Many teachers follow a reading of Thurber's story with a creative writing assignment in which students invent their own daydreaming character. The task is engaging because students can imitate Thurber's technique while writing about interests they actually care about. It is also tricky to grade, since creative work resists the neat categories used for analytical essays. A focused rubric solves this problem by tying the evaluation to what the assignment was designed to teach.

Begin by deciding which elements of Thurber's craft you want students to practice. These might include the sharp contrast between fantasy and reality, the use of a sudden interruption, and the exaggerated heroic language of the daydream. Tell students exactly what the story must include so they can plan accordingly. Assignments with clear technical requirements tend to produce better results than open-ended instructions to be creative.

It also helps to show a model before students begin writing. A short sample, either teacher-written or taken from previous years, demonstrates what a strong piece looks like and sets expectations about length and structure. Students are more confident when they can see a finished example. It also gives you a benchmark when you grade.

Grade the Technique, Not the Talent

Creative assignments can feel unfair if students believe they are being judged on natural talent. A rubric that focuses on specific techniques removes that worry because every student can improve in those areas. For example, you might evaluate whether the piece contains a clear shift from reality into fantasy, whether the fantasy language is distinct from the everyday language, and whether an interruption brings the character back. Technique-based criteria let every student succeed through effort and attention.

• Establishes a believable ordinary setting before the fantasy begins
• Creates a vivid and exaggerated daydream with distinct language
• Includes a sudden interruption that returns the character to reality
• Reveals something about the character's wishes or fears
• Uses clear sentences and polished final copy

Add a Reflection to Make Learning Visible

A short reflection after the creative piece turns the assignment into evidence of literary understanding. Ask students to explain which parts of Thurber's technique they imitated and why they made specific choices. This gives you a way to assess analysis without forcing a formal essay. It also helps students see that creative decisions have purposes.

Keep the reflection brief, perhaps one paragraph of five or six sentences, so that the assignment remains manageable for students and grading remains manageable for you. Score it on whether the explanation refers to specific features of both Thurber's story and the student's own piece. A thoughtful reflection can lift the overall quality of the project and give you a clearer view of what students understood.

Handle Sensitive Content With Care

Daydreams can reveal personal wishes, fears, or family situations, and students may write about topics that surprise you. Establish ground rules about appropriate content in advance and let students know that you read their work with care. If a piece raises a concern about student wellbeing, follow your school's procedures for support. Respecting the personal nature of creative writing builds trust and encourages honest work.

Offer students the option to write about a fictional character rather than themselves, which gives them a measure of privacy. Many will still draw on their own experiences, but the distance makes them more willing to take risks. As a grader, focus on craft and avoid commenting on the personal details unless the student invites it. This keeps the assessment fair and respectful.

Give Feedback Students Can Use in Revision

Feedback on creative writing works best when it is specific and positive about what is working before addressing what could be improved. Highlight a line where the fantasy language is especially effective and then suggest how the interruption could be sharpened. Students are more willing to revise when they know what to keep. Balanced feedback also keeps the writing process enjoyable.

When grading a large number of creative pieces, using a rubric-based tool to draft comments can save time while preserving specificity. The teacher then adds personal reactions to the content, which is where human response matters most. This partnership allows quick return of work and thoughtful engagement with each student's ideas. Students feel seen, and teachers avoid burnout.