Julianne gave me an idea. She told me about an idea she heard from Cornelius Minor about making a box of items to prompt writing. She posted about her treasure box yesterday. Click here.
I gathered Mod Podge, scissors, a sponge brush, and some papers that I had already gel printed. You could use any kind of decorated paper. I’ve been wanting to find some way to use my gel printed paper.

Step one: Cover the box with decorated paper. I like the way Mod Podge paints on so you have fewer wrinkles.
I continued to layer until the design pleased me. I found a postcard from Irene Latham that said “Live your Poem” and put that on the top. I labeled the box “Writing Treasures.”
Inside the box, I placed found items. These items could be anything that fits. A rock, a peacock feather, a poem, a wooden whistle, a ceramic turtle, a message in a bottle, pretty cards, magnifying glass, a shell, etc.
My students were able to dig around and find an item to prompt their writing. I told them it could lead you to a memory, a poem, or a wonder.
I am really working hard this year to keep our writing momentum going. Last week it was the badges. This week a treasure box. Do you have any more ideas to inspire writing?