This mud writing prompt is fun for kids because anything can happen! Moreover, the mud mites art accent makes this a winner lesson.
When the students see the tiny googly eyes that they get to glue around their border, they get excited to write this mud writing prompt!
MUD MITES ART ACCENT
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The mud mites accent is an easy TWO steps.
- First, color the border with brown marker.
- Next, use a glue stick to glue 5-10 pairs of tiny googly eyes*. You can find tiny or small googly eyes in the craft aisle of Walmart. Take note, the eyes stick best if you put the glue on the PAPER. Then, simply place the eyes onto the spot of glue.
If you have a small group of students, by all means allow them more googly eyes.
Remember, the simple art accents motivate them to write and reward them for their work!
Mud Mites?
I first thought of the mud mites art accent, THEN, created the writing prompt.
Do mud mites actually exist? I’m not sure….I casually did some research and different things came up.
The reality of mud mites wasn’t my focus here. I wanted children to have fun imagining mud mites and create an outbreak.
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 FOR 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
- Tell the storyline: “You’re going to write a news article about an outbreak of mud mites. The mud mites can be anywhere and can create ANY reaction.”
Brainstorm
2. First, brainstorm possible reactions to the mud mite bites: itchy/rash, purple spots, swelling of ears, can’t stop giggling, shrinking, growing…
3. Second, brainstorm possible cures for the reactions: Spraying fruit punch, bathing in lime juice, wearing a suit for 24 hours, etc.
Have fun gathering students’ ideas!
Show the 5 Sections
- Introduction (time/location/who/what)
- 1st Attempt who/what
- 2nd Attempt who/what
- 3rd Attempt who/what
- Conclusion (Prevention/Warning)
The attempts can be to cure the reaction, get rid of the mud mites or both.
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 written examples in italics just for your own guidance.)
- Begin the article with an eye catching exclamation:
News Flash! Breaking News! Mud Mites Mess in North Dakota!
2. Write when and where the outbreak occurred.
Last night, in Bismark, North Dakota…
3. Write what happened and to whom.
Two children were playing in the mud when suddenly they had purple spots all over their arms and legs.
4. Write the first attempt to help them.
Their mom sprayed them with the hose. Nothing happened.
5. Write the second attempt to help them.
Paramedics came and rubbed chocolate all over the spots. That didn’t work.
6. Write the third attempt to help them.
Two friends gave them a spoonful of lemon juice. That worked! The spots went away.
7. Write a conclusion. Advise or warn the reader in some way.
Scientists are looking into what caused the breakout. For now, stay out of the mud or have lemon juice close by!
Print the Lesson
EASY ART ACCENT
As soon as the students are finished writing they can complete their mud mites art accent by coloring the border brown, putting glue on the brown border and pressing pairs of googly eyes around the border.
Students can write a title with marker or ABC stickers*.
Student Samples
Here are samples from students in Grades K-5
GAMES TO PLAY!
Fill in the Blank– (a talking game)
Find more Fictional New Article story ideas here!
