Literary Balloon Blast

Equipment list

  • Balloons (color-coded: Red = Setting, Blue = Character, Green = Verb)

  • Thumbtacks

  • Prepared creative prompts (to place inside balloons)

  • 3 bins or garbage bags labeled: Setting, Character, Verb

Explanation

Learning Task 1:
This energetic writing activity gets students moving and collaborating! One student from each group comes to the front, selects a balloon from their designated category bag (Setting, Verb, or Character), and pops it with a thumbtack to reveal a writing prompt.

Learning Task 2:
The student takes the prompt back to their group. In teams of three (one for each category), they collaborate to write a short story incorporating all three elements. For Grades 5–6, start with one collaborative paragraph per group.

Closing:
Each group submits their paragraph as an “Exit Slip” to demonstrate learning and creativity.

Variations

  • Take the lesson outdoors to boost energy and engagement. Incorporate obstacle course elements and distance between stations to increase physical activity. To reduce prep time, replace balloons with laminated prompt cards. Students will draw a card from a bag without looking to keep the element of surprise.

  • Increase the writing length (e.g., from one paragraph to a full short story).

  • Swap to a different genre (e.g., poetry or playwriting).

  • Use student-made prompts for extra engagement.

  • Add surprise “wildcard” balloons with unusual twists!

Progression

  • Begin with structured prompts and short responses.

  • Introduce more abstract or challenging prompts over time.

  • Incorporate peer feedback or peer reading circles for reflection.

  • Transition to individual writing using the balloon-popping method.

ASK ID 2025-04-30-003-E

Grade 5 - 6Gasta DesignEnglish Language Arts