How to Use your Senses to Open your Creative Mind

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By Jerrie DeRose
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this small piece of candy has a powerful voice

If you think you can't write you are wrong. My creative writing professor once told the class that everyone can write creatively because there is no right or wrong way to write. It is just a matter of getting your creative juices flowing.

I have used this assignment for elementary and middle school students in my home town and as a family night activity at the public library. Afterwards the parents said they had a great time doing this together with their children. Of course I always have my audience share some of their answers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A piece of any flavor lifesaver candy
Paper
Your imagination
A pen or pencil

Step 1

Pick up the piece of life saver candy and feel it. Rub your fingers across the surface. Now, forget it is a piece of candy. What does it feel like? Write it down.
Step 2

Close your eyes, pick up the lifesaver, and smell it. What does the smell remind you of? It doesn't matter whether it reminds you of a place, your past or another kind of connection. Write down your thoughts.
Step 3

Put the piece of lifesaver candy in your mouth. Roll it around on your teeth and gums. Once again, put aside the fact this is a piece of candy. What does it sound like in your mouth and against your teeth? Write it down.
Step 4

Chew the piece of lifesaver candy up. What does the taste make you think of? What does the sound of the crunching candy make you think of? Write it down.
Step 5

Go back and read your answers to yourself or share them with a friend. Assignment finished.

Tips & Warnings

When completing each step do not think about what you felt, tasted or hear for more than a second or the answer will be contrived.
The point of the assignment is to let your senses and impulses take over as well as your imagination.
Try doing this as a family activity at home.