creative writing project grade 8

8th Grade Writing Prompts – 101 Prompt Samples

Table of Contents

Introduction

As eighth-grade students stand on the cusp of high school, it becomes crucial to nurture their writing skills and foster a love for the written word. That’s why incorporating 8th Grade Writing Prompts into your curriculum can be a game-changer. 

Whether used for daily journaling or as inspiration for group projects, these 8th grade writing sol prompts provide a platform for students to hone their writing abilities and develop their unique voices. 

So, let’s dive into this treasure trove of thought-provoking prompts and embark on a writing journey that will ignite their imagination and prepare them for the exciting challenges that lie ahead in high school.

What is a Writing Prompt? 

A writing prompt is a thought-provoking question, statement, or scenario that prompts students to generate ideas and compose a written response. It serves as a starting point or a catalyst for writing, stimulating creativity and encouraging students to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through written words.

Why Are Writing Prompts Important?

Writing prompts are important for several reasons:

Stimulating Creativity

If you craft quality 8th grade sol writing prompts it will provide your students a spark of inspiration, pushing students to think beyond their usual boundaries and explore new ideas. They encourage students to tap into their imagination and develop unique storylines, characters, and perspectives.

Developing Writing Skills

Prompts help students practice and refine their writing skills. By regularly responding to prompts, students improve their ability to articulate ideas clearly, structure their writing effectively, and use appropriate language and grammar.

Fostering Critical Thinking 

Writing prompts often require students to analyze, evaluate, and reflect on various topics or scenarios. They promote critical thinking skills by encouraging students to consider multiple perspectives, weigh evidence, and form logical arguments.

Building Confidence

Writing prompts provide a low-stakes environment for students to experiment with different writing styles, genres, and techniques. By consistently engaging in writing exercises, students gain confidence in their abilities and become more comfortable expressing themselves through writing.

Encouraging Self-Reflection 

Many sol writing prompts for 8th grade encourage students to reflect on their own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. This introspection promotes self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth as students explore their own thoughts and feelings on various topics.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Writing prompts cultivate effective communication skills by helping students organize their thoughts, express themselves coherently, and connect with their audience. These skills are valuable not only in academic settings but also in everyday life and future careers.

8th Grade Writing Prompts – 101 Examples 

These creative writing prompts for 8th grade will not only challenge students’ writing abilities but also encourage self-reflection, critical thinking, and empathy. So, let’s dive into this collection of prompts, designed to unleash the full potential of your students’ writing skills: 

• Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you approach it, and what were the outcomes?
• Imagine you could have a conversation with your future self. What advice would you give to your future self, and why?
• Write a short story about a mysterious object that you find in your backyard.
• Describe your dream vacation destination. What would you do there, and why is it your ideal place to visit?
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against school uniforms. Provide reasons and evidence to support your position.
• If you could invent any gadget, what would it be and how would it improve people’s lives?
• Describe a place from your childhood that holds special memories for you. Explain why it is significant and what you remember most about it.
• Write a letter to your favorite author, expressing how their book has impacted you and why you admire their work.
• Imagine you wake up one morning with the ability to fly. Describe your experience and how it would change your daily life.
• Write a poem about the beauty of nature and its importance in our lives.
• If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
• Describe a time when you faced a fear and how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience?
• Write a story about a character who discovers they have a special superpower. How do they use it, and what challenges do they face?
• Should cell phones be allowed in schools? Write an argumentative essay stating your opinion and providing supporting evidence.
• Imagine you could travel back in time to any historical event. Which event would you choose, and what would you do there?
• Write a letter to your future self, predicting where you will be in ten years and what accomplishments you hope to achieve.
• Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life and explain why they are important to you.
• If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose and why? How would you use their abilities or traits to make a positive impact?
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the use of animals in scientific experiments. Present your viewpoint and support it with evidence.
• Imagine you found a magic key that could unlock any door. Where would the key take you, and what adventures would you have?
• Write a poem expressing your thoughts and feelings about friendship.
• Should students be required to perform community service? Write an argumentative essay expressing your opinion and providing reasons to support it.
• Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What challenges did you face, and how did you contribute to the team’s success?
• If you could have any superpower, other than flying, what would it be and how would you use it to make a difference in the world?
• Write a story about a character who discovers a hidden treasure. Describe the treasure, how they find it, and what they do with it.
• Should schools have dress codes? Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against dress codes in schools.
• Describe a memorable family tradition and explain why it is important to you and your family.
• Imagine you wake up one morning with the ability to speak and understand any language. How would this ability change your life?
• Write a letter to your future children, offering them advice and sharing important life lessons you have learned.
• Should junk food be banned in schools? Write an argumentative essay stating your opinion and supporting it with evidence.
• Describe a place that makes you feel calm and peaceful. What is it about this place that brings you tranquility?
• If you could have any talent or skill instantly, what would you choose and how would you use it to benefit others?
• Write a poem about the power of kindness and its impact on the world.
• Should students be allowed to grade their teachers? Write a persuasive essay expressing your opinion on this topic and providing reasons to support it.
• Describe a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle. How did you face the challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?
• If you could be a character from a book, who would you choose and why? Describe how your life would be different as that character.
• Write a story about a world where everyone’s dreams come true. Explore the consequences and challenges of living in such a world.
• Should schools require students to wear uniforms? Write an argumentative essay stating your position and providing evidence to support it.
• Describe a person from history who inspires you. Explain their accomplishments and how they have influenced your life.
• If you could live in any fictional universe, which one would you choose and why? Describe what your life would be like in that universe.
• Write a letter to your favorite teacher, expressing your gratitude for their impact on your education and personal growth.
• Should zoos exist? Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the existence of zoos, providing reasons and evidence to support your viewpoint.
• Describe a time when you had to stand up for what you believed in, even if it was difficult. Explain why you felt it was important to take a stand.
• Imagine you are the president of your country for a day. What changes or improvements would you make, and why?
• Write a story about a group of friends who embark on an exciting adventure. Describe the challenges they face and how their friendship helps them overcome obstacles.
• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in class? Write an argumentative essay stating your opinion on this topic and providing supporting evidence.
• Describe a dream or aspiration you have for your future. What steps are you taking to achieve this dream?
• If you could have a conversation with any animal, which one would you choose and why? What would you ask or tell them?
• Write a poem about the importance of education and its impact on personal growth.
• Should video games be considered a sport? Write a persuasive essay stating your opinion on this topic and providing reasons to support it.
• Describe a person who has been a positive role model in your life. Explain the qualities they possess that make them an inspiration to you.
• Imagine you could create your own holiday. What would it be called, and how would people celebrate it?
• Write a letter to your future self, reflecting on your goals and aspirations. Discuss what steps you have taken to achieve them and what challenges you anticipate.
• Should students be required to take a foreign language in school? Write an argumentative essay expressing your opinion on this topic and providing evidence to support it.
• Describe a time when you felt proud of an accomplishment. What did you do, and why was it significant to you?
• If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why? Explain how this change would benefit society.
• Write a story about a character who discovers a hidden talent or ability within themselves. How do they uncover it, and how does it impact their life?
• Should homework be abolished? Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against homework, providing reasons and evidence to support your viewpoint.
• Imagine you wake up one morning with the ability to speak to animals. Write a diary entry about your first conversation with your pet.
• Write a short story about a time-traveling adventure to a historical event of your choice.
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it to make the world a better place?
• Describe a place you’ve always wanted to visit and explain why it fascinates you.
• Write a letter to your future self, describing the person you hope to become and the goals you want to achieve.
• Invent a new holiday and write an essay explaining its origins and how people would celebrate it.
• Create a dialogue between two characters who find a magical object that grants them one wish each.
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the use of cell phones in schools.
• Imagine you’re the main character in a video game. Describe the challenges you face and how you overcome them.
• Write a poem inspired by a famous work of art.
• Describe an important lesson you’ve learned from a family member or close friend.
• If you could interview any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
• Write a short story set in a world where humans coexist with intelligent robots.
• Imagine you discover a hidden door in your house that leads to a secret room. Describe what you find inside.
• Write a letter to your favorite author, telling them how their book has influenced your life.
• If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you choose and why?
• Describe a dream you’ve had that felt incredibly real. What happened in the dream, and how did you feel when you woke up?
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the importance of art and music education in schools.
• Imagine you’re stranded on a desert island. Write a journal entry detailing your survival strategies and how you cope with isolation.
• Create a dialogue between two characters who have opposing views on a controversial social issue.
• Write a poem about a natural disaster and its aftermath.
• If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and why? Describe the conversation you would have.
• Describe a time when you faced a fear and how you overcame it.
• Write a short story about a mysterious message found in a bottle.
• Imagine you can speak any language fluently. Which language would you choose and how would it change your life?
• Create a dialogue between two historical figures who lived in different time periods.
• Write a letter to your future children, sharing advice and life lessons.
• If you could be a character from any book, who would you choose and why?
• Describe a favorite childhood memory and explain why it’s special to you.
• Imagine you’re the ruler of a fictional country. Describe your leadership style and the changes you would make.
• Write a short story about a magical object that brings good luck to its owner.
• If you could have a conversation with your favorite athlete or sports star, what would you ask them?
• Write a story about a day in the life of a superhero with a unique and unusual power.
• Imagine you wake up one morning and discover that you have the ability to speak and understand all languages. Describe how this new power changes your life.
• Write a persuasive essay arguing for or against the use of smartphones in classrooms.
• Imagine you have the opportunity to travel back in time to any historical event. Which event would you choose and why? Write a journal entry describing your experience.
• Write a short story that takes place in a world where all forms of transportation have been banned. How do people get around? What challenges do they face?
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Write a letter to your best friend describing your experience and the strategies you’re using to survive.
• Choose a controversial topic (such as climate change, gun control, or social media) and write an argumentative essay presenting both sides of the issue.
• Write a poem that captures the emotions and experiences of transitioning from middle school to high school.
• Imagine you are a detective trying to solve a mysterious crime. Write a detailed account of your investigation, including the clues you find and the suspects you interrogate.
• Write a descriptive essay about your favorite place in nature. Use sensory details to transport your reader there and make them experience it with you.

How to Check the Writing Prompt Submissions 

Analyzing student 8th grade writing prompts worksheets and submissions can be a valuable tool for understanding their progress and identifying areas for improvement. Here are some steps to help you better analyze the submissions of your students:

• Establish clear criteria: Before students submit their work, make sure you have communicated clear and specific criteria for evaluation. This will help both you and the students understand what is expected and allow for fair assessment.
• Create a rubric: Develop a rubric that aligns with the criteria you established. A rubric provides a structured way to evaluate different aspects of student work and assign scores or grades accordingly. It can include categories such as content, organization, creativity, and grammar. Make sure to share the rubric with your students so they know how they will be assessed.
• Review submissions objectively: When analyzing student submissions, approach them with objectivity. Focus on the specific criteria outlined in the rubric and evaluate each submission based on its merits. Avoid personal biases or preconceived notions about a student’s abilities.
• Take notes: As you review each submission, take notes to capture your observations and feedback. Note strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement, and any recurring patterns you notice among the submissions. These notes will be valuable when providing individualized feedback to students later.
• Look for patterns and trends: Analyze the submissions as a whole and look for patterns or trends in student performance. Are there common mistakes or misunderstandings? Are there areas where most students excel? Identifying these patterns will help you understand the overall strengths and weaknesses of your students and guide your future instruction.
• Provide constructive feedback: After analyzing the submissions, provide constructive feedback to each student. Be specific, pointing out areas of improvement and offering suggestions for growth. Highlight their strengths as well, as positive reinforcement can motivate students to continue progressing.
• Use data to inform instruction: Analyzing student submissions can provide valuable data to inform your instructional practices. Consider using the insights gained from the analysis to modify your teaching strategies, address common challenges, and provide targeted support to students who need it.
• Monitor progress over time: Continuously analyze and compare student submissions over time to track their progress. This will help you identify if students are improving, areas where they may be stagnating, or if certain instructional methods are more effective than others.

Remember that analyzing student submissions is not just about assigning grades but also about understanding each student’s unique strengths and areas for growth. By providing constructive feedback and using the insights gained to guide your instruction, you can support your students’ learning journeys effectively.

How to tell apart the writing prompts 8th grade FSA?  

To differentiate the writing prompts specifically designed for 8th grade FSA (Florida Standards Assessments), you can look for prompts that align with the FSA writing standards. These prompts will typically focus on specific writing genres, such as argumentative, informative, or narrative writing. Additionally, they will reflect the expectations and criteria outlined in the FSA writing rubric. You can find official FSA resources and past released prompts on the Florida Department of Education website .

