creative writing for esl

• Professional development
• Understanding learners

Creative writing for language learners (and teachers)

Creative writing normally refers to the production of texts which have an aesthetic rather than a purely informative, instrumental or pragmatic purpose.

Most often, such texts take the form of poems or stories, though they are not confined to these genres. (Letters, journal entries, blogs, essays, travelogues, etc. can also be more or less creative.) In fact, the line between creative writing (CW) and expository writing (ER) is not carved in stone. In general, however CW texts draw more heavily on intuition, close observation, imagination, and personal memories than ER texts.  

One of the chief distinguishing characteristics of CW texts is a playful engagement with language, stretching and testing its rules to the limit in a guilt-free atmosphere, where risk is encouraged. Such writing combines cognitive with affective modes of thinking. As the poet, R.S. Thomas once wrote, ‘Poetry is that which arrives at the intellect by way of the heart.’ The playful element in CW should not, however be confused with a lax and unregulated use of language. On the contrary, CW requires a willing submission on the part of the writer to the ‘rules’ of the sub-genre being undertaken. If you want to write a Limerick, then you have to follow the rules governing limericks. If not, what you produce will be something other than a limerick: obvious, perhaps, but important too. The interesting thing is that the very constraints which the rules impose seem to foster rather than restrict the creativity of the writer. This apparent paradox is explained partly by the deeper processing of thought and language which the rules require.

What are the benefits of CW for learners?

• CW aids language development at all levels: grammar, vocabulary, phonology and discourse. It requires learners to manipulate the language in interesting and demanding ways in attempting to express uniquely personal meanings. In doing so, they necessarily engage with the language at a deeper level of processing than with most expository texts. (Craik and Lockhart 1972) The gains in grammatical accuracy and range, in the appropriacy and originality of lexical choice, in sensitivity to rhyme, rhythm, stress and intonation, and in the way texts hang together are significant.
• As mentioned above, a key characteristic of CW is a willingness to play with the language. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the role of play in language acquisition. (Carter 2004, Cook 2000, Crystal 1998) In some ways, the tsunami of the Communicative Approach has done a disservice to language teaching  by its insistence on the purely communicative functions of language. Proponents of ‘play’ point out, rightly, that in L1 acquisition, much of the language encountered by and used by children is in the form of rhythmical chants and rhymes, word games, jokes and the like. Furthermore, such playfulness survives into adulthood, so that many social encounters are characterized by language play (punning, spontaneous jokes, ‘funny voices’, metathesis, and a discourse which is shaped by quasi-poetic repetition (Tannen 1989)). These are precisely the kinds of things L2 learners are encouraged to do in CW activities. This playful element encourages them to play creatively with the language, and in so doing, to take the risks without which learning cannot take place in any profound sense.  As Crystal (1998) states, ‘Reading and writing do not have to be a prison house. Release is possible. And maybe language play can provide the key.’
• Much of the teaching we do tends to focus on the left side of the brain, where our logical faculties are said to reside. CW puts the emphasis on the right side of the brain, with a focus on feelings, physical sensations, intuition and musicality. This is a healthy restoration of the balance between logical and intuitive faculties. It also affords scope for learners whose hemisphere dominance or learning-style preferences may not be intellectual or left brain dominant, and who, in the normal process of teaching are therefore at a disadvantage.
• Perhaps most notable is the dramatic increase in self-confidence and self-esteem which CW tends to develop among learners. Learners also tend to discover things for themselves about the language… and about themselves too, thus promoting personal as well as linguistic growth. Inevitably, these gains are reflected in a corresponding growth in positive motivation. Among the conditions for promoting motivation, Dornyei (2001: 138-144) cites:  
• “5. Create a pleasant and supportive atmosphere.
•  6. Promote the development of group cohesiveness.
• 13. Increase the students’ expectation of success in particular tasks and in learning in general.
• 17. Make learning more stimulating and enjoyable by breaking the monotony of classroom events.
• 18. Make learning stimulating and enjoyable by increasing the attractiveness of tasks.
• 19. Make learning stimulating and enjoyable for learners by enlisting them as active task participants.
• 20. Present and administer tasks in a motivating way.
• 23. Provide students with regular experiences of success.
• 24. Build your learners’ confidence by providing regular encouragement.
• 28. Increase student motivation by promoting cooperation among the learners.
• 29. Increase student motivation by actively promoting learner autonomy.
• 33. Increase learner satisfaction.
• 34. Offer rewards in a motivational manner.”   
• All these conditions are met in a well-run CW class. The exponential increase in motivation is certainly supported by my own experience in teaching CW. Learners suddenly realize that they can write something in a foreign language that has never been written by anyone else before, and which others find interesting to read. (Hence the importance of ‘publishing’ students’ work in some form.)  And they experience not only a pride in their own products but also a joy in the ‘flow’ of the process. (Czsikszentmihaly 1997).  
• Finally, CW feeds into more creative reading. It is as if, by getting inside the process of creating the texts, learners come to understand intuitively how such texts function, and this makes similar texts easier to read.  Likewise, the development of aesthetic reading skills ( Kramsch  1993, Rosenblatt 1978), provides the learner with a better understanding of textual construction, and this feeds into their writing.

