Overview: Using literature to inspire students to write.
Resources: Teacher: A copy of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. Student: pencil, paper.
Teacher Preparation: none.
Procedure:
1. Read the book aloud to the class.
2. Share a “terrible, horrible” day you have experienced.
3. Have students share their experiences.
4. Instruct students to make two lists. One list should include things that happened to them on a very bad day. The other list should be things that might happen to make a great day.
Variations/Options: Students can write their own stories. Combine a bad day and good day in the same story.