1. Graffiti Walls
Create a shared writing experience by posting a large banner or poster with a prompt in a public space. Invite participants to respond to the prompt and to each other’s writing. This can be done on the banner itself or via sticky notes.
Suggested Timeframe: These can be posted and added to over a longer period of time or posted for a short session.
Location: A wall with good traffic that is big enough to have several people read and write on at the same time.
Materials:
- A banner, chart or poster paper
- Markers (not permanent)
- A bin or tub to hold the markers
- Sticky notes (optional)
Things to Consider:
- Take a time-lapse video of the banner as it gets filled over a series of hours, and then share it out with the community.
- Consider a series of banners throughout a space with different prompts on each to deepen the conversation.
- Make sure the markers aren’t bleeding through onto the wall!
2. A Writing Gallery Walk
Much like a visual art gallery, a gallery walk of writing can be a way to stop and savor various compositions. Hang pieces in a public space and invite viewers for an “opening” and/or keep it up all month long. A virtual gallery can also be created by posting pieces of writing (with full permission) on a website, blog, or social media site.
Suggested Timeframe: This can be done over a short period or posted like an art gallery for a longer stretch of time.
Location: A room with enough space for people to walk and read items that are posted on a wall or on desks or tables.
Materials:
- Several different pieces of writing in a variety of genres
- Tacks, tape, or putty to post these pieces on the wall or to display on desks and tables
- Sticky notes if inviting feedback on the pieces of writing
Things to Consider:
- If showcasing student work and sharing it online, make sure to get both the students’ and families’ permission and do not include names.
- Invite people to interact with the pieces in the gallery through sticky note comments.
3. Collaborative Poetry
Invite participants to create poetry together using a variety of methods. Showcase the poems in a public space or online. In recognition of the National Day on Writing, consider focusing the poetry around the theme of writing or in response to the prompt #WhyIWrite.
Suggested Timeframe: This can take place in a short session or be left up over an extended period of time.
Location: Depending on the approach, a centralized bulletin board can be used, or the event can be held in a spot big enough for all the invitees.
Materials:
- Sticky notes or construction paper
- Writing instruments like pens, pencils, markers
- Magazines, pages, or photocopies of pages from books
- Scissors / Glue / Tape
Examples of Activities:
- Create a large interactive “magnetic poetry” wall that several people can work on at once.
- Write haiku poems on sticky notes and put them in random places.
- Try blackout poetry in which several words on a page of text are blacked out to leave words that reveal a poem.
4. Writer Talks
Invite well-known local, regional, or national writers to share their writing tips and samples of their work at schools, libraries, or local group events. If possible, include a book signing at the end.
Suggested Timeframe: 1-2 hours
Location: A space big enough to accommodate a podium or stage for the speaker and audience. Consider a location with ample parking as well!
Materials:
- Microphone / Speakers / Amplification System
- Table / space for book or article signing
- Pens / sticky notes for the book signing
Things to Consider:
- Some authors will talk with groups online and virtually, and this eliminates the cost of travel and lodging. Kate Messner has compiled this list of authors who do virtual visits.
- Libraries and bookstores often have special relationships with authors and can help in planning or hosting such an event.
- When communicating about the event via social media, include the author’s social media handles to help amplify the reach.
5. Testimonial Videos
A great way to share responses to #WhyIWrite is through short “selfie” videos that can be shared on websites and on social media. These videos can be shared leading up to the National Day on Writing as a way of drumming up participation, and they can be shared on the day as a contribution to the conversation. On a website, blog, or social media site, a collection of these videos can be collected on a page to share.
Suggested Timeframe: These can be created and shared at any time.
Location: People can record these anywhere, but if holding a meeting or conference, consider creating a “recording booth” where people can make them on the spot.
Materials: Video-recording device
Things to Consider:
- Record the videos in horizontal mode for best effect.
- If setting up a “recording booth,” make sure it’s in a quiet space so people’s responses can be heard.
- Make sure videos are shared only if there is permission to share.
- An online platform like FlipGrid can be a great tool for collecting videos from a group.