Summer Workshop Time! Paragraph Game

 It is always so fun to plan a summer workshop.  The genres of writing can stay the same or differ slightly than the school year, but the environment is pleasant, relaxing, and almost vacation-like.  (Who DOESN"T write while on vacation?!)

Summer workshops this year are in backyards or via Zoom, and I will continue to add entertaining reads to this section of the blog all summer long.

The first assignment we open up with is a Paragraph Writing Partner Game.   The kids first partner up with someone who shares a similar interest in topics.  Topics vary, but always have a summer theme.  For example:

~The Best Thing About Summer

~The Best Theme Park

~The Best Roller Coaster

~The Best Video Games

~Sunburns

~School (previous grade)

and more!

Then, they roll the dice or draw numbers.  The number they get corresponds with a sentence pattern they must use as the next step in their paragraph.  Examples may be:

~Use two vivid adjectives

~Start your sentence with an attention-getting adverb

~Use a dependent clause that tells where or when

~Vary your punctuation

~Start your sentence with a "Because"

and more!

These rising 6th-7th graders wow'd me with their vocabulary and their teamwork.  See if you can spot what makes each sentence unique.  Enjoy!

Summer

by Beckham and Benjamin (rising 6th graders)

     The burning heat scorched my skin as I jumped into the cooling waters of the poo.  Calmingly, I floated through the pool, letting go of all responsibilities I had during the school year.  I got out of the pool to dry off, but I got attacked by the vicious pool cleaner.  As the pool cleaner attacked me, I screamed at the top of my lungs.  It' going to be a long summer!

Roller Coasters

By Bobby and Ori (rising 6th graders)

     Roller coasters are the best!  This has been proven by Lucas who said, "Roller coasters are fun!"  Obviously, roller coasters are extreme.  When people get on the ride, they shoot up at lightning speeds, and swerve down doing loops and going upside-down.  As they enter the station, a man in a hat throws up, and the people get out of the ride desperately trying to get away from him.  Clearly, if roller coasters make people puke, they're the best.

The Best Vacation Destination

by Nicolyn (rising 7th grader), Ella (rising 6th grader), and Vivienne (rising 6th grader)

    Clearly, Hawaii is the most incredible destination in the U.S.  Playful dolphins surround these Hawaiian islands.  Because of this, you experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures and many others.  It does not only have dolphins; it has many other creatures, such as the tiger shark or the green sea turtle.  Ella declares that, "Whether you're swimming with the dolphins, playing with the turtles,, or snorkeling with the tiger sharks, Hawaii is obviously the best travel destination!"