Story prompts present the beginning few paragraphs of a story with the idea that the children will pick up where the prompt left off. This activity invites the students to use their imaginations as they tell the tale of what happens next. A few ideas for prompts could include a trip to the grocery store, laundromat or zoo. You could also develop a chart, which will help students who cannot think of an idea to write about. The chart breaks down the basic components of the story (who, what, where, why and how) and assists the students in thinking of the next logical step for the main character to take. After the class has written the story, invite volunteers to share what they came up with.
Journal writing is a way for children to personally reflect on topics discussed in class. Each student should have a notebook specifically set aside for journal writing. Every day, give the children a prompt to write about. Select the topic from current events or base the idea from a story your class is reading in English. Alternatively, have the children write about a favorite memory, toy or vacation.
If you are looking for a project that encourages group work, consider developing a class book. To begin, invite the class to brainstorm about story topics. Take the children's ideas and form a beginning, middle and end. If they need additional motivation, use a story prompt to get them started. For example, instruct the class that it is going to write a funny story about pirates. This activity makes the children feel involved and excited about the writing process. Have copies laminated so that the students could take the class book home and share it with their parents.
Inspired by Jeff Brown's book "Flat Stanley," this project idea encourages children to share ideas with one another. It also sharpens reading and writing skills by combining writing with other school subjects, such as math, science, social studies and art. To begin, have each child make a drawing of Flat Stanley. Cut out the picture, including his individual fingers. Then, have Flat Stanley take a tour around the classroom to visit other points of interest. Have students journal about each interesting thing that Stanley finds. After observations are documented, mail Stanley, the journal and a letter explaining the project to someone else who continues the same activity. After a few days, Flat Stanley and the journal are returned to the student who originally sent him on the "adventure." In some cases, Stanley has come back with souvenirs, postcards and photographs of the places he has been.