And teachers? I argued in the first article that teachers, as well as learners, should engage with extensive reading.  In the same spirit, I would argue that there are significant benefits to teachers if they participate in CW.

• There is little point in exhorting learners to engage in CW unless we do so too.  The power of the teacher as model, and as co-writer is inestimable.
• CW is one way of keeping teachers’ English fresh and vibrant.  For much of our professional lives we are in thrall to the controlled language of textbook English and the repeated low level error-laden English of our students.  As teachers of language, we surely have a responsibility to keep our primary resource alive and well.
• CW seems to have an effect on the writer’s level of energy in general.  This tends to make teachers who use CW more interesting to be around, and this inevitably impacts on their relationships with students.
• The experimental stance with regard to writing in general appears to fee back into the teaching of writing.  Teachers of CW tend also to be better teachers of writing in general                

My evidence for these assertions is largely anecdotal, backed by a survey of writing teachers I conducted in 2006.  One of the interesting facts to emerge was a widespread belief among teachers of writing that CW had a positive effect on students’ writing of Expository texts and helped them develop that much- desired but rarely-delivered ‘authentic voice’. Space does not allow me to expand on these findings, nor on some of the possible activities teachers might try.  I will attempt to make good these omissions in some of my blogs during the month of December. I will also make reference there to ways in which CW intersects with some of our major current concerns. Meantime, anyone interested could sample some of the books from the list below: Fry (2007), Koch (1990), Matthews (1994), Spiro (2004, 2007), Whitworth (2001) and Wright and Hill (2009)

• Carter, Ronald.  (2004)  Language and creativity: the art of common talk.  London: Routledge.
• Cszikszentmihalyi. M. ( 1997) Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention.  New York: Harper Perennial
• Cook, Guy (2000)  Language Play: Language Learning.  Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Craik, F.I.M  and R.S Lockhart   (1972)  ‘Levels of processing: a framework for memory research’  Journal of  Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour.  11.  671-685
• Crystal, David (1998) Language Play. London: Penguin
• Dornyei, Zoltan (2001)  Motivational Strategies in the Language Classroom.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Fry, Stephen (2007)  The Ode Less Travelled.  London: Arrow Books.
• Koch, Kenneth. (1990)  Rose, where did you get that red?  New York: Vintage Books.
• Kramsch, Claire (1993)  Context and Culture in Language Teaching.  Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Matthews, Paul (1994)  Sing Me the Creation.  Stroud: Hawthorne Press.
• Rosenblatt, Louise  (1978)  The Reader, the Text, the Poem. Carbondale, Illinois: Southern Illinois University Press.
• Spiro, Jane (2004)  Creative Poetry Writing.  Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Spiro, Jane (2007)  Storybuilding. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Tannen, Deborah. (1989)  Talking Voices: Repetition, dialogue, and imagery in conversational discourse.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Whitworth, John.  (2001)  Writing Poetry.  London: A and C Black.
• Wright, Andrew and David S.Hill.  (2009) Writing Stories.  Innsbruck: Helbling

By Alan Maley

Please note Alan's now finished writing on the site and will not be able to reply personally to your comments.

CW- not an easy task

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All about Creative writing

                         Thank you very much for your extremely useful and highly productive article On creative writing for learners and teachers. In fact I am looking for a great person of your stature who will guide me in my poetic and writing pursuits. I have already requested you to have a look at my poems and you have read them but not offered me suggestions or compliments. I hope you will read my other 2 poems The street children and the typical Indian railway journey and send your comments either to my e-mail or express them in your comments as response.

