Daily journal-writing is an excellent activity to implement in your classroom. A daily journal gives students a safe place to express themselves, explore their feelings, and develop their opinions.
There are infinite possibilities for journal prompts, and here are just a few ideas.
Drawing
Daily journal entries don’t always have to be word-based. Giving your students drawing prompts is a great way for them to exercise their creativity and express themselves in a different way. Here are some sample drawing prompts.
- Draw a picture of your family.
- Draw a picture of your pets. If you don’t have a pet, draw a pet you’d like.
- Draw a picture of yourself.
- Draw a picture of your home or your dream home.
- If aliens existed, draw a picture of what you think they’d look like.
Self
A daily journal can really help students develop a sense of self and boost their self-confidence. Here are some sample journal prompts that will help your students explore themselves as unique individuals.
- What are your hobbies? What do you like to do after school for fun?
- What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own, and why?
- Describe your most embarrassing moment. How did you handle the situation?
- What is your biggest fear, and why? What can you do to overcome it?
- What do you want to be when you grow up, and why?
Creative Writing
Creative writing prompts are fun for students and help them stretch their imaginations in new ways. Here are some creative writing prompts that your students can try.
- Write a poem about (any subject; i.e. winter, ice cream, an animal, etc.).
- Write a story about (character in current reading) becoming a new student at our school.
- Write an acrostic poem about yourself using your name.
- Imagine going on a trip around the world, and write a story about your adventures.
Opinions and Ideas
A daily journal is a great place for students to explore their own opinions and ideas. This also helps them develop self-confidence and practice asserting their views and feelings. Here are some sample writing prompts.
- What’s your favorite season, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be, and why?
- If you could be any animal, what would you be, and why?
- If you were the President of the United States, what would you do?
- What’s your favorite holiday, and why?
- What’s your favorite thing about school? What’s your least favorite?
Family, Friends, and People
Students can also write daily journal entries about other significant people in their lives, which helps them explore themselves as part of a community. Here are some sample journal prompts that help your students think about others.
- Who is your best friend, and why?
- What are some special holiday traditions that you and your family share?
- Who is your favorite teacher, and why?
- Do you get along with your siblings? If you’re an only child, would you like to have siblings?
- Who do you live with? Describe the members of your family.
About The Author:
Julie Myers is a grade school teacher and freelance writer. She enjoys blogging and has a passion for journalism. Julie encourages her students to use proper grammar when writing.