This idea is good for a fifteen minute writing period.

  	The teacher selects four words, at random, from a dictionary.  Try  
  to include a noun, an adjective, and a verb in your selections.  Then 
  have the students write a story incorporating the four words in their 
  story.  The story does not have to be finished. 
  
  	Option: Have students share, in small groups, the results.  Ask 
  groups to pick out the story they enjoyed the most and share it with 
  the class.  The author or another student can read it and the author 
  can remain anonymous.  
  
  	Also, groups can opt out of sharing.  Most groups find a piece they 
  like and the anonymous aspect takes away the pressure.  Let students 
  pick out the words the next time you do this activity.  It is interesting 
  to hear the different stories that the students create based on the four 
  words.  You can vary the word number if you wish.  We tried six words as 
  a challenge.