In the early school years, students ask a lot of questions about how things work and why. How-to papers are ideal ways to walk a student through the process of completing a project such as making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Because of their age and writing capability, this paper is better suited for those in first or second grade. Each step will only be a couple of sentences, but the process will help students grow more confident in their writing capability and develop the habit of placing steps in sequential order.
Writing letters teaches students how to place a personal desire or thought into words. Have students write a letter to their parents, best friend or other family member about why they want to own a pet or what they like about the person they are writing to. With this activity, have students use one or two of their spelling words for the week. Again, because of their age, this will be a short letter, but as the year progresses encourage your students to add another sentence each time the activity is reintroduced.
Writing in a journal is an activity to flex the writing muscles daily. Provide a prompt on the board or overhead each morning as students enter the classroom. The prompt should require the student to think about their morning routine and describe it, write about their favorite memory or food or have them describe their favorite toy. The entries build on students' interests and teach them to write. Depending on the grade and writing level, the journal entry should include the date and a couple of sentences.
Writing a fictional story or poem is better suited for those in second grade and above who have an established writing foundation. Provide a prompt and some direction such as a Halloween or Christmas theme. Instruct the students to create a fictional character and write a story about that character. If you are teaching poetry, provide examples and step-by-step instructions as to what should be included. Then give the student creative license. Because school is typically structured, creativity is often overlooked. This exercise not only teaches writing, but encourages students to think for themselves.