Lesson Plan

Write Out 2023

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts
Lesson Duration:
30 Minutes

Essential Question

What is a six-word story?

Objective

Students will create a six-word story inspired by nature.

Preparation



A fully accessible video can be found on the multimedia page.

Hi, I'm Ranger Cindy, and I'm at the Dune Climb here at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This park was established on October 21st, 1970. With over 70,000 acres, anyone will be able to find a peaceful spot to reflect. We have beaches, forests, dunes, lakes, and rivers. I have picked this spot to take part in this year's Write Out, which is writing a six-word story. What is a six-word story, you ask? Why, it's a story with just six words! Here is my six-word story: "Don't underestimate life. Take risks. Pivot." Now it's your turn to find a quiet spot to write your six-word story. Share what you write using the hashtag #WriteOut, or sending us a letter, postcard, or e-mail. Happy writing!
 

Lesson Hook/Preview

Here are our 2023 Six Word Story submissions: 

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's Awesome! - Laurent Everett Finn

  • So many false summits...until transcendence. - Holly

  • Dropped brick, toenail somewhere in there. - Pam Padgett Higgins

  • Working? Never! My time for relaxation. - Edie Wirtshafter

  • Time moves onward like shifting sand. - Jim Belisle

  • Warm sand fun between bare toes. - Victoria Wallick

  • Being in nature makes me happy. - Marylin Chorkey

  • I left my heart in Michigan. - Andrea Ray Smith

  • Pitcher’s Thistle marks time ‘round sand. - Raymond L. Antel III

  • Sand, lake, sun, so much fun. - Kyle Ripley

  • This was a really fun undertaking. - Victoria Wallick

  • Too fast fall the vibrant leaves. - Beth Gucciardi

  • My happy place, Sleeping Bear Dunes. - Louise Fisher Paladino

  • Leaves falling gently to the ground! - Roxanne Shetler

  • Those ridges will run you ragged. - Ernie Mendenhall

  • Dogs bark, cats meow, love animals.

  • Beauty nice river trees grass capitol.

  • Cool breeze, on a warm day.

  • Coral reefs, hoards of fish, paradise.

  • Fish in the tree flopped dead.

  • Gorgeous sea animals swimming in ocean.

  • Beyond the bend, the river disappears.

  • Skiing on the wavy windy lake.

  • Giants, ancient and old but cold.

  • Swim up to the rusty dock.

  • Summer sliding down rocks, following water.

  • Beautiful books are everything I need.

  • I love home like family friends.

  • Come and go in the lighthouse.

  • Don't put your children in lake!

  • Atlantic oceans and beautiful clear water.

  • Water snow on the mountains nice.

  • Wind blows, waves rustle, calm view.

  • Great big walls of falling sand.

  • Beautiful wild horses roam this land.

  • THIS IS A SIX WORD STORY.

  • Homework and friends, learning and fun.

  • Dogs bark, food smells linger mid-air.

  • Don't rain on my star party! - Debra Snider

Procedure

Use paper to write a six-word story. When you're finished, send your story to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! slbe_education@nps.gov

Contact Information

Email us about this lesson plan

Last updated: October 21, 2023