2. How much time is allowed for the 8th grade VA SOL writing prompts? 

The time allowed for 8th grade VA SOL (Virginia Standards of Learning) generally, students are given a set amount of time, such as 90 minutes, to complete their writing responses. However, it’s important to refer to the official guidelines or consult with the school administration to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the time allotted for the 8th grade VA SOL writing prompts.

Do you have a sample chart for Common Core writing prompts 8th grade? 

As an AI text-based model, I’m unable to display visual content directly. However, there are numerous educational resources available online that provide sample charts for Common Core writing prompts for 8th grade. 

You can try searching for “Common Core writing prompts 8th grade sample chart” on reputable educational websites or consult curriculum materials provided by your school or district. These resources often provide examples of different writing prompts and their corresponding genres or focus areas.

What is expected in FSA writing prompts for 8th grade? 

FSA (Florida Standards Assessments) writing prompts for 8th grade have specific expectations aligned with the Florida Writing Standards. Students are expected to demonstrate their proficiency in various writing genres, including argumentative, informative, and narrative writing. 

The prompts will assess their ability to develop a clear thesis or main idea, provide relevant and sufficient evidence, use appropriate organizational structures, and demonstrate command of language and conventions. The expectations for FSA writing prompts are outlined in the FSA writing rubric, which you can find on the Florida Department of Education website or consult with your school for more specific guidance.

What are some engaging writing prompts suitable for 8th grade language arts students?

Engaging writing prompts for 8th grade language arts students include writing a story about a hidden magical realm, describing a groundbreaking invention, arguing for or against school uniforms, creating a poem about a favorite place, imagining and describing the use of a superpower, writing a descriptive essay about a childhood experience, writing a letter to past or future self, and creating a dialogue on a social issue. These prompts aim to inspire creativity and critical thinking.

Final Thoughts 

From exploring magical realms and inventing groundbreaking creations to reflecting on personal experiences and addressing social issues, the 101 prompts we listed would foster creativity and critical thinking skills in your students. 

By utilizing these 101 prompts, students can enhance their writing abilities and express their unique perspectives, making their 8th grade language arts journey more exciting and rewarding.

If you want to learn more about writing check out my other blogs that talk particularly about it. 

• ← Homepage SEO – Don’t Do This 1 Mistake With Your Homepage! 
• Surfer AI – A Game Changer for Content Marketing →

Tamzid is a seasoned wordsmith with over half a decade of experience in the craft of writing, having collaborated with an array of prestigious global brands such as Evvr, Gerkens, and Alorair. Renowned for his unparalleled flair for language, Tamzid has also attained a coveted Level 2 rating as a seller on the acclaimed online marketplace, Fiverr. Having mastered the art of ghostwriting, this gifted author has contributed to a multitude of e-books across a diverse range of topics. Melding a profound passion for the written word with a profound understanding of the nuances of language, Tamzid exemplifies the essence of literary excellence, while setting a benchmark for others to follow.

You May Also Like

Homepage SEO – Don’t Do This 1 Mistake With Your Homepage! 

Google Docs Review: A Complete Guide for Beginners

AI Content Strategy Guide – Plan All Your Content With a Click!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Book Bracket Template. For March and Beyond!

10 Creative Writing Activities That Help Students Tell Their Stories

Lower the stakes and help them get started.

“I don’t have a story. There’s nothing interesting about my life!” Sound familiar? I don’t know a teacher who hasn’t heard students say this. When we ask our students to write about themselves, they get stuck. We know how important it is for them to tell their own stories. It’s how we explore our identities and keep our histories and cultures alive. It can even be dangerous when we don’t tell our stories (check out this Ted Talk given by novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and share it with your students for more on that). Storytelling is essential for every subject, not just English Language Arts; students dive deeper and engage when they practice thinking about how their own stories intersect with historical events, civic engagement, and the real-world implications of STEM. These 10 creative writing activities can work in every subject you teach:

Here are 10 of our favorite story telling activities that inspire students:

1. write an “i am from” poem.

Students read the poem “I am From” by George Ella Lyon. Then, they draft a poem about their own identity in the same format Lyon used. Finally, students create a video to publish their poems. We love this one because the mentor text gives a clear structure and example that students can follow. But the end result is truly unique, just like their story.

2. Design a social media post to share an important memory

How can you use your unique perspective to tell a story? We want our students to learn that they are truly unique and have stories that only they can tell that other people want to hear or could relate to or learn from. In this activity, students watch two Pixar-in-a-Box videos on Khan Academy to learn about storytelling and perspective. Then, they identify an interesting or poignant memory and design a social media post.

