M & M Brainstorming Activity DO NOT EAT the M & M’s until directed to do so. Directions: –Each person will be given a small bag of M & M’s from which he/she will take one M & M at a time. –Everyone will go around the circle sharing stories. –The color of the M & M determines the type of story shared. –You may eat that M & M once you have shared that story. –Continue around the circle until everyone has told his/her stories and eaten his/her M & M’s (or time is called). –As peers tell stories, ask questions to encourage idea development. You will be choosing one of your ideas to write about following this activity. –NO VISITING OTHER GROUPS.

M & M Story Categories RED Tell about a time you were embarrassed or the center of attention when you really didn’t want to be YELLOW Tell about a happy, fun, crazy, or exciting memory GREEN Tell about a pet peeve or a time you were really angry BROWN Tell about a first—like the first day of a particular school, first girl/boyfriend, first kiss, first car, first bike, etc. BLUE Tell about a sad, unpleasant, or frightening memory; this might be something you regret ORANGE Tell about a favorite place to be or to visit

Now, you will be choosing one topic for a “One Shot Quick Write.” “One shot” means only one draft is required; however, if you struggle and your draft is messy, you will need to make a neater copy. This may be typed or hand- written. “Quick Write” means that a shorter amount of time will be spent on this than longer projects developed over time.

As you select a topic and begin working on your piece, remember the following : All good writing should have a clear opening –In stories, the opening grabs the reader’s interest and sets the stage. –In essays, openings connect with the reader and establish a purpose. Your voice or tone should always be appropriate for the intended audience.

Next, good writing needs support. Make sure you provide enough information to communicate your ideas clearly. –If you’re telling a story, try to provide details that bring that story to life. –If you’re writing an essay, provide enough examples and explain your ideas clearly.

Third, provide a clear ending; don’t leave your reader confused. In stories, wrap up the plot line and provide a resolution. In essays, sum up your ideas and leave your reader with a clear closing thought

Finally, remember some general basic writing rules: Even in short pieces of 1-2 handwritten pages, you should write in paragraphs with the first line indented. Watch capitalization! Don’t let texting and chat room “rules” slip into your academic and professional writing. Always put your best foot forward and watch for correctness issues: punctuation, spelling, usage, etc.