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Most children in kindergarten and first grade aren’t ready to write paragraphs. Many can’t even form letters or write sentences yet! Journaling can help them learn some very basic truths about writing—that it doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating, and it doesn’t have to be hard.
These fall journal prompts for young students offer simple, familiar topics they can draw and write about. Letting them choose their own topic can be a helpful motivator.
Journaling Tips for Young Students
- Invite pre-writers to draw a picture and dictate a sentence or two for you to write beneath.
- Let developing writers use inventive spelling. It’s okay if they write “hape” for happy, “frd” for friend, “mad” for made, or even “D” for dog.
- Set eager writers loose with a prompt and see what they come up with!
- Some children will enjoy writing on grade-level lined paper
. - To help your young writer feel safe trying out new skills, don’t correct their journaling.
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Fall Journal Prompts
The nip of fall is still in the air! Invite your kids to journal about one of these autumn topics:
1. What are some things you love about fall?
2. What would you say or do if you were a pumpkin?
3. What might you see if you go for a walk in the woods on a fall day?
4. Do you prefer apple cider or hot cocoa? Why?
5. Tell what it feels like to jump into a pile of leaves. Use your best describing words!
Thanksgiving Journal Prompts
With Thanksgiving is right around the corner, encourage your young children to choose from these holiday-themed prompts over the next few weeks:
1. Who would you like to invite to Thanksgiving dinner? What would you talk about together?
2. What are some things you’re thankful for?
3. Use interesting words to tell about your favorite Thanksgiving dessert.
4. If the turkey could talk, what would it say?
5. Besides eating, what does your family like to do on Thanksgiving Day?
