Riddles!

For a quick and easy writing assignment, ask young writers to think of and write a list of clues for a mystery object or person. The details of each clue should be specific, without actually naming the object/person.

Writers can choose their own topics, or you can gather objects (not people!) and place them in bags.

Here is one example by a young writer:

What Am I?

I puncture arms and legs. 

I help to keep people healthy. 

I make children scream. 

I am used to sew. 

After doctors and nurses use me in their offices, I make people feel sick for a few days after I am used. 

Sometimes, people use me to remove splinters. 

Like a vampire, I suck vials of blood. 

What am I? 

A needle

To challenge older writers, suggest they write their riddle as a paragraph, varying the way they begin each sentence. The goal is to keep the riddle from sounding "listy."