You have given a detailed information about creative writings and expository writings,how they are useful to the students and teachers,which books they should refer to and which activities they should attempt very clearly and lucidly. I hope you will talk more about in your ensuing blogs.

I believe in constructivism and so your articles appeal to my art. Language acquisition is the need of the hour in non native english speaking countries like India. Since I am text book writer for Andhrapradesh, I would like to interact with you further. I hope you will help me improve my poetic and creative writing skills.

With kind regards,

Yours sincerely,

JVL NARASIMHA RAO

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Making English Fun

• The Best ESL Writing Games and Activities.

ESL teacher are always looking for innovative ways to enhance your students’ writing skills?

Our comprehensive guide introduces 17 dynamic writing games, each designed to spark creativity, improve language proficiency, and make writing an enjoyable experience for ESL learners. From crafting Acrostic Poems to participating in a Collaborative Writing Blog, these activities cater to a range of interests and skill levels.

Whether you’re teaching young beginners or advanced adult learners, these writing games are perfect for adding a fun twist to your ESL curriculum.

Just before we jump into these 17 ESL Writing Games and Activities we have the four skills covered on the site. Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening.

You can access the pages from the links below or click on the image to download them all in one PDF file for $2.99 or the price of a coffee ( a good one we admit! )

The Best ESL Games and Activities – 4 Booklets in 1

• The Best ESL Listening Games and Activities.
• The Best ESL Speaking Games and Activities.
• The Best ESL Reading Games and Activities.

Get ready to explore these engaging games that promise to transform your writing lessons into captivating educational adventures!

17 of the Best ESL Writing Games and Activities.

We have given full breakdown for these writing games and activities in each section including resources, numbers and time to play to help you speed up and make sure if these games suit your class and students.

1. Story Starters

Overview : Story Starters spark creativity by providing students with the first sentence of a story, which they then continue to develop into a complete narrative.

• Setup : Prepare a list of engaging opening sentences for stories.
• Time to Play : 20-30 minutes.
• Number of Players : Individual activity.
• Resources Needed : List of story starters, paper, and pens.

Description of Story Starters ESL Writing Game :

Distribute different story starters to each student.

Students use the given sentence to start their story and continue writing, developing their own plot and characters.

This game helps students practice narrative writing and encourages them to use their imagination.

2. Group Story Writing

Overview : Group Story Writing fosters collaboration and creativity. Each student contributes a sentence to a communal story, passing it around the classroom.

• Setup : Start with a blank sheet of paper for each group or pair.
• Time to Play : 15-25 minutes.
• Number of Players : Works best in small groups or pairs.
• Resources Needed : Paper and pens.

Description of Group Story Writing ESL Writing Game :

Begin with one student writing a sentence to start the story.

The paper is then passed to the next student, who adds their own sentence.

The process continues, with each student adding to the story.

This game enhances creative thinking and helps students learn how to write cohesively in a group context.

3. Writing Prompts Jar

Overview : The Writing Prompts Jar is an engaging way to inspire writing. Students pick a prompt from a jar and write a short piece based on it.

• Setup : Prepare a jar filled with a variety of writing prompts on small pieces of paper.
• Number of Players : Individual activity, but can be shared in groups after writing.
• Resources Needed : A jar, writing prompts on paper strips, paper, and pens.

Description of Writing Prompts Jar ESL Writing Game :

Each student picks a prompt from the jar.

They then write a short story , poem, or descriptive piece based on the prompt.

After writing, students can share their pieces with the class or in small groups.

This game encourages individual creativity and can cater to a wide range of writing styles and interests.

4. Picture-Inspired Writing

Overview : Picture-Inspired Writing uses visual stimuli to spark creativity. Students write a story or description based on an image.

• Setup : Select a variety of interesting and thought-provoking images.
• Number of Players : Individual activity, but can involve group discussion afterward.
• Resources Needed : Images (photographs, paintings, illustrations), paper, and pens.

Description of Picture-Inspired Writing ESL Writing Game :

Distribute different images to students or display them in the classroom.

Students write a narrative, poem, or descriptive piece inspired by their image.

This activity helps students practice descriptive writing and storytelling, encouraging them to interpret visual information creatively.

5. Dialogue Development

Overview : Dialogue Development challenges students to write a dialogue for a given scenario, focusing on conversational language and character interaction.

