If he receives a note about signal with the owner of a boat (again). If he receives a note about your favorite food, but without using the letter your favorite food, but without using the letter ee, he knows to come , he knows to come for you, fast. To avoid suspicion if the note is intercepted, you want for you, fast. To avoid suspicion if the note is intercepted, you want to be sure and include all the details about the food, including the to be sure and include all the details about the food, including the reason you like it. Write your note. Be careful, though. One reason you like it. Write your note. Be careful, though. One accidental accidental ee means you won’t be rescued! means you won’t be rescued!

2.2. Here are the letters you can use: Here are the letters you can use: e, s, a, t, r, c, n, m, h, w, de, s, a, t, r, c, n, m, h, w, d.. How How many sentences can you write using only these letters? You must many sentences can you write using only these letters? You must write at least three.write at least three.

3.3. Create a superheroCreate a superhero that the world needs. Your superhero must be that the world needs. Your superhero must be entirely original, unlike any superhero ever created. Is the hero male entirely original, unlike any superhero ever created. Is the hero male or female? What special powers does s/he have? What problem will or female? What special powers does s/he have? What problem will s/he solve for the world? Will the hero solve an important problem s/he solve for the world? Will the hero solve an important problem or just a small, annoying one?or just a small, annoying one?

4.4. Some people say you can tell a lot about a person by the vehicle Some people say you can tell a lot about a person by the vehicle he/she drives. Picture a car (or a truck, or an SUV). In your mind, he/she drives. Picture a car (or a truck, or an SUV). In your mind, rummage through this car. Check it out from every angle. rummage through this car. Check it out from every angle. Describe Describe the car and the person who drives it.the car and the person who drives it.

5.5. Allegorical names generally give a hint about who a character is. Allegorical names generally give a hint about who a character is. Herman Pocketprotector, for example, might be a nerd, while Hazel Herman Pocketprotector, for example, might be a nerd, while Hazel Scuttlebutt is a busybody. Scuttlebutt is a busybody. Invent two characters with allegorical Invent two characters with allegorical names. Then write a conversation between themnames. Then write a conversation between them. What they say . What they say should reflect the personality suggested by their names.should reflect the personality suggested by their names.

Week Twenty-SixWeek Twenty-Six1.1. Write a ten-sentence story using only two or three word sentences.Write a ten-sentence story using only two or three word sentences.2.2. What kind of cartoon would appeal to the over-age-65 audience?What kind of cartoon would appeal to the over-age-65 audience?

Imagine the show, then, in 100 words exactly, describe the show and Imagine the show, then, in 100 words exactly, describe the show and its main character.its main character.

3.3. Why? Why? Why? A four-year-old wants to know why chairs have Why? Why? Why? A four-year-old wants to know why chairs have four legs. You explain that it is for balance. “Why else?” she asks. four legs. You explain that it is for balance. “Why else?” she asks. She won’t stop asking “Why?” until you’ve helped her think of every She won’t stop asking “Why?” until you’ve helped her think of every reason imaginable. reason imaginable. List all the reasons you can come up with, both List all the reasons you can come up with, both serious and fanciful.serious and fanciful.

4.4. Finish this sentence three different ways, creating a different feeling Finish this sentence three different ways, creating a different feeling with each sentence: with each sentence: As Antonio opened the door, he gasped to see…As Antonio opened the door, he gasped to see…

5.5. The letters –tion are very common at the end of English nouns. Here The letters –tion are very common at the end of English nouns. Here are just a few: station, nation, vacation. are just a few: station, nation, vacation. Write a six-lined poem in Write a six-lined poem in which each line ends in a –tion wordwhich each line ends in a –tion word (No, you may not use the (No, you may not use the examples.) examples.)

Week Twenty-SevenWeek Twenty-Seven

1.1. Somebody is sitting behind you on the bus. You only hear Somebody is sitting behind you on the bus. You only hear one side of the odd cell phone conversation, but it one side of the odd cell phone conversation, but it intrigues and alarms you. intrigues and alarms you. What do you hearWhat do you hear??

2.2. Great-grandpa Rotondo doesn’t understand what a video Great-grandpa Rotondo doesn’t understand what a video game is. Or an iPod. Or text messaging. Or email. Pick game is. Or an iPod. Or text messaging. Or email. Pick one of these or another technological invention that wasn’t one of these or another technological invention that wasn’t around when Great-grandpa was younger. around when Great-grandpa was younger. Explain what it Explain what it is in terms that even the most un-technological person is in terms that even the most un-technological person could understand.could understand.

3.3. What would yellow taste like if you could chew it? What would yellow taste like if you could chew it? 4.4. Write a three-sentence paragraph where every word Write a three-sentence paragraph where every word

begins with ‘s’.begins with ‘s’. (you may use articles.) (you may use articles.)5.5. Who makes you laugh? Why? Who makes you laugh? Why? Explain what makes that Explain what makes that

person funny.person funny.

Week Twenty-EightWeek Twenty-Eight1.1. Three people are stuck in an elevator: a teenager with Three people are stuck in an elevator: a teenager with

green hair and a pierced nose, a pastry chef, and a priest. green hair and a pierced nose, a pastry chef, and a priest. Write the conversation they have as they wait for help.Write the conversation they have as they wait for help.

2.2. Write a paragraph consisting of only six-lettered wordsWrite a paragraph consisting of only six-lettered words. You . You may not use articles.may not use articles.