3. Create an image using a line to chart an emotional journey

How do you show emotion using a single line? In this activity, students watch a Pixar in a Box video on Khan Academy to learn about how lines communicate character, emotion, and tension. Then they experiment with these aspects as they write their story. We love using this for pre-writing and to help students explore their story arc. Also, for students who love to draw or learn visually, this can help them get started telling their story and show them that there are many different ways to tell a story.

4. Tell the story behind your name

Sharing the story behind our name is a way to tell a story about ourselves, our culture, and our family history. And if there isn’t a story behind it, we can talk about how we feel about it and describe what it sounds like. In this activity, students use video to introduce themselves to their classmates by discussing the origin of their name. This project asks students to connect their names (and identities) to their personal and familial histories and to larger historical forces. If you’re looking for a mentor text that pairs well with this one, try “My Name” by Sandra Cisneros .

5. Develop a visual character sketch

Give students the time to create a character sketch of themselves. This will help them see how they fit into their story. In this lesson, students create a visual character sketch. They’ll treat themselves like a character and learn to see themselves objectively.

6. Create a webpage to outline the story of your movie

Building a story spine is a great way to show students how to put the parts of their story in an order that makes sense. It’s an exercise in making choices about structure. We like this activity because it gives students a chance to see different examples of structure in storytelling. Then, they consider the question: how can you use structure to set your story up for success? Finally, they design and illustrate an outline for their story.

7. Respond to a variety of writing prompts

Sometimes our students get stuck because they aren’t inspired or need a different entry point into telling their story. Give them a lot of writing prompts that they can choose from. Pass out paper and pencils. Set a timer for fifteen minutes. Then, write 3-4 writing prompts on the board. Encourage students to free-write and not worry about whether their ideas are good or right. Some of our favorite prompts to encourage students to tell their story are:

• I don’t know why I remember…
• What’s your favorite place and why?
• What objects tell the story of your life?
• What might surprise someone to learn about you?

8. Create a self-portrait exploring identity and self-expression

Part of what makes writing your own story so difficult for students is that they are just building their identity. In this activity, students explore how they and others define their identity. What role does identity play in determining how they are perceived and treated by others? What remains hidden and what is shown publicly?

9. Film a video to share an important story from your life

Encourage students to think about how to tell the story of a day they faced their fears. Students consider the question: How can you use different shot types to tell your story? They watch a video from Pixar in a Box on Khan Academy to learn about different camera shots and their use in storytelling. Then, they use Adobe Spark Post or Photoshop and choose three moments from their story to make into shots. We love using this to help students think about pace and perspective. Sometimes what we leave out of our story is just as important as what we include.

10. Try wild writing

Laurie Powers created a process where you read a poem and then select two lines from it. Students start their own writing with one of those lines. Anytime that they get stuck, they repeat their jump-off line again. This is a standalone activity or a daily writing warm-up, and it works with any poem. We love how it lowers the stakes. Can’t think of anything to write? Repeat the jump-off line and start again. Here are some of our favorite jump-off lines:

• The truth is…
• Some people say…
• Here’s what I forgot to tell you…
• Some questions have no answers…
• Here’s what I’m afraid to write about…

You Might Also Like

23 Fun and Easy Guided Reading Activity Ideas

Boost reading skills in small groups. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Walking by the Way

the road to inspired learning

Eight Free Creative Writing Lessons

February 17, 2012 by Ami 17 Comments

I know I throw around the word favorite all the time. But this is the truth: teaching creative writing lessons is my favorite. 

I have taught creative writing enrichment for summer school students. I have taught creative writing in various homeschool settings and co-ops. I have taught big students and little students. And I love it. 

Since I love to share homeschool co-op class ideas , I have compiled the creative writing lessons from a co-op class that I taught. 

Creative Writing Lessons for a Homeschool Co-op Class

First, please remember that any teacher can use these creative writing lessons. You don’t need to be teaching homeschoolers. You can be a classroom teacher or a homeschool teacher at home with one student. You can even be a librarian who needs a fun program series.

Second, I used these creative writing lesson plans with upper elementary students (with maybe a few 7th graders thrown in). However, you can adapt and use them for older students or younger students!

