Literary 3x3 The Literary 3x3 is a simple and ultra brief writing activity to prompt students to think outside the plot The task: students summarize the novel/story they have read without using specific names or events The catch: they must create this summary using only 3 lines of 3 words each.

Literary 3x3 examples The fun comes out in the discussion: consider these examples of “3x3”s for these popular Disney movies – can you guess what they are? A. B. C. Arrogance transforms handsomeness Mistake creates captivity Inner beauty conquers Curiosity seeks freedom Silence creates confusion Love breaks spells Innocence craves recognition Guilt prompts desertion Duty calls home

Literary 3x3 The 3x3 exercise forces students to think outside the “main character does this…then this…the end” type of formula. Let it be a game – students should try to create the most insightful 3x3s Use the words generated to prompt further writing

Literary 3x3 Try it! Pick a familiar book or movie (let us know which!) and write your own 3x3 Let’s share! Remember this exercise, we will be making 3x3s with many novels, short stories, etc. The RULES are on the next slide…

Rules 3x3 will use: 3x3 may use: 3x3 will not use: Complete sentences Effective word order Strong words, especially verbs and adjectives Abstract nouns Contractions using “is” Proper nouns/names Repeated words “to be” verbs Pronouns Cliches a, an, the

The Lion King Click to Return to 3X3s

The Little mermaid Click to Return to 3X3s

Beauty and the beast Click to Return to 3X3s