Writing Dystopian Fiction with Middle School Students - Creative Writing Activities to Generate Engaging Stories
Looking back on my middle school experiences, I remember writing a dystopian short story for a class assignment around 6th grade. I had so much fun imagining what the world looked like, creating a cast of characters (which were mostly named after and bore remarkable resemblance to my cousins), and coming up with a rather dark plot. I spent hours in the glow of my family's desktop computer, tapping on keys and watching paragraphs fill the pages of my Word document.
That experience was pivitol for me. It taught me how creative writing could transport me to another world full of adventures much different from the experiences in my ordinary life.
Because of that experience, I love teaching students how to write creative fiction stories. A few years ago, I needed curriculum for a dystopian fiction project and developed a set of templates for my students to use. Now, I'm excited to share them with you!
Here are the steps that I use to teach the dystopian fiction curriculum:
Teach a lesson about the dystopian fiction genre
Before starting the dystopian fiction project, it's critical to make sure that students have a solid grasp of the genre. As you teach, make sure to:
- Compare and contrast the differences between a dystopian and utopian society
- Share examples of common features in dystopian fiction (surveillance, restriction of individuality and free thinking, government oppression, environmental destruction, etc.)
- Read excerpts from famous examples of dystopian fiction, such as Farenheit 451 or Scythe
- Analyze how dystopian fiction connects to real world issues that students are noticing in the news
Share a rubric for the short story project
In order to set students up for success, it's important to provide a rubric that clearly explains how you'll evaluate and grade their story. Make sure that the language in the rubric is reading level appropriate, so that students will understand your expectations. Here are some criteria that you may want to include in your rubric:
- Dystopian elements and understanding of the genre
- Character development
- Creativity and originality
- Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
- Formatting and presentation
Help your students brainstorm a backstory for a dystopian short story
To scaffold the writing process, I recommend starting out with some simple brainstorming activities. I created a printable PDF template that guides students through a series of writing prompts about the founders of the society, issues that the community is trying to solve, ways in which the attempt to create a "utopia" led to a "dystopia," and more.
As students fill out their brainstorming guide, remind them that it's okay if they change their ideas later on.
Answer questions in a hero questionnaire to generate the protagonist
In order for your students to develop a believable, multi-dimensional protagonist, consider having students write responses to the prompts in this hero questionnaire. This template includes thought-provoking writing prompts about the protagonist's biographical details, background history, goals and motivations, personality, family, friends and mentors, education, work, and interactions with the dystopian setting.
Complete a worldbuilding guide to design a setting for the short story
Once students have completed the brainstorming stage for their dystopian society's backstory, as well as generated a protagonist, encourage students to respond to prompts in this worldbuilding guide. Students will explore a series of questions on government, political ideologies, economic systems, environmental issues, and more to brainstorm the context of their story.
Hold writing conferences with students to offer feedback and encouragement
Set aside class time or office hours to briefly meet with students. Use that time to:
- Share positive feedback and celebrate what's working well in each student's draft
- Offer specific advice on what students might modify to strengthen their stories
- Listen to students' questions and frustrations with empathy
Create opportunities for peer feedback
Students may feel shy about sharing their dystopian fiction pieces with their classmates, but it's a valuable opportunity to practice bravery and vulnerability in the writing process. Before asking students to take the risk of presenting their work to classmates, model that step by sharing an excerpt your own writing with the class.
Teach students how to:
- Thoughtfully analyze what's working well in a story and provide positive feedback
- Kindly offer suggestions about how the story might be revised
- Receive feedback graciously and recognize the insights of their peers as a gift
Follow up feedback sessions with time for editing and revision
Carve out time in your class schedule to devote to editing and revision. Recognizing that many students may not have equitable access to technology and support resources at home, it can be helpful to block out 15- to 30-minute chunks of time for in-class work throughout the week. While students are revising their work, you can walk around the classroom to answer questions and pull students aside for wriitng conferences.
Have students design an illustrated map to accompany their short story
A fun way to help students visualize the world in their dystopian story is to design a map. This map can be drawn at any stage of the process. This printable template guides students through a series of prompts, such as drawing a welcome sign, designing roads and transportation systems, and more!
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