In browsing some homeschooling websites, we found this charming post by Amy about a great creative writing exercise.
To try it, have students brainstorm on their own for a few minutes about a favorite or recent book they have read. Ask them to write down some details about the characters, plot, setting, etc.
Then pair students together and let them share their book.
Next, ask students to write a story on their own, about what happens when their character winds up in their partner’s book.
Students in pairs can help each other with brainstorming by giving them additional details of their books. Teachers can also differentiate by lettings students choose what aspect of their partner’s book they’d like to swap, such as setting, character, plot, etc. Students who cannot write much on their own could contribute drawings of the mismatched scenes.