So you don't want to write...right?

Today is just one of those days. We're literally snowed in....nothing is moving. No trucks. No cars. I haven't even seen a bus. Schools are closed. Libraries are closed. Even the Ohio State University is closed. Frankly, I don't feel like writing.

That's how all writers feel from time to time. That's how teachers and their kids feel too. This is the perfect time to forget about writng as a form of communication. Why not take it to an even different level? Write to have fun with no expectations or pressure!

If you're a writer, make your pen or pencil be you. Get creative. Go crazy! Just play.
Here's an example:
I am Jan's pen. Sometimes I think she'll never slow down and I want her to quit. I just can't take it anymore. She grasps me like there's no tomorrow and every now and then she puts me in her mouth and takes a bite. Who is this woman who has me in her control? What is she?

If you're a teacher play with your kids for a bit. Talk through this same kind of exercise, only make a paper the personified object. The act of sharing an activity like this will free your kids up to truly write later. Sharing is the key to successful student writing. You value what your kids have to say, (as well as write)so why wouldn't they want to become engaged in the game of writing?

After you've orally completed this exercise, do the first activity I suggested using the example of the pen. If your kids are too young to write, you can talk this one through too. Writing is fun. Writing is playful. Don't forget to take time to play with words just for the thrill of the game!