Window Writing

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Have your students ever dreamed they could enter a painting, be a reporter on TV, travel to an exotic location? Awaken their imagination, welcome them to window writing!  These "empty"  screen designs inspire and capture the attention of budding writers. Even young preschoolers will enjoy this creative tool. First, imagine anything that you peer through such as an open window (maybe even Santa's workshop), a picture frame, a computer or television.  Next, using card stock or large paper, draw your object.  Now, cut a large hole "window" in the design.  Finally, laminate the entire project! You now have a clear window that can be used for many creative lessons.

Here are a few ideas for window writing designs:

  • Open Window (You could even create a scene such as beach, mountain, forrest)

  • Snow Globe

  • Fortune Teller Ball

  • Picture Frame

  • Barn Door

  • Transportation Window (Bus, Car, Airplane, Helicopter, Train)

  • Book or magazine

  • IPad

  • Empty bottle or container

  • microwave

  • oven

There are many ways these could be used in the classroom, however here are some suggestions.

Writing

In writing, use these windows as a prompt to get ideas flowing.  Older students can use these screens to cultivate and create a story. While young leaners may choose to draw, with an erasable marker, on the prompt to create their stories.  Or, consider this, after the first draft is written, use the window as an editing tool. Have them place their paper behind the screen and revise their work with an expo or vis-a-vis.  Final projects can also be framed behind the screen as a eye-catching bulletin board.  Wanting to add positivity and encourage your learners, enclose writing behind the prompt then, with an erasable tool, allow complements and positive notes to be written on the window.

Performance

Wanting to foster creative expression through performance?  Use these windows to design a student lead performance. Or, have learners use the window as a backdrop while they read their writing aloud. Children can also practice the art of speech with one of these windows then share their work through a performance.  Imagine a fun news or weather report, students would enjoy sharing their work. Plus, how fun would it be to film kids and their clever communication?! Certainly, this would motive children to practice reading with fluency and expression.

Creative Play

The importance of creative play is invaluable.  Abundant learning takes place while children are "playing".  Incorporate some of the window prompt into their centers and observe them having fun.  While listening to kids play, write short stories of their adventures. Create a magical moment and watch their eyes light up as you read back what fun stories you heard them invent. Make these little adventures into personal books to practice reading.

Or, use the window prompts to practice reading words or letters. Put words, letter, phrases or important skills behind the window. Perhaps you want them to incorporate some spelling or vocabulary words into their theme writing.  Place it behind the screen thereby drawing more attention to the required skill. You could even consider adding velcro or a slit in the window for an interactive learning center. How cute would it be to have an interactive prompt while writing letters to Santa or his elves. There are so many possibilities for these window writing tools. Have more ideas of how to use these creative prompts, please share!  I would love to hear your ideas.