• Setup : Prepare a list of scenarios or situations for dialogues.
• Time to Play : 15-20 minutes.
• Number of Players : Can be done individually or in pairs.
• Resources Needed : Scenarios for dialogues, paper, and pens.

Description of Dialogue Development ESL Writing Game :

Provide each student or pair with a scenario.

Students write a dialogue that could take place in that scenario, paying attention to how people might speak in that context.

This game enhances understanding of conversational language and the nuances of spoken communication.

6. Postcard Writing

Overview : Postcard Writing is a creative and personal writing activity. Students write a postcard to a friend or family member describing a recent experience or a fictional trip.

• Setup : Have postcard templates or blank cards available.
• Resources Needed : Postcard templates or blank cards, pens.

Description of Postcard Writing ESL Writing Game :

Students choose a real or imaginary destination they’ve ‘visited.’

They write a postcard to someone describing their experiences, sights, and feelings.

This exercise is excellent for practicing descriptive language, informal writing, and past tense narratives.

7. Word Limit Stories

Overview : Word Limit Stories challenge students to create a story using exactly a set number of words, such as 50 or 100. This game enhances precision in language use and creativity within constraints.

• Setup : Decide on a word limit for the stories.

Description of Word Limit Stories ESL Writing Game :

Inform students of the word limit for their stories.

Students write a short story that precisely meets the word count requirement.

This activity encourages students to think carefully about word choice and sentence structure , fostering conciseness and clarity in writing.

8. Haiku and Poetry Creation

Overview : Haiku and Poetry Creation encourages students to express themselves through poetry, focusing on simplicity and imagery. Haikus, with their specific structure, are an excellent way to introduce poetry writing.

• Setup : Explain the structure of a haiku (three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern) or other simple poetry forms.
• Number of Players : Individual or small groups.

Description of Haiku and Poetry Creation ESL Writing Game :

Students write their own haikus or simple poems on given themes or topics.

Encourage them to focus on imagery, emotion, and brevity.

This game is great for practicing syllable counting and creative expression in a structured format.

9. Two Perspectives Writing

Overview : Two Perspectives Writing involves writing about the same event from two different viewpoints. It helps students explore perspective in narrative and develop empathy and understanding for different characters.

• Setup : Provide a basic scenario or event for students to write about.
• Time to Play : 25-35 minutes.
• Number of Players : Individual activity, but can involve group sharing afterward.
• Resources Needed : Scenarios for writing, paper, and pens.

Description of Two Perspectives Writing ESL Writing Game :

Students write about a given event from the perspective of two different characters or observers.

This encourages them to consider how different characters might perceive the same situation differently.

It’s an excellent exercise for exploring narrative voice, character development, and the subjectivity of experience.

10. Email Exchange

Overview : Email Exchange is a practical writing activity where students write emails to each other, practicing formal or informal language based on different scenarios.

• Setup : Prepare a list of scenarios for which students might write an email (e.g., writing to a friend, a teacher, or for a job application).
• Number of Players : Pairs or individual activity with teacher feedback.
• Resources Needed : Scenarios for email writing, paper, or computers if available.

Description of Email Exchange ESL Writing Game :

Assign each student or pair a specific scenario for their email.

Students write an email appropriate for the scenario, focusing on tone, structure, and relevant language.

This activity is great for teaching the nuances of written communication and the differences between formal and informal language.

11. Diary Entry

Overview : Diary Entry encourages students to write a diary entry from the perspective of a character from a book or a historical figure, enhancing creativity and empathy.

• Setup : Choose characters or historical figures that the students are familiar with or have studied.
• Time to Play : 20-25 minutes.

Description of Diary Entry ESL Writing Game :

Students select or are assigned a character or historical figure.

They write a diary entry from that person’s perspective, reflecting on a day or a significant event in their life.

This exercise helps students explore different perspectives and practice writing in the first person.

12. Descriptive Writing Challenge

Overview : Descriptive Writing Challenge tasks students with describing an object, place, or person in detail without naming it, focusing on sensory details and adjectives.

• Setup : Select a range of objects, places, or people for students to describe, or let them choose their own.

Description of Descriptive Writing Challenge ESL Writing Game :

Students write a detailed description of their chosen subject, using sensory details and vivid language.

The challenge is to convey the essence of the subject without directly naming it.

Other students can guess what is being described, adding an interactive element to the exercise.

This game enhances descriptive writing skills and encourages careful observation and creative expression.

