An Idea for Writing Time

Dear Mrs. Clark,

I have a fun idea for our classroom writing center. Could we please try keeping a story starter basket on the low shelf?

Inside the basket, we could put a few simple things from home or the classroom. We could add an old brass key, a smooth gray river rock, a plastic toy frog, and a shiny plastic button.

Sometimes when writing time begins, my mind feels blank. I stare at my white paper and do not know what to say. If we had a basket of real things, a writer could pick up an object and hold it. Holding the old key might make someone imagine a secret treehouse door. Holding the tiny frog might give someone an idea about a pond adventure.

I also made a simple plan so the basket does not cause a mess or any fights. We could keep it by the pencil sharpener. During morning writing, only two students could visit the basket at a time. A student could take one object back to their desk, use it to get an idea, and write. When the timer rings, we would return the objects right away so nothing gets lost.

I know we already have picture cards on the wall, and those are nice. But touching a real object is different and feels exciting.

Thank you for reading my letter and for being our teacher.

Your student, Leo