Chains

To prepare for the session, cut up some paper strips. They don't have to be coloured; you could use white scrap paper if resources are stretched. 

You'll need enough glue sticks for one-between-two.

We got musical accompaniment to one of the stories!

Here's a totally frivolous activity for the end of term. The children worked in pairs and were asked to come up with a story chain where every link had one word written on it. It's an interesting dynamic, creating a narrative one word at a time, especially when it's two writers working together. 

I offered a small prize for the longest chain and another for the most entertaining story.

Very Honoured to be on Brain Moses' Poetry Blog

You can read Brian's post on his amazing and inspirational blog:  Welcome to the Ssssssnake Hotel

Elfje Poems

An Elfje poem is a very short poem based on 11 syllables. The pattern is:

1

2

3

4

1

As long as the children are clear about what a syllable is, Elfje poems are very straightforward to write, and an alternative to haikus. Today a member of staff brought in her guinea pigs and, after we'd observed their essential piggy qualities, the group went off and wrote their Elfjes. I don't have permission to share their work on this blog, so instead I give you some examples of my own. I also include some fun guinea pig facts for you to share.

Any animal would be a good stimulus for an Elfje poem if cavies aren't available.