let's go out while we're at home

The great thing about having an imagination is that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want--even when you have to stay at home. So, here's a writing exercise to get you out of the house. You don't even have to write it down! But I hope you will.

(You could ask a family member to ask you these questions while your eyes are closed.)

1. Close your eyes.
2. Decide where you want to go--the beach? Your favourite donut shop? Planet Zarg? The castle lair of King Shark under the sea? Your classroom?
3. In your mind, walk through a door into the place you want to be. Then look around! What do you see? What is in front of you? Behind you? Beside you? Are there other people there? Donuts? Sharks? What colours, textures and shapes do you see?
4. What do you hear when you're there? What do you hear close to you? What can you hear from far away? Listen carefully--there are layers of sound. What do you hear first? What do you you hear underneath?
5. Can you smell anything? Is it one thing? Lots of things? A mixture of things? Does it smell yummy . . . or not?
6. How does your body feel? Is it cold or hot? Wet or dry? Do you feel light or heavy? Is it easy to breathe, or does the air feel thick?

Once you've really visited, open your eyes.

Now you can either draw a picture of this place, or you can describe it in words by writing a description. If you want to keep going, ask yourself, "Now I'm here, what happens next?"--and keep writing!

Image:
Simon Steinbergerfrom Pixabay

You can go anywhere! I grew up in New Zealand. I think I'll pay it a visit!