So called because the ideas explode, this game shows how a description and
then a poem can build. It is best played on a good sized surface, though
individual players will find A4 adequate.
Players are first asked to provide a noun - boy, cat, car, etc., and then
a verb, and a noun of place. The basic phrase can then be developed by the
addition of qualifying adjectives and adverbs.
This first sentence is followed (or preceded) by another, constructed in the
same manner. Each line can be a self-contained unit that says something new,
though more experienced players will be more adventurous.
In this way the poem can be developed through questions of how and why,
writing up and expanding each chosen suggestion, selecting language with the
players.
For example:
1. NOUN - a boy 2. VERB - walking 3. NOUN (of place) - street
could become first
A BOY WALKING DOWN A STREET
and then
A THIN BOY WALKING SLOWLY DOWN A LONG STREET
It seems best to start in the centre of the writing surface and make
additions around, under and above, using balloons and arrows.
The "mess"
of ideas can then be tidied when the poem is well developed, written again
below the original, and then the process can be resumed, improving for
example the structure, rhythm or ending, with this new draft.
It will help
the finished work if the possiblities of rhyme and alliteration are pointed
out when appropriate. The drafting process can also discuss the line-breaks
and order of lines.
If the players are old enough (for this game can be played by non-writers)
they are then asked to create their own work using the same procedure, to
encourage a more flexible approach to drafting and develop a self-
questioning process for thinking about written work.
For further information on similar games click on any listed under SIMPLE STARTS in the INDEX side bar.
