How can I set concrete guidelines to limit violence in student writing?

Question

I am teaching a summer school class for students who will be entering 4th grade in the fall. We are doing a fantasy theme, so we are reading lots of fantasy stories and the students will be writing their own stories.

I am amazed as to how much violence some 9 year olds are looking to include in their stories. I have discussed with them several times that I don't want any senseless violence, blood and guts, or weapons in the stories. Although I do also have to recognize that in many popular stories that kids these days are reading include some sort of violence.

Do you know of any resources to help me set out concrete guidelines for my students so they know what is okay to include in their writing? I need some limits, but I'm not quite sure how to go about expressing them to the kids. I'd like to be able to do a quick mini-lesson with them about this rather than just keep telling them repeatedly that I don't want them to include senseless violence.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I'm not sure of any guides for this but I always tell my 5th graders that their writing must be "G" rated. They all seem to understand what that means.

Answer 2

Here are some starting points.

1. Tell the class "if you wonder if a teacher would allow this, the answer is no."

2. Write in a manner that you would not be embarrassed or scared for the principal, mom, or adult to read it.

As for concrete guidelines. Be very specific. No weapons, no violence, no spells that will hurt others. Nothing that would show a character being hurt physically or emotionally. In other words, write a happy story about positive events.