Message in a Bottle Writing Activity for Kids

A message in a bottle writing activity is a fun way to teach kids creative writing skills.

The message in a bottle has long been a favorite literary and real-world theme, capturing the imagination of people young and old. For kids, making a message in a bottle can be a wonderful way to occupy time, teach kids writing skills, and get their imaginations working in a fun and rewarding manner.

Materials

A real glass bottle can add an element of fun to this activity.

As this project lends itself so readily to adding a fun and hands-on element to the typical writing activity format, you may want to include a few more physical elements to the activity than just a pen and paper. Making a real message inside of a real bottle can encourage kids to engage in the activity, and can add a great deal to the enjoyment factor. Consider procuring some real glass bottles, heavy paper with an "old-world" feel, ribbon or twine to tie up the message, and even some heavier ink. Of course, if you are using materials such as glass and permanent ink, supervision will be necessary.

Who Is Writing the Message?

The first subject you should introduce is that of the writer. Ask the kids who they think this person on the island is, and try to get their imaginations working by giving suggestions. Was a child trapped on the island? If so, is the writer still a child, or has he grown into an adult? Is this the present-day, or is it the past? Perhaps the writer is a pirate, or a captain of a trading vessel, or an escaped prisoner. Let your own imagination run free in suggesting ideas to the kids, as that will help them to become comfortable opening up to the activity and their own imaginations.

Where Is This Person?

Get the children thinking about where in the world they are. A good setting can really give direction to the content of the writing. Encourage any ideas, but try not to simply rehash the standard "tropical island" setting, as this can limit the possibilities of the activity. Mention some atypical settings, such as a stranded boat in the middle of an ocean, an arctic island, or perhaps a person lost in a jungle sending bottles down-river.

What Is the Letter Going to Say?

Once the kids have been thinking about who and where they are, you can get to the real meat of the activity. Ask the kids what they think their character would want to say to the outside world. Remind the kids that this is a last-ditch effort, so when they are writing they should think about the one thing this person would want to say. Would they tell the story of how they got stranded, ask to be rescued, or write the family they have become separated from, telling them how much they love them? Encourage children to unleash their imaginations.

Finishing the Activity

When students finish their letters, you can have the kids actually put their messages into bottles, or just roll the letters up and tie them. At this point, what you have the kids do is really up to you and how elaborate you want to make the activity, but spicing things up with real bottles and other props can really bring this activity home.

References

• Eduplace: Message in a Bottle
• Ebottles: Message in a Bottle