Writing in a Box is an activity that promotes creativity, encourages story structure, and impromptu writing. It is suitable for all ages and is easily adapted to meet your students' abilities.

Directions:

1. In a large shoe box or small shipping carton place miscellaneous items you have laying around the house, such as:
   • an empty spool of thread
   • an old toothbrush
   • a curler
   • a baby shoe
   • a feather duster
   • a candle
   • a straw
   • etc., etc., ...
2. Call a student to the front of the room and select three to five objects sight unseen from the box.
   
3. Have the class write a story in their journals or on paper that incorporates these items.
   
4. Remind the students to include an introduction, a well-developed body, and a conclusion in their stories.
   
5. Call time after ten to fifteen minutes.
   
6. Share the stories aloud, discussing their structures.