Kids like this puddle jumping writing prompt for three reasons. One, they love the idea of splashing in puddles. Second, ANYTHING can happen in their story. Moreover, they get to add a charming rain art accent to their border.
The easy rain art accents add color and charm to any child’s story about rain.
Fantasy
I created this puddle jumping writing prompt with Fantasy in mind, but if students want to incorporate Science Fiction, by all means let them!
The story could include the character playing in a puddle instead of stepping in a puddle. The ideas are truly endless. Use this lesson as a guide to help students complete their story with an organized beginning, middle and end.
Short Video
Here’s a 5 minute video you can show your students to get them thinking about puddle jumping! This video also shows muddy puddles. After completing this puddle jumping writing prompt, consider having your kids write the Mud Mites-Fictional News Article
Common Core State Standards
NOTE: This lesson can address the following Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3, W.1.3, W.2.3, W.3.3, W.3.3.B, W.3.3.C, W.3.3.D, W.4.3, W4.3.A, W.4.3.B, W.4.3.C, W.4.3.D, W.4.3.E, W.5.3, W.5.3.A, W.5.3.B, W.5.3.C, W.5.3.D and W.5.3.E.
NOW THE LESSON!
To get a full understanding on how I conduct each writing lesson you may want to read the Writing Prompts Introduction post. The lesson outlined below (and all other prompts posted) will make more sense and be easier to follow and use. Here’s the lined paper I use for Grades K-2 and Grades 2-7
Tell the Story Line
First, tell the story line: A character is having a bad, takes a walk and steps in a magic puddle. Something happens in the puddle that helps the character solve the problem or gain a new perspective for the problem. The character feels better at the end.
Brainstorm
Next, brainstorm reasons the character is having a bad day: someone took a boy’s dog, mom won’t let him/her have a play date, go to a party etc.
Show the 5 Sections
Character and problem.
Walking outside.
Magic Puddle
Inside
Solution/Lesson
As mentioned in my writing prompts introduction: K-1st Graders are encouraged to write 1 sentence for each section, 2nd Graders 2 sentences, 3rd Graders 3 sentences and so on.
NOW TO WRITE!
Guide the students through the following steps. They are free to use their own words. Remind them that ANYTHING can happen in their story as long as they follow the steps to keep their story organized. (I’ve included examples in italics for your own guidance.)
- First, introduce the character.
Sam was a friendly boy. He liked to play basketball and chase his dog, Ace.
2. Second, introduce the problem:
Ace got out of the house and Sam couldn’t find him. He was worried.
3. Third, describe walking outside.
Sam went outside to look for him. It was raining. The streets were wet and empty.
4. Fourth, describe the magic puddle and entering it.
There were so many puddles. One caught Sam’s eye. It was big and shiny. He decided to step in it.
5. Fifth, describe what happens in the magic puddle.
Suddenly, Sam started spinning. He landed in a sparkling park. The rain drops had faces and were talking…
6. Sixth, write the ending to the story. Explain how the problem is solved and why the character feels better.
The next thing Sam knew, he was home on his porch. Ace was there too!
Print the Lesson
Here’s the full lesson for you to print out and use.
EASY ART ACCENTS
As soon as the students are done writing, they can add an easy rain art accent to their border!
Student Samples
Here are a couple samples from students in Grades 1 and 2.
GAMES TO PLAY!
Correct the Paragraph— using Puddle Jumping paragraph
Silly Sentences: (Writing Game #2) Use the words rain, splash, puddle, drops, etc. to play!
Word Scramblers (using Spring vocabulary to Scramble)
Tale or Truth-telling your own stories (Talking Game #6) Tell personal narratives about rain!
NOTE: If you’re kids enjoy writing this prompt, they will probably like the Calendar Page-Pet on a Porch prompt as well!
