Fourth Grade
Worksheets
Brainstorming
You are staring at a blank piece of paper. Your assignment is to write an essay. You have no idea what to write about your topic, or you may have some ideas, but you're not sure if they are any good. You need a big wind to stir up the cobwebs in your brain. You need to brainstorm.
Brainstorming is a way to generate ideas about your topic. When you brainstorm, you open up your head and let all your ideas flow through your pen and onto the paper. There are many ways to do this including listing, webbing, and free writing.
All brainstorming techniques have some things in common. First of all, start with a blank slate. You can use notebook paper, chart paper, or a large marker board. Write with whatever is comfortable for you - pen, pencil, or markers. But use only one color. No matter what technique you are using, set a timer. You must limit the time you give yourself for brainstorming. Ten minutes is usually a good amount of time.
If you are making a list, write your topic in big letters at the top of the page. Write down every idea that comes to mind. You can use abbreviations, but make sure you will be able to understand their meanings when you come back to them later. Write down single words or short phrases. Don't think about each word you have written; simply move on to the next.
