Journal Prompts

Here are some journal prompts that can be used in the classroom for journal writing. In my classroom I use journal writing as "bell work" students have control over the content as long as they address the prompt. They use a spiral notebook that is the "journal" and it is kept in the room (I have crates for each hour). We journal once a week. At the end of the grading period I give a grade for completion, and then I asked that the student select one journal entry that I can read. I read them and give POSITIVE FEEDBACK on the one journal entry. My students have to be able to write based on a pre-selected prompt for the standardized writing test in 8th grade.

I have found that journal writing is a great way:

1. To get over the fear of the blank page.
2. To get students used to free writing.
3. That students can see a difference in the way they organize thoughts and express
    themselves throughout the year.
4. Teachers can build understanding and relationships with students. Students will write more
   about themselves, their families, and their lives that they never would have said out loud to
   me.
5. To develop a "safe" zone where the student is not right or wrong. They have a place to put
   their thoughts on paper.

First day of school. How do you feel? What do you remember? What are you worried about?.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? What would you do? Why?
Your favorite teacher, who was it, why did you like him/her and what memories do you have of that person.
What is your favorite children's movie? Why? What did it teach you (moral).
Favorite field trip/ activity in school.
Best school day ever.
Would you want a friend to be a loyal friend, honest friend, or a generous friend? Why?
Rainy days. How do you feel about them, what do you do on them.
If you could ask a movie star or singer to your house for dinner, who would it be? why? What would you talk to them about?
What is the best birthday present you ever received? If I were the teacher, I would...
What is your favorite holiday. Describe what you do and why you enjoy it.
What is something that really bugs you?
If I could meet a famous person from history it would be,,,,
Describe a dream that you had recently. Provide as many details as possible.
Describe a family tradition that you enjoy.
The best lesson my grandparent (or parent or any relative) ever taught me was...
What would you like to do on your next birthday.
If you could do whatever you wanted to right now, what would you do?
If you were principal of this school, what would you do?
In 10 years, I will be...
Tell about an event in your life that has caused a change in who you are.
What would you do if You were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?
What advise would you give parents of an ___ grader.
What is a good neighbor?
What would happen if animals could talk? What are some of the questions you would like to ask animals?
My best/worst memory from school...
What would you do if you found a magic wand?
Describe your dream bedroom.
Describe your perfect vacation.
My worst mistake was...
Do you believe in ghosts?
What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good? bad?
If you and your best friend could have a free limo for 24 hours, where would you go and what would you do?
What is a smell that makes you happy? Why?
What do you think people notice and like about you?
You have the freedom to travel to any city or country in the world. Where would you go and why?
What do you like to do with your time?
How do you feel on Thanksgiving? What are you thankful for?
What would you do if you were president of the United States?
What was the last good book you've read? Why did you like it?
What advice would you give a new student?
What is a color that means happy to you? Why? What about sad? What other colors mean things to you?
What is a boring Friday night? Describe it. Now Describe the perfect Friday night.
What do you think should be done to keep people who drink and drive off the road?
What is more important to you, appearance or personality?
Who or what has had a strong influence in your life?
If you had 1 day left on Earth what would you do?
What 2 things did you get upset about/worry about last week?
What is something you like about yourself?
My mother makes the best...
You have an extra $100,000 to give away; you cannot spend it on yourself. What would you do with the money?
The qualities that make a best friend are...
What 5 foods would you never eat. Why?
Who is your favorite character from a movie, why?
What is your most PRIZED Possession, why.
If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?
What is your favorite cartoon character? Why? What does that character love, hate, stand for?
What is the most expensive thing you've ever owned? How did you get it? what do you think of it?
What job would you never want in life?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Would you like to be famous? Why or why not? What would you like to be famous for?
Describe your room at home in detail. What are you proudest of and why?
What are the 10 things you'd like to say to your mom or dad if you had a chance.
The thing I love most about Christmas besides getting gifts. (Tradition that you always do? People you always see? Food you always eat? some kind of Tradition? )
What are some of your favorite words? What do they say about you?
If I could have three wishes for the world they would be...
What do you think the world will be like when you are a grown up?
Name three things you wish were never invented. Why?
School Dress Code. Do you agree? Why?
Name 3 places you would never want to go again if you had a choice. Why?
If you were a fly on the wall of your house in the evening, what would you see your family doing?
What talents do you have?
When someone picks on someone else, how do you feel? What do you do?
I'd rather be..... ( fishing, at the beach, singing....)
Who do you talk to when you have a problem?