Earthquakes. Fires. Tornados. Hurricanes. Super viruses.

Breaking your finger before the big game. Using bleach instead of laundry soap on your favorite shirt. Losing your cell phone—again.

Where am I going with all of this?

Being prepared for an emergency is important in today’s world. Things like water, food (don’t forget the can opener!), blankets, and so forth are good items to have on hand in any emergency. Also, it’s smart to know where to meet your family in case of a disaster.

But there’s enough serious stuff out there. It’s time to write something fun.

Now it’s your turn: Write a humorous short story about getting ready for an emergency. What is the emergency? Does your character do everything right, but things still turn out wrong? Does your character do everything wrong, but somehow things go right? Is the emergency a goofy one?

If writing a story feels like a disaster to you, consider writing a paragraph about what items you would like to have in a “to go” bag in case of an emergency.

Teachers, connect with Sharon on Facebook or Pinterest!

Are your writers struggling? Do you wish you could figure out why your children won’t write? Would you love to have a peaceful writing class experience?

Help your struggling writers—and you!—by identifying five hurdles to writing. Then learn practical actions you can take against those hurdles.

This article by me in The Old Schoolhouse magazine is also loaded with links to other helpful posts that will give you and your writers some welcome relief.

Click here to drain some of the tension from your writing class

Frustrated that your students don’t finish an essay or don’t know the steps to complete one? Worry no more! Click here for my latest article in The Informer about a super-practical writing schedule you WILL use!