Setting. Plot. Character. Resolution. Done.

I recently discovered a new card game during Educ 451 called "Nanofictionary." Basically, you collect a minimum of four cards (Setting, Plot, Character, Resolution) and make up a quick story. The game is awesome for literature classes (it teaches the reversed check mark), speech classes (it requires impromptu speaking skills, a voice, and storytelling skills), collaborative lesson planning (it can be tweaked to make into a group game rather than an individual vs. other individuals), and it helps critical thinking skills (some members of the game are judges).


The game would also be perfect for a creative writing unit. To get students started, give them each a character, plot, setting, and resolution card. Then, tell them to write a story based on that. You could require only a certain amount of words or put other restrictions on them.

Right now, the game is unavailable on most websites like Amazon because they're coming out with a new addition.