Description
Perfect as a no-prep sub plan or even an after test activity for upper elementary and/or middle school students, this mystery picture and writing activity provides listening comprehension, entertainment, and creative writing practice all rolled into one. We all have days when we need a great lesson in a pinch, and that’s why I created Watch, Listen, Learn, and Write: Books & Creativity!
Students will watch a fun and whimsical 17 minute TED Talk about writing that creates a doorway to wonder by “escaping” the page, becoming real to the reader.
Kids will answer multiple-choice questions that gradually reveal a hidden picture. The short response prompts at the end will require textual evidence, and then kids will have a chance to create an unusual store, just like the pirate supply store in the video. In all, this is an engaging two day activity.
For teachers in a pinch, coming up with a quick lesson has never been easier!
Watch, Listen, Learn, and Write: Books & Creativity is an excellent, no-prep activity that includes a listening activity with a mystery picture and writing activities that are perfect for middle school students. Kids will LOVE the video, and they’ll be excited to see the hidden picture slowly being revealed as they answer the self-checking multiple-choice questions correctly.
HOW WILL I USE THIS RESOURCE?
This activity is quick to prep and implement because all you have to do is give students the links to the video and the activity. That’s it! You can choose to do the hidden picture AND the writing tasks, or you can do just one or the other.
WHAT’S THE VIDEO ABOUT?
Watch, Listen, Learn, Write: Books & Creativity is fun and whimsical. And if you’ve ever wondered what’s sold in a pirate supply store or what real kids say to a fictional whale, you’re in for a treat!
WHY WILL THIS RESOURCE BE SUPER USEFUL?
- You can leave it with a sub. (It’s PERFECT substitute work because it’s NOT just busy work!)
- Share as an after test activity for middle school students.
- Use the creative writing part as a fun in-class presentation project!
- Encourage kids to complete it over the summer as a skills review activity.
- Use it to introduce a speaking and listening unit or a content-related lesson.
- Assign it between lessons or units, when you aren’t ready to start something new.
- Share the materials with early finishers.
- Assign it for homework or as an enrichment activity.
- Fun Fridays
- WIN time: W.I.N. – What I need
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Suggested classroom Do-Now activity for generating interest.
- Several links to access the video. Students can use their own devices or you can play it for the whole class.
- Viewing tips for students
- Google Sheets activity with 9 multiple choice questions and a hidden mystery picture
- 1 Google Slide with short response writing prompts
- 1 Google slide that provides students with extension questions to encourage curiosity and research
- A printable pdf version of the writing activities
- Answer key
NOTE: The actual video is not included; however, I supply you with several links to access it.
WHICH SKILLS ARE COVERED?
Students will practice:
- listening comprehension skills
- inferencing skills
- using digital media
- writing using textual evidence
- writing for a specific task, purpose, and audience
HOW LONG WILL THIS LESSON TAKE?
Part 1: Video and Self-Checking Mystery Picture: about 20 minutes
Part 2: Writing: This will take another 40-50 minutes or can be a bit longer if you review the answers and have students share the creative writing part.
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❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ACTIVITY❤️
♡ It’s Easy to Use!
All you have to do is assign the tasks you want students to do. Everything is self-directed! Students will learn while working independently. It’s a great activity to leave with a sub!
♡ It Provides Valuable Skill Practice
Students must learn to listen actively, recall information, make inferences, and provide evidence. This resource provides that valuable practice in a unique and imaginative way.
♡ It’s Fun and Engaging!
The video is engaging and perfectly appropriate for students in grades 5-7. Students will love learning about everyone’s favorite fun activity and they’ll love trying to uncover the self-checking mystery picture! They’ll also have a blast with the fun creative writing task!
Thanks for checking out this No-Prep Sub Plan activity. Be sure to look at the preview to see everything that’s included!
Here’s hoping your kids are eager to listen and learn!
Darlene Anne
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