Creative Writing Lesson Plans

Creative writing lesson one.

The first lesson focuses on cliché and metaphor. It prompts students to consider how words matter.

Grab lesson one here .

Creative Writing Lesson Two

The second lesson teaches students about sensory details: why they are important and how to include them in their writing. Students will begin using sensory details to evoke smells and sounds and sights.

Grab lesson two here.

Creative Writing Lesson Three

The third lesson introduces showing vs. telling. Students learn how to recognize authors who utilize showing, and students are able to articulate the difference between showing and telling.

Grab lesson three here.

Creative Writing Lesson Four

The fourth lesson teaches students how to capture images. We use examples of poetry and prose to discuss this important writing skill.

Grab lesson four here.

Creative Writing Lesson Five

The fifth lesson introduces the story elements of character and conflict.

Note: You may choose to split this lesson into two lessons since it covers two big elements. I only had nine weeks with my students, so I had to jam character and conflict together.

Grab lesson five here.

Creative Writing Lesson Six

The sixth lesson introduces the students to point of view and perspective. We have fun reading poems and using pictures to write descriptions from different points of view.

Grab lesson six here.

Creative Writing Lesson Seven

The seventh lesson puts everything we’ve learned together. I read the students some fractured fairy tales, and we watch some, too. Students then use the prewriting activities and their imaginations to begin drafting their own fractured fairy tales.

Grab lesson seven here.

Creative Writing Lesson Eight

The eighth lesson focuses on revision. After a mini-lesson, students partner up for peer editing.

Grab lesson eight here .

For our final class day, students bring revised work, and I host coffee shop readings. This is a memorable experience for students (and their teacher).

Creative Writing Lessons FAQ

Since posting these creative writing lessons, I have had lots of questions. I decided to compile them here in case you have the same question.

Q: What are copywork quotes? A: Copywork quotes are simply great quotes that students copy as part of their homework assignments. You can use any quotes about writing. I’ve included my favorites throughout the printable packs.

Q: Can I use this with a younger or older student? A: Absolutely! Just adapt it to meet the needs of your student.

Q: Can I use this for my library’s programming or my homeschool co-op class? A: Yes! I just ask that it not be used for profit.

Do you have any questions about teaching creative writing? What’s your biggest hang-up when it comes to teaching creative writing? I’d love to hear from you and help you solve the issue.

January 7, 2016 at 1:57 pm

Hi Theresa,

As long as you are not profitting from using them, they are yours to use! Enjoy! Wish I could be there to help facilitate all those young writers! 

[…] Creative Writing Class […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Try for free

8th Grade Creative Writing Assessment

• Most Popular
• Most Recent

• Food & Dining
• Coronavirus
• Real Estate
• Seattle History
• PNW Politics

Short Story Projects for the Eighth Grade

Related articles, examples of analyzing text structure for elementary, creative ways for students to demonstrate reading comprehension, hands-on activities for 8th grade language arts class.

• Narrative Procedure Activities for Fourth Grade
• What Is the Basal Reading Approach?

The eighth grade language arts curriculum covers both reading and writing objectives, including reading comprehension, narrative writing and text analysis and comparisons. Short stories provide a tool for incorporating many of the standards for the eighth grade level. Whether the students write the stories themselves or use published short stories, the projects provide an interactive means to better understand the intricacies of literature.

Writing Comprehension and Presentation

A story fair is similar to a science fair as students create displays and share information. This concept expands the typical read-and-discuss format, allowing eighth graders to show their comprehension of the story. Each student selects a short story to use as the basis for the presentation. She creates a display board that includes graphics and key information about the story, such as characters, setting, conflict and resolution. To incorporate eighth grade learning standards, have the students demonstrate how those elements support the main idea or theme of the short story. Invite other classes to visit the story fair so the students can give presentations about their stories.

Create and Perform

Eighth graders read many short stories in language arts class, but writing is also a critical component in the language arts curriculum. Writing narratives teaches eighth graders about point of view, characterization, dialogue and descriptions -- all features eighth graders should include in written work. Instead of a teacher or peer review, let the eighth grade students read their short stories to an audience. Preparing the stories before the performance allows the eighth graders to focus on creating a clear piece of writing that is organized, sticks to a particular style and works for the selected audience, per the eighth grade standards. Have the students practice reading the stories with expression. Unlike a play, a short story is typically read aloud by one person without acting out the details. Practice performances in the classroom prepare the eighth graders to perform in front of other groups, such as parents, other eighth grade classes or elementary classes.