13. Instructional Writing

Overview : Instructional Writing is a practical exercise where students write clear and concise instructions on how to do something, such as making a sandwich or tying shoelaces.

• Setup : Choose simple, everyday tasks that students can write instructions for.

Description of Instructional Writing ESL Writing Game :

Students select or are assigned a task.

They write step-by-step instructions on how to complete this task.

Emphasis is on clarity, sequence, and the use of imperative sentences.

This exercise helps students practice a practical aspect of writing and understand the importance of clear communication.

14. Sequencing Writing Game

Overview : In the Sequencing Writing Game, students put pictures or sentence strips in order and then write a story or description based on the sequence. This game enhances narrative skills and logical thinking.

• Setup : Prepare a series of pictures or sentence strips that can be arranged to tell a story or describe a process.
• Number of Players : Can be done individually or in small groups.
• Resources Needed : Pictures or sentence strips, paper, and pens.

Description of Sequencing Writing Game ESL Writing Game :

Distribute the pictures or sentence strips to students.

They arrange them in a logical order and then write a story or description that follows this sequence.

This game encourages students to think about story structure, cause and effect, and chronological order in writing.

15. Role Play Writing

Overview : Role Play Writing assigns different roles to students, who then write from their assigned character’s perspective. This game fosters creativity and empathy, allowing students to explore diverse viewpoints.

• Setup : Create a list of characters or roles for students to write from, which can be related to a theme, book, or historical event.
• Number of Players : Individual or pair activity.
• Resources Needed : Character descriptions or role profiles, paper, and pens.

Description of Role Play Writing ESL Writing Game :

Assign each student or pair a character or role.

Students write a narrative, letter, diary entry, or dialogue from the perspective of their assigned character.

Emphasis is on understanding and conveying the character’s viewpoint, emotions, and experiences.

This game enhances creative writing skills and the ability to write from different perspectives.

16. Acrostic Poems

Overview : Acrostic Poems are a fun and creative writing activity where the first letter of each line spells out a word related to a topic. This game encourages creativity and helps students focus on vocabulary related to specific themes.

• Setup : Choose words or topics for the acrostic poems.
• Number of Players : Individual activity, but can be shared in groups afterward.

Description of Acrostic Poems ESL Writing Game :

Assign each student a word or let them choose one related to a current theme or topic.

Students write an acrostic poem where each line starts with a letter from the word.

This game is excellent for exploring vocabulary and encouraging creative expression through poetry.

17. Collaborative Writing Blog

Overview : Starting a class blog where students contribute posts on various topics is an excellent way for them to practice writing in a real-world context. It enhances their ability to express ideas clearly and coherently.

• Setup : Set up a blog platform that all students can access and contribute to.
• Time to Play : Ongoing, with specific time allocated for writing and posting.
• Number of Players : Whole class.
• Resources Needed : Computer and internet access, a blog platform.

Description of Collaborative Writing Blog ESL Writing Game :

Each student or group of students contributes a blog post on a designated topic.

Topics can range from personal experiences to opinions on current events.

Students practice writing in various styles, from informal to persuasive, depending on the post.

This activity also allows for peer feedback and collaborative editing.

Don’t Forget you can access the pages for all our ESL games and activities from the links below or click on the image to download them all in one PDF file for $2.99 or the price of a coffee ( a good coffee we admit! )

These 17 ESL writing games provide an range of creative and effective methods to enhance writing skills in the ESL classroom.

By incorporating activities like Letter Writing Exchange and Collaborative Writing Blogs, teachers can offer students diverse and practical writing experiences.

These games not only promote language development but also encourage students to express themselves with confidence and creativity.

Further Writing Games and Activities

• https://www.eflsensei.com/?category=28
• https://eslauthority.com/blog/esl-writing-activities/
• https://blog.vipkid.com/10-creative-esl-writing-activities/
• https://enchantedesl.com/9-exciting-efl-esl-activities-for-writing-spelling/

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Making English Fun!

I have been a teacher of English for over 15 years, in that time i made hundreds and thousands of resources and learnt so much i think its worth sharing. Hopefully to help teachers and parents around the world.

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6 Creative Writing Activities for the ESL Classroom

03 June 2021 • Guest posts , Tips

The ESL classroom is a place where students learn, develop their language skills, and use their creativity and imagination. Learning a language is a process that requires different types of activities to be involved, for the student to truly progress. That’s why ESL students deal with speaking, reading, listening, and writing activities interchangeably. And, it’s the teacher’s job to make these activities as engaging and useful as possible.

