When the students have a new list of vocabulary words to learn, have them write a short story using all the words in the list. Give them creative license on the topic of the story, making the only requirement that they include all the words. This will help them learn how to come up with a story idea on their own and how to put the vocabulary words into context.
When teaching the students how to write descriptively, ask them to write a story about their day. Require them to write as descriptively as possible. Explain the importance of adjective to make the story come alive. As the students to include as much information about the day as possible. Have them write where they went throughout the day, how they felt, what they saw and what they heard through the course of the day.
Prepare students for writing prompts that will come more regularly in middle and high school. A writing prompt focuses on enabling students to organize their thoughts and write in a timely manner. Read the prompt aloud. An effective prompt for elementary kids asks them to teach something they know how to do. This helps them practice organizing their thoughts into a logical order. Students will need this skill as they advance into higher grades.
Break the class up into pairs. Put students together who do not usually spend time together or talk to one another much. Give them five to ten minutes to have a conversation with one another. Ask the students to talk about their likes and dislikes, families and hobbies. Once the allotted time has ended, send the students back to their desks and have them write a paragraph explaining what they learned about their new friend.