Student Teachers

Instead of having the students always on the learning end, let them take over the teaching role. Short stories are particularly suited for student instruction because of the length. The students can easily read and analyze the short stories in one sitting. Break the class into small groups and assign a specific short story. That group takes is responsible for planning and instructing the lessons based on the story. This requires the students to read and analyze the story first to develop discussion questions, written assignments or extension projects on the piece of literature. Because the short story typically focuses on one main character with few major events, students can easily narrow down the focus of the teaching portion. Assign each group a date for teaching the short story lesson to the class. You can schedule them close together, or spread them throughout the grading period. Since each group is teaching only a short story and not an entire novel, the lesson should only take one class period.

Creative Representations

A creative project to complement a short story allows eighth graders to represent their understanding in a hands-on way. Unlike a novel that may have too many details and characters to accurately represent, a short story has a manageable number of details to use as the basis for an artistic project. Create a list of projects that work with any short story. Ideas include a collage, song, artifact, sculpture, drawing or other piece of artwork that depicts a central theme or component of the story. Another option is to use the original story as inspiration for a new piece of writing. Examples include a letter written from the perspective of the main character, a poem based on the story or an advertisement based on the story.

• Read Write Think: Short Story Fair Projects
• Common Core State Standards Initiative: English Language Arts Standards -- Reading: Literature -- Grade 8
• Common Core State Standards Initiative: English Language Arts Standards -- Writing -- Grade 8

Based in the Midwest, Shelley Frost has been writing parenting and education articles since 2007. Her experience comes from teaching, tutoring and managing educational after school programs. Frost worked in insurance and software testing before becoming a writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a reading endorsement.

Collaborative Student Projects in High School English Classrooms

What classes need to be taken to become a grade school teacher, ways to assess poetry in a middle school classroom, elearning vs. classroom learning, what are the advantages & disadvantages of the literature-based approach to teaching reading, criteria for evaluating reading textbooks, national learning style assessment results for college students, different assessment methods to test students, super fun vocabulary game for 7th grade, most popular.

• 1 Collaborative Student Projects in High School English Classrooms
• 2 What Classes Need to Be Taken to Become a Grade School Teacher?
• 3 Ways to Assess Poetry in a Middle School Classroom
• 4 eLearning Vs. Classroom Learning

• TEACHA! INSPIRE

• Resource Collections
• Snapplify Engage
• Teacha! Inspire

Creative Writing and Oral Project: Fables (Revised)

R 172.50

Share this resource

Resource Description

The whole creative writing project for terms 3 and 4 according to RATP 2021 – 2023. Teacher’s Planning, Front page for Learner’s reading lessons, four fables (for reading lessons) and a vocabulary page. Complete task with research statement and hypothesis, learners’ project include: research activity, creative writing guidelines and instructions, PowerPoint presentation example and guidelines memorandum, rubrics and excel spreadsheets to record and convert marks. 2 to Teach Store. (Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents – completely editable.) 2 to Teach

Resource Reviews

Store reviews: ( 1 rating )

Creative writing project

Use to much higher standard of worksheets for this amount of money

Karen Lourens - May 31, 2023

Related Resources

More from this seller

Creative Writing and Oral Project: Myths (Revised)

Creative Writing and Oral Presentation: Short Stories (Revised)

Kreatiewe Skryf- en Mondelingprojek: Sprokies (Hersien)

Kreatiewe Skryf- en Mondelingprojek: Kortverhale (Hersien)

Kreatiewe Skryf- en Mondelingprojek: Mites (Hersien)

Tradition | Excellence | Opportunity Founded in 1856.

The grey vision, grey remains as one of the leading schools in the country, with a culture and value system that support its fine heritage. grey is recognised for its competitiveness and excellence in academic, sporting and cultural activities, as well as for its ability to consistently produce leaders..

Subject Head and Grade 12 Co-ordinator

Stephen van Niekerk: BA, BEd (Hons), HDE (Post Grad) (UPE) Click here to email Stephen van Niekerk.

Grade 11 Co-ordinators Kirsten Swarbrook: BA (Psych) (Hons) (Stell), PGCE Click here to email Kirsten Swarbrook.