When it comes to creative writing, teachers should look for creative activities that will keep the students interested and present. To help you give your students the best possible learning experience, we've put together a list of 6 creative writing activities for the ESL classroom. Check them out below.

1. Group Story Writing

If you have a classroom of reluctant writers, you might want to kick things off with a group exercise. Divide students into groups so that they can work together and help each other out.

Group story writing is a fun exercise that your students will love. All you need is an interesting picture showing something amusing and inspiring for each group. Once you give them the picture, ask them to:

• - name the characters from the picture
• - decide on their relationship
• - come up with a story about the things happening in the picture e.g. why are they there, what are they talking about, how are they feeling…

Ask the students to take turns pitching ideas, and have one student in the group take notes. Once they define all the details, ask them to write a story based on the ideas they've previously shared.

Group work can be a challenge, but if you instruct it properly, your students will enjoy working together.

2. Five-Sentence Stories

To have your students engage in a writing task, you don't need to have them write a two-page essay. Exercises that seem simple can actually help them work harder and truly activate their language skills.

A five-sentence story is an exercise that requires the following:

• - the students work individually
• - they have 10 minutes to come up with a story
• - the story needs to have an introduction, a climax, and an ending
• - the story needs to be exactly five sentences long

The teacher can either provide a topic or let it be completely up to the students.

The students will struggle to summarize their entire idea into five sentences and will have to use all the language skills and knowledge they have. Plus, they'll enjoy listening to each other's fun short stories and seeing how everyone did.

3. Finish The Story

The following exercise is great for pair work since it can engage language-speaking separately from written assignments. Finish the story is quite simple:

• - provide each pair of students with a beginning of a story
• - it can be a newspaper article, a fairy tale, a letter, an email, or anything the students find interesting
• - ask them to read it
• - ask them to write the rest of the story and finish it the way they think it should finish

The students will be provided with a writing style sample that they'll need to follow and respect. They'll need to be imaginative and creative to finish the story with a bang and amuse the rest of the classroom.

4. Simplify the Text

This idea comes from HubSpot’s article “How to Train Your Brain to Write More Concisely” and their exercise Rewrite Wikipedia Paragraphs. While you don’t have to use Wikipedia as the source of exercise materials, you can use the same principles since it’s engaging and fun for the students.

Here's what you need to do:

• - give your students a piece of content
• - try choosing something they’re interested in and will enjoy reading
• - ask them to read the whole text
• - ask them to reduce it by 50%

So, if you gave them a 1200-word article about sustainability, ask them to reduce it to a 600-word article, without losing any important information.

This will teach them to write concisely and avoid redundancy, which is a key skill they'll need for business writing, college papers, case studies, or motivational letters. You can order case study writing online and use it as another writing resource for your EFL students, teaching them about research, investigation, and organizing information.

5. Chain Writing

Another great way to engage students in a group writing activity is to have them write a chain story together. Chain stories will have students enjoy their time spent in the ESL classroom, collaborating with their peers and working on a fun project together.

The principle is simple:

• - the teacher takes a blank piece of paper and writes a writing prompt on it
• - it can be anything that will get the story going, e.g. “It was dark and Jack was scared.” or “The sun was setting behind the hills.”
• - The teacher passes the paper to the next student in line and asks them to add a sentence.
• - Once they finish, they pass the paper on.

This can go on in circles until the story is finished and ready to be presented. Ask one of the students from the group to read the story and show the rest of the class the result of their group work.

6. Monologue Writing

Your EFL classroom must use diverse writing activities that allow students to constantly grow. Writing a monologue is a unique chance for them to exercise first-person writing and use their wittiness and creativity.

The teacher should first provide monologue examples for students to explore. Then, they’ll assign a character to each student. It could be:

• - a famous person
• - a former president
• - a made-up person
• - a member of the student’s family

The student needs to write a brief monologue and give this person a chance to speak up. They'll need to take care of the perspective and think of the exact words this person would use.

Final Thoughts

Creative writing is important for your students’ overall ESL skills, and you find the activities that will help them improve. The 6 creative exercises listed above will help you focus on the area of creative writing your students need help with the most.

Use this list as guidance or inspiration to make every ESL lesson successful.

Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.

