Two star games**
These games take slightly longer than 1-star games, usually taking around 15 to 20 minutes each. They are a great way to get your class motivated and in the right frame of mind for creative writing, and can built into longer exercises.
5-Minute interview
This technique can be used with pupils in groups or individually. It encourages them to think creatively about how their character(s) might answer questions, and to think of what questions to ask in order to learn more. A great way to kick-start the journey to a well-developed main character.
In the hot seat
This is a great game to use with pupils before embarking on story writing. It encourages pupils to work in groups to understand each others' characters and learn more about their own characters through asking each other 'interview-style' questions and answering in the way their character would answer.
Timelines
This activity will take pupils about 15 to 20 minutes if used in a simple format, however it can be developed into a longer activity lasting for over an hour, or even for a couple of lessons. The activity encourages pupils to think about each of their characters as an individual who has a past, a present and a future. And it helps them to develop timelines throughout their writing.
Pie chart game
This activity will take around 20 minutes to complete, and encourages pupils to develop well-rounded characters, by filling in their characteristics in a pie chart. By dividing a pie chart into segments, such as what a character likes, what a character is good at, or what a character is scared of, pupils are encouraged to develop a deeper personality for their characters.