Olivia Brice: BA (UPE), PGCE (UNISA) Click here to email Olivia Brice

Grade 10 Co-ordinators

Fenner Barnard: BA (Rhodes), PGCE (UNISA), Dip. Rugby Theory & Practice (SAIR Stellenbosch). Click here to email Fenner Barnard.

Declan McLaggan: BEd (SFET) Click here to email Declan McLaggan.

Grade 9 Co-ordinator Matthew Osborne Click here to email Matthew Osborne.

Grade 8 Co-ordinators

Jonathan van Niekerk: BA MCC (NMMU), PGCE (Cum Laude) (NMMU) Click here to email Jonathan van Niekerk.

Lynn Furstenburg: BA (Hons) (UNISA), PGCE (UNISA), LTCL (Trinity College) Click here to email Lynn Furstenburg.

Kendal Samuels: BEd (Sen & FET) (UNISA) Click here to email Kendal Samuels

Sean Brice: BA (UPE), PGCE (Mancosa)

Rosco Snyman: Student

Student Teachers

Paul Leach: Student

Cameron Wilke: Student

The English curriculum prepares students for the rigours of University level reading and writing while fostering a love of literature. It uses the analysis of literature and film and the study of language to develop cognitive skills at every level. Classroom discussion forms the primary mode of instruction, but teachers also stress oral and written communication skills. Students are encouraged to be literate, lucid and imaginative in their own expression. The department seeks to equip students with critical skills to engage thoughtfully and productively with literature and language in all its forms.

Brief Policy

English Home Language is compulsory for all students at the school. There is no set departmental approach regarding teaching strategies, methodologies or schools of literary or linguistic analysis; through clear but broad programmes of study, transparent working practices and following the policy of open communication, the department aims to share its enthusiasms, its skills and its expertise in an attempt to inspire all students to perform to their full potential. Though guided by (though not restricted to) the requirements of the GETC syllabi for the National Curriculum in Grades 8 and 9, and of the FET syllabi for the East Cape Education Department in the senior Grades, the department focuses particularly on developing independent study and research skills to begin to generate self-motivated and self-confident students. The department has moved away from

Homework and Assignments

For the most part, English is not taught out of a textbook, so homework may take a variety of forms, such as:

• Completing work started in class
• Completing worksheets handed out in class
• Practice exercises / exam questions
• On-going assignment work (essays, projects, investigations, presentations etc)

Continuous Assessment (CAPS)

Continuous Assessment (CAPS) forms an integral part of the makeup of the overall assessment of any language. Students are assessed on their performance in many different facets of the language and these assessments are cumulative and form a large part of the final assessment total. Areas covered by CAPS include Creative Writing, Functional Writing, Investigation and Presentation, Oral Communication Skills and Responding to Text (both literature and language).

Tests and Forms of Assessments

Coupled with ongoing work in both Creative and Functional Writing and with regular assessment of Oral Communication skills, students study at least one Setwork (Novel, Drama, Short Stories, Poetry or Film) per term. There are two controlled tests per term, one covering the current setwork and the other dealing with general language revision (Comprehension, Summary, Assorted language exercises).

Notes and Worksheets

Sets of notes and worksheets on various setworks are standardised and are handed out to all students in the particular grade. These should be kept on file and should be used as revision tools before tests and exams. There are workbooks covering Language, the various setwork books and poetry, which have been compiled especially for each of the grades, and these contain most of the standardised exercices which learners complete.

Additional Information

The school has an active and a vibrant Debating Society, and all students are encouraged to join this society which meets on a weekly basis and which also enjoys regular debating contact with other schools.

A select group of top students takes part in the annual English Olympiad, where students are encouraged to examine and to analyse challenging topical literature.

Grade 10 students may apply to join the Toastmasters Society, where they learn vital life lessons in the art of public speaking.

Students are encouraged to keep portfolios of their creative writing, which may be submitted for consideration in the awarding of the two Literature Prizes (Senior: Grades 10–12 and Junior: Grades 8–9) presented annually by the school.

Grade 11 learners are encouraged to join the Advanced English course in Literature which is offered in conjunction with Collegiate School for Girls.

Assessments required by the Revised Teaching Plan (2021 – 2023) from the Department of Education.

GRADE 9 CAPS: Assessments required by the Revised Teaching Plan (2021 – 2023) from the Department of Education.