This resource can be used to help children who may lack ideas during creative writing lessons. It consists of four charts, which contain 81 characters, 81 places, 81 situations and 81 objects. WARNING - some of them are a little gruesome!

The "Characters" chart may be found here.

The "Places" chart can be found here.

The "Situations" chart is here.

...and the "Objects" chart is here. You will need one copy of each chart.

This should be enough for even the most unimaginative child to create at least one or two stories!

How to use the charts.

1) Write down any two figure number (example: 58)

2) Using the first chart (Characters), find the square which is 5 across and 8 down, and write down the word/phrase in this square (example: the prince of the Gypsies).

3) Choose two figure numbers for the other three charts, and find the appropriate squares (example: "an attic in an old house", "a death trap", and "a tape recording").

4) Weave a story around those four ingredients.

Variations:

1) Write down two numbers and use these forwards and backwards, e.g. 25 and 52, 81 and 18.

2) Use the same two digit number on each chart.

3) Take pot luck on each chart by closing your eyes and pointing to a square. Whichever square you have your finger on is the one you use.

Catherine Lander has adapted these sheets to form a very useful downloadable resource:

• They have been colour-coded (Characters and objects are orange, places are red, and situations are yellow).
  
• Catherine has also added a new 'When' sheet (coloured green).

You can download the resource here .