For classroom teachers · With author Sigmund Brouwer
Bring story
into your
classroom.
Writing lessons, reading resources, and practical ideas from author Sigmund Brouwer—to help students find their stories and the confidence to share them.
Brouwer
Meet the author · Share with your students
Hello from
Sigmund.
Play this introduction to meet the author behind the stories. Start here before a school visit or a classroom writing lesson.
Talk together: After meeting Sigmund, what do you imagine his presentation will be like? What are you hoping to see, hear, or discover?
A little suspense. A lot of possibility.
Which story
hooks you?
Start a story together—any time of year. Choose a trailer, read the first chapter aloud, or use both, depending on your classroom time. These resources are for every classroom, whether or not Sigmund is visiting your school.
Early elementary
Read aloud together
Share the opening chapter with your students, then pause to imagine what happens next.
A story to wonder about
What do you think happens next? Draw or tell your prediction. What in the story gave you that idea?
Upper elementary
Read aloud together
Share the opening chapter with your students, then pause to imagine what happens next.
An adventure to imagine
What do you think happens next—and what in the story makes you think that? Share a prediction with a partner.
Middle school
Read aloud together
Share the opening chapter with your students, then pause to imagine what happens next.
A question to follow
What do you think the character will do next? Support your prediction with a detail from the story, then write a possible next paragraph.
A classroom reading break · No visit needed
Watch. Listen.
Imagine what’s next.
Choose your starting point.
Play a trailer for a quick story hook, read an opening chapter aloud for a longer shared experience, or pair the two. Choose the level that fits your readers.
Pause for a prediction.
Ask: “What do you think happens next—and what in the story makes you think that?” Students can discuss, draw, or write their ideas.
Turn readers into writers.
Invite students to invent the next moment or try an opening for a story of their own. Use the same routine whenever your classroom needs a fresh spark.
Optional visit preparation · 5–10 minutes of discussion
Before Sigmund visits your school.
Start with a story.
If Sigmund is visiting your school, build anticipation for the assembly with a short classroom discussion after your chosen video or read-aloud. Students share their ideas with classmates and return to them after the presentation. No worksheet needed.
Meet Sigmund.
Play the Hello from Sigmund video for your class. What do students notice about his personality and his enthusiasm for stories?
Find the hook.
Watch a trailer, read the first chapter aloud, or use both. What catches students’ attention? What makes them want to know what happens next?
Imagine the assembly.
Brainstorm together: What do you expect the presentation to be like? What are you hoping to see or hear? What would make it exciting for you? Collect a few predictions and hopes to revisit afterward.
Back in the classroom afterward: Which predictions came true? What surprised you? What story or idea stayed with you? Invite students to share with a partner, then draw or write about a favourite moment.
Looking for school presentation details? →A Story Ninja approach · Try it in class
Talk to
the page.
Writing is talking on paper.
Editing is thinking on paper.
Two different jobs—and a little permission to be messy. Help your students get the story out before asking them to make every sentence perfect.
Just talk.
Write as if you’re telling a friend a story. Let the ideas tumble out, even out of order. Keep going; spelling and the “right” word can wait.
Now think.
Read it like someone hearing the story for the first time. Put ideas in order, cut what doesn’t belong, and clear up confusing parts.
Try this together: Invite students to tell a partner a favourite memory, then write it as they would tell it. Save corrections for the second step.
Get the printable poster ↗PDF · Legal size (8.5 × 14 inches)
Click the poster to open the printable PDF.
Classroom writing lessons
Small steps.
Growing confidence.
Begin with the free Story Ninja Principles module, then explore three Grades 5–7 courses in creative writing, personal narratives and editing.
Use the recorded lessons and activities with your class, whether or not your school books a visit.
Start here · Free
Story Ninja Principles
Discover three perspectives on writing: developing ideas, putting them into words, and polishing the finished piece.
Creative Writing
Work toward a finished short story through four lessons with videos and writing activities.
From “What should I write?” to a place to begin.Explore creative writing ↗Personal Narratives
Turn real experiences into a finished personal narrative through four lessons with videos and writing activities.
Help students see that their experiences matter.Explore personal narratives ↗Editing
Learn to use an editing checklist to review and improve your writing.
Build the habit of looking again.Explore editing ↗Find the right fit for your classroom
Let’s talk about the lessons.
Visit each course page for details and registration. If you’re unsure where to begin, tell us your students’ grade level and what you’d like help with.
Ebooks and audiobooks
The next story
starts here.
Keep the love of stories growing. Find your students’ next adventure in Sigmund’s ebook and audiobook collections.
School anthologies · A real audience
Give their writing a reason to shine.
Turn your students’ stories into a school anthology—a real book they can share with family and friends. Writing for an audience gives students a reason to start, revise, and take pride in their work.
For classroom teachers · Stay inspired
Get writing tips
from Sigmund.
Practical ideas for teaching writing in your classroom, story inspiration, and occasional ebook and audiobook discounts—delivered to your inbox.
Form not showing? Email me to ask about receiving writing tips.