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Creative Writing ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

• Posted by by ESL Questions About
• 10 months ago

Table of Contents

Introduction

Creative writing is an essential skill for ESL students as it encourages them to express themselves, think critically, and practice their language skills in a creative and engaging way. This ESL lesson plan on creative writing aims to inspire students to unleash their imagination, expand their vocabulary, and improve their writing skills. Through this lesson, students will have the opportunity to explore different forms of creative writing such as storytelling, poetry, and descriptive writing, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the English language while having fun with their creativity.

Vocabulary Building

Contextual usage.

1. The author’s use of imagery painted a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. 2. Her smile was like sunshine on a rainy day ( simile ). 3. The narrative was filled with suspense and excitement. 4. The dialogue between the characters revealed their true feelings and motivations.

ESL Warm-up Activity

To kick off the creative writing ESL lesson, start with a “Story Starter” activity. Write the beginning of a story on the board or prepare handouts with the opening lines of a narrative. Encourage students to continue the story in small groups or pairs, incorporating elements of descriptive writing and dialogue. This activity not only sets the tone for the lesson but also gets students thinking creatively and using language elements relevant to creative writing, such as imagery, metaphors, and dialogue.

Main ESL Lesson Activities

Activity 1: descriptive writing workshop.

In this activity, students will participate in a descriptive writing workshop. Provide them with a selection of visually stimulating images and ask them to choose one. Encourage them to use vivid imagery, similes, and metaphors to describe the scene in detail. This can be done individually or in pairs, followed by a group discussion where students share their descriptive pieces.

Activity 2: Character Development Roleplay

For this activity, students will engage in character development roleplay. Assign each student a character profile with details such as name, age, personality traits, and background. In pairs or small groups, students will roleplay interactions between their characters, focusing on dialogue and narrative development.

Activity 3: Storytelling Circle

In the storytelling circle activity, students will form a circle and take turns adding to a collaborative story. The first student begins the story with a few sentences and then passes it on to the next student who continues the narrative. This activity encourages listening skills and sparks creativity as students contribute to the evolving story.

Activity 4: Poetry Writing Session

Conduct a poetry writing session where students explore different forms of poetry such as haiku or free verse. Provide examples of each form and guide students through creating their own poems. Encourage peer feedback and discussion to enhance comprehension and appreciation of poetic language elements.

ESL Homework Assignment

For homework, students are tasked with writing a short story or poem using the creative writing techniques and language elements covered in class. Encourage them to incorporate descriptive language, dialogue, and vivid imagery into their writing. Additionally, students can be asked to read a piece of literature or poetry outside of their comfort zone and write a brief reflection on how it inspired them or what language elements they found intriguing. This assignment reinforces the lesson content and allows students to further develop their creative writing skills independently.

Throughout this creative writing ESL lesson plan, students have explored various language elements such as imagery, metaphor, simile, narrative, and dialogue. They have engaged in activities that encouraged descriptive writing, character development roleplay, collaborative storytelling, and poetry writing.

As students reflect on this lesson, they can consider how the creative writing techniques and language elements they’ve learned can be applied to their language development. They may realize that these skills not only enhance their writing abilities but also improve their overall language comprehension and communication skills. Encouraging them to apply these techniques in their everyday language use can further solidify their understanding and mastery of the English language.

Why this topic is great for ESL learning

Enhancing language skills.

Creative writing provides ESL students with a platform to expand their vocabulary, practice grammar and sentence structure, and improve their overall language proficiency. Through the exploration of various literary elements, students can enhance their understanding and usage of the English language in a creative and engaging manner.

Promoting Critical Thinking

Engaging in creative writing activities encourages students to think critically, express their thoughts imaginatively, and develop problem-solving skills. This process not only fosters creativity but also enhances cognitive abilities, which are essential for effective language learning.

Fostering Self-Expression

Creative writing empowers ESL learners to express themselves freely in a supportive environment. It allows them to communicate their ideas, emotions, and experiences through storytelling, poetry, and descriptive writing, thereby building confidence in using the English language.

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Creative Writing Worksheets and Teaching Resources

This is a collection of free, printable creative writing prompts for teaching ESL.

Creative Writing Prompts

These creative writing worksheets can can be used both in class or as weekly homework assignments. We are always looking for more contributions so if you have an idea please send it to us. Eventually all of the story starters will be turned into worksheets and posted here.

The Secret Passage

The students take a field trip to an Egyptian pyramid and find a secret undiscovered passage within.

