This activity is a way to engage every student in the room. Many students don’t always feel like they have the freedom to drive the direction of their writing and ideas. Give students the freedom and allow them to grow into who they will become.

How It Works:

1. Provide students with a picture (can be historical, artistic, or abstract).

2. Give students a set amount of time to complete the activity. Timelines can vary depending on your classroom needs—ranging anywhere from 12 minutes to 40 minutes.

Tips for Engagement:

• Framing matters: remind students this is their story, their voice, and their chance to create.

• Encourage them to revise and strengthen their drafts before submitting.

Making it Authentic:
I ask another teacher or staff member in the school to serve as a judge. They receive only the stories and the original picture. Once the results are in, I give prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Why It Works:

• Every student is actively involved.

• The competition element provides incentive and excitement.

• It builds confidence, showing students their ideas matter and are worth sharing.

This assignment has been an incredible tool for engagement, creativity, and growth!