Photo prompts on standardized tests require students to use their creative writing skills and their imagination. The photos used for the prompts are typically very abstract and vague. They do not provide a clear scenario for students to write about. Thus students must use the photo simply as a “prompt” for their creativity and focus on details of the photo or the tone or mood of the photo to create their own unique story.
Tips to help students brainstorm ideas include circling details of the photo they want to mention in their story, writing down words that come to mind when they view the photo, and using the tone of the story to help create character names. Also, pay attention to the colors in the photo, they may set a certain mood.
When teaching students how to write a short story based on a photo prompt start by using the overhead projector or computer to show slides of artwork to give students a feel for the very abstract type of photos often used on standardized tests for the photo prompt writing section. At first students may have trouble understanding what to write about. But as you point to specific details on the photos the students will focus and be able to create ideas for stories. This is typically a really fun lesson as the students enjoy viewing art they have never seen before. Art is a wonderful tool to inspire writing. Help students learn how to awaken their creativity via viewing and discussing art.
Ask students to look at 5 pieces of art together as a class and talk about the details of the pictures, the theme of the pictures, the tone and colors of the pictures, and also the words that come to mind when viewing the pictures. Then have students sit in groups and write a 2-paragraph introduction to a story. Working in groups helps students quell their anxiety and focus when first learning to write from photo prompts. Tell students to use the following steps as they start to create their story:
Circle Details on the Photo
Students should focus their ideas by circling details on the photo that they want to use in the story. This keeps them organized as they write and reminds them to use all of the details they find interesting in the story. Students should never actually refer to the photo in the story. They should avoid use of sentences like: “This photo shows…” They should simple use a detail from the photo as an inspiration for a scene or a character in the story.
Brainstorm a Word List
While viewing the photo, free write a list of words the photo makes you think of. These words will then be used in the story you create. Be creative and pick words that are unique and interesting. Look at the photo and allow your mind to make associations and then write down the words that pop into your mind.
Analyze the Tone of the Photo
Is the photo of a scene that inspires a bleak tone or is it joyful? Does the photo make you think of winter or spring? What is the tone of the photo?
Focus on the Colors of the Photo
Look at the colors in the photo. What do they make you think of? Is there a color like the bright blue sky of California? Then perhaps you will set your story in California. Is there a bright red color that reminds you of chile peppers? Then perhaps you will set your story in New Mexico or at a party where salsa is being served. Be creative. Colors set mood and give a visual reminder of past events in one’s life. Colors are also fun to use as character names. If the photo has a deep purple color that reminds you of the Iris flower, then perhaps you will want to name one of your characters Iris.
To assess student work on this lesson, give students a grade for participation in the discussion as the class was viewing artwork. Then as students work in group to create a story introduction circulate the room and give each group a grade for their writing skills and focus on the assignment.