PicLits
Creative Self-Expression

Address: http://piclits.com


PicLits is a great creative writing site that provides attention-grabbing images and word banks to use to write a caption for the picture or to write a short paragraph. Word lists are categorized by nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, and a universal list. Users can comment on others’ work and rate work using the star rating feature. All work is public.

You do not have to have an account to use the site; however, to save your work you must register for an account. An email account is required to set up an account.

There are two ways to add text to the images. One is to simply “click and drag” words from the list that comes with each PicLit onto the image. Words can be moved around on the image. The drop-down menu beside each word lets you capitalize the word or use a different form of the word. A different word list comes with each image.

The second way is to click on the “Freestyle” link and compose using your own words.

Finished work can be emailed or the provided code can be copied and pasted into a blog or other website.

21st Century Skills

Whether writing phrases, sentences or paragraphs, this Web 2.0 tool helps students think creatively and critically about their writing.

In the Classroom

PicLits can be used to introduce poetry and creative writing units.

Explore the site’s “LEARN IT” section for lesson plan ideas beginning with writing simple sentences and advancing to writing poetry.

Here is a PicLit illustrating alliteration.

Teachers can choose an image to use for a collaborative class writing assignment utilizing an interactive whiteboard. Students can discuss word choice, vocabulary, or figures of speech.

The PicLit images can be used as prompts for journal or blog writing.

Science classes can use the nature photos to write about curriculum topics.

The images and accompanying word banks provide visual and vocabulary support for ESL students and reluctant writers.

Safety Concerns

Remind students not to identify themselves with their full first and last names or with any other personal information when posting their work online.

The site’s gallery and comment features are unmoderated. Be aware that all work created on the site is public.

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