3.3. The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest is held every year to The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest is held every year to recognize the author of the worst possible opening line for a recognize the author of the worst possible opening line for a book. To enter, contestants simply submit the worst book. To enter, contestants simply submit the worst sentence they can imagine to begin a book. sentence they can imagine to begin a book. Write your Write your contest entry sentence. contest entry sentence.

4.4. Carlos is a poet.Carlos is a poet. Write a message (about one sentence) for Write a message (about one sentence) for his answering machine that reflects his personality. his answering machine that reflects his personality.

5.5. Write a news paragraph that includes the following wordsWrite a news paragraph that includes the following words: : cantaloupe, toothpaste, guitar, flashlight, flip-flops.cantaloupe, toothpaste, guitar, flashlight, flip-flops.

Week Twenty-Nine1. For five years, Webster’s New International Dictionary included

an entry for the word dord. However, dord is not an actual word. Invent your own definition for the word, including a part of speech and sample sentence.

2. Open your dictionary and select three words that a person would not normally use in a conversation. Include the words in a paragraph.

3. Place this sentence in a paragraph where it would make sense: Bea had never before wanted to be a bee.

4. Write a paragraph that starts with this sentence: Why don’t you learn to talk to a rooster? and ends with this one: She slugged him.

5. How many ways can you say, “She never stops talking” without actually writing, “She never stops talking?”

Week Thirty

1. Write a paragraph about your Easter celebration without using words that have the letter r.

2. Write a poem about spring. You must use the following rhyme pattern: AAABBB.

3. Songs for little children sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. For example, “Rock’a’bye, Baby” has a baby falling out of a tree, and “Little Bunny Foo Foo” has a bunny boppin’ people’s heads. Write a new, more wholesome song for children to the tune of one of the above rhymes.

Week Thirty-One1. Write a paragraph that has at least nine words that begin with the

letter a and are at least nine letters long. Example: (you may not use this word) – alligator

2. Burp! Slosh! Snort! Write a paragraph that includes at least twenty onomatopoeia (sound) words.

3. Write a six-sentence paragraph that starts with this sentence: The book is dangerous.

4. “Yipes!” said the zebra. “I’ve lost my stripes!” Finish the story using at least five more words that rhymes with yipes.

5. Euphemisms are polite words for something unpleasant. For example, we often say pass on instead of kicked the bucket or died. New neighbors have moved in across the street, and they are asking you about the guy who lives on the corner. It’s Arnold, the weirdest guy in the neighborhood. Describe Arnold, truthfully, but use at least three euphemisms to describe his behavior.

Week Thirty-Two1. Poor Miss Shackleford has six-year-old Andrew Dunkle in her first

grade class. In only three days, Andrew has caused Miss Shackleford to seriously consider resigning and becoming a waitress or a Chuck E. Cheese manager. Miss Shackleford tries hard to see the good in every child and in every situation. She doesn’t really believe that little Andrew has the potential to become an ax murderer, despite what he did to the goldfish and poor, unsuspecting Sally. Help Miss Shackleford write a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Dunkle, accentuating the positive, but letting them know that Andrew needs to learn just a tad more self-discipline.

2. Now rewrite Miss Shackleford’s letter to say what she would really like to tell Mr. and Mrs. Dunkle about their horrid little terror that has disrupted her class day after day with his monstrous antics. Fill your letter with spicy adjectives to let them know how appalling he is.

3. If you have to lose the ability to see, hear, or speak, which would you choose and why?

4. . 5. .

Week Thirty-Three

1. Write about the field trip from the perspective of your camera. If you didn’t have one, imagine you did.

2. If you have to lose the ability to see, hear, or speak, which would you choose and why?

3. In your opinion, what is the best theme a book can have? Why?

4. Fairytales usually have happy endings. Take a look at Cinderella – she’s poor, abused, lonely, and yet she finds Prince Charming who sweeps her off her feet and they live happily ever after. Choose one fairytale and rewrite the ending. The new ending can be funny, sad, scary, but it cannot be happy.

5. Describe Albert Alfred in 100 words exactly.

Week Thirty-Four

1. Oops! Your sibling and you were playing football/basketball/ soccer/volleyball in the house and knocked over an antique vase. Describe what happened from the point of view of the vase, emphasizing the fact that you’ve last so long (centuries - you are an antique, after all) only to be destroyed by a bunch of rampaging children.

2. What 6 things could you buy for $20 (total, not separate)? Why did you choose those items?

3. List six terrible things to say to someone who’s pet is missing. 4. Spruce up this boring story: In a cursed land, a wizard sets out

to find a cure. 5. Write about a spoon inside a dishwasher.

Week Thirty-Five

1. Use the following words in a story: priest, ring, waterfall, magnifying glass.

2. What was the best novel you’ve read this year? What made the novel so memorable?

3. Here’s the main character: a poor child who hasn’t had anything to eat in three days. Here’s the key object: a locket. Here’s the setting: an old barn. Now, tell the story.

4. Complete the following list: The Ten Worst Things That Could Happen to Me on the Way to School.

5. Silence is a great healer. What does this metaphor mean?

Week Thirty-Six1. Imagine you own a personalized vending machine that

dispenses whatever you want right in your room. What six objects would you want in your vending machine and why? (No, you may not ask for money).

2. Write a newspaper article with this headline: Hospitals won’t help dying man.

3. Write a poem about the future using only letters found in the following sentence: Endless opportunities await me. It does not have to rhyme.

4. Begin your story with this line: It was the one object he (or she) desired the most, and yet …