Brueghel' Painting

Students visit an art gallery and watch a painting by Brueghel come alive.

The students find a mysterious tunnel in the forest and follow it to find what is inside.

The Tricksters in the Tree

The students overhear a group of tricksters plotting to trick them and decide to turn the tables.

Fairies in Danger

A group of forest creatures in danger because of development. The students have to help them out.

Superpowers for a Day

Students imagine what they would do if they had superpowers for a day.

Talking to the Animals

Students imagine if they had the powers of Dr. Doolittle and could talk to animals.

A mysterious portal appears to another world. But where does it lead?

The Villain

A diabolical villain poisons the hero and forces the hero to do the villains bidding.

The Letter from Afar

Students imagine their trip to a far away exotic land and write a letter home.

The Shadow from the Depths

A mysterious shadow from the depths of the ocean swims under the ship.

The Time Machine

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

The Invisibility Potion

What would you do if you had an invisibility potion?

The Water Molecule

You are a molecule of water travelling through the water cycle. Describe your journey.

The Alien School

Ack! You discover your teacher is actually an alien.

A dark cavern in a mountain. What mystery lies within?

Beware of Humans

Changing perspective. Imagine you were a crocodile. What would you tell your children about humans?

Settlers on Mars

Imagine you were a settler on Mars. What challenges would you face?

The Voice from the Box

There is a box on the table and you hear a voice within. Do you open the box?

The Door Guard

You have to get past the door but the guard is in the way. What do you do?

The Old Lamp

You find an old lamp and rub it. ... What do you wish for?

The Strange Machine

There is a strange machine in your uncle's attic. But what does it do?

The Padlocked Chest

Why is the chest locked? Will you open it?

The Shrinking Potion

What would you do if you had a potion that allowed you to shrink?

The Petsitter

It seemed like easy money until you actually saw the pet.

The Wings of Icarus

Students find an old pair of wings on the island of Crete.

The Labors of Heracles

What chores would you make your siblings do if you had some compromising information on them?

The Greek God Election

Every Greek city had their patron gods. Imagine you were a Greek God. How would you get elected to be patron good of a city?

A Letter from Afar

Students write a letter home describing what they are doing on their travels.

What are these gnomes doing in the park? Students follow them and find out.

How to Care for You Dragon 1

How do you care for a dragon? Version 1.

How to Care for You Dragon 2

How do you care for a dragon? Version 2

How to Care for You Dinosaur 1

How do you care for a dinosaur? Version 2

How to Care for You Dinosaur 2

Planet pollutonia.

You are elected governor of Pollutonia. How do you clean it up?

Planet Criminolia

You are elected governor of Criminolia. How do stop the crime?

The Footprints in the Sand

A strange set of footprints are in the sand. Follow them to find out what made them.

Future School

What will school be like in the future?

The Door in the Woods

A mysterious door in a tree in the woods. Open it and find out where it goes.(sent in by Katelyn)

You decide you are going to pull the greatest prank ever.

A mysterious seed with a sign that says: Do not plant. Ever! What do you do?

The Lephrechaun's Gold

How are you going to trap the leprechaun and get its gold.

The Island of Dr. Moreau

You are a mad scientist creating new animals. What do you create?

The Evil Scientist

You follow an evil scientist into a dark room and can't forget what you saw. (sent in by Curt Winstead)

The Last Tree

All the trees are gone but one. . . (Sent in by Katie Seafield)

Sports Creative Writing

In goal for the rockets.

Students are mistakenly put into net for the Rockets.

The Monster Match

When the students get out onto the field, they find out that the other team are behemoths.

Minutes to Go: Socccer

Students write about a close game of soccer.

Minutes to Go: Baseball

Students write about a close game of baseball.

Minutes to Go: Hockey

Students write about a close game of hockey.

Christmas Creative Writing

Saving santa.

Santa is stuck in a chimney. Who will save Christmas?

Candycane Mystery

Who stole all the stripes on the candycanes?

Elves on Strike

The elves are striking for better pay and working conditions.

Fall and Halloween Creatie Writing

Are you a witch.

Students design a test to see if someone is a witch.

Are you a Werewolf?

Students design a test to see if someone is a werewolf.

Are you a Vampire?

Students design a test to see if someone is a vampire.

The Haunted House

Students complete a story about ending up at a haunted house on Halloween.

Those Pesky Crows

How are going to keep those pesky crows out of your crops?