Free Writing Unblocking our writing selves Two brothers

Two brothers … • A mother left her two young sons alone in the hut while she went to market • Describe the hut

When she was away … • Raiders attacked the village and carried the boys off into slavery • Describe the leader of the raiders

The boys are sold … • To different masters, but promise each other that whichever finds freedom first will buy the other. • The first one is lucky: he gets a good master and learns a trade. Eventually he buys his freedom. • Describe the first brother’s master

The second is sold… • To a bad master. He becomes ill, and at last becomes his own brother’s slave. • His brother does not recognise him, and ill treats him. • Describe the ill-treatment

The slave … • Makes friends with his brother’s little daughter. • She brings him food from her own plate. • He tells her his story. • Tell the story the slave told

The first brother … • Notices his daughter slipping away to the slave quarters … • Finish the story …

Optional activities • Students illustrate the stories and then display them • Pin all the stories up around the room • Students tape the stories, not write • Students correct each others speaking/writing • Finish with questions, comments …