Ice Cream Island

Since I have complete control over the writing prompt this week, I decided to delve into my creativeness and conjure up fun topic. Are you ready for my insanely awesome prompt? Ok, here it goes: “The people of ‘Ice cream Island’ are in desperate need of new ice cream flavors. Create one or two new flavors. Be creative!”

Before we move any further, I have a confession to make. I lied; I did not creative this incredibly awesome prompt all by myself. I actually stole this writing prompt from my supervising teacher. This was the writing prompt for the class this week. For the first five minutes of class, students write a response based on the writing prompt. It really gets their attention and is a great way to transition a new class period into the learning environment.

Based on the students’ responses, they really enjoyed creating new ice cream flavors. While I was interested in hearing some of the more non-favorable flavors, most [American] students chose combinations of things they enjoyed eating; jolly ranchers, skittles, m&m’s, and even ‘Taki’(hot chili peppered chips,) flavored ice cream. On the other hand, the ESOL students chose fruit combinations that are found in their home counties: mango, pineapple, coconut, and papaya.

There were just a few questionable flavors that will always stick out to me. One girl in particular chose bacon and syrup flavored ice cream. Initially, I thought this was a weird combination but as I’m typing this, I’m getting more of a craving for bacon, syrup and pancakes! I guess this ice cream flavor could work after all!

All of the flavors I’ve talked about until now are nothing compared to what one student suggested: cannibal flavored ice cream! Ewwwww, puuueeek! Can you imagine eating bits of flesh, drenched in blood and crushed bones?!? I’m getting sick just thinking about it…

All in all, I enjoyed hearing the pleasant and unpleasant responses from the students and learned that not all ice cream flavors are created equal.

By the way, for those of you wondering, Ice cream Island does exist. It is discreetly nestled between ‘Hot dog Heaven’ and ‘Pancake plaza.’ I was lucky enough to find a rare photo of the island: