This is a post for parents—and it’s a bit unlike other posts that we regularly publish on the Grammar Chic blog. However, we thought that there is no time like the present to help moms and dads deal with their new reality of not only being a full-time parent, but also an interim teacher and instructor to their children.
We know that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed so we compiled this helpful list of writing prompts that could allow your elementary, middle school, or high school aged child to improve their communication, creative and critical thinking, self-awareness, and grammar skills as they learn from home—and also provide for some much needed time away from their devices and screens. It’s even possible that maybe your child will use this time to discover a newfound love of writing and storytelling! Indeed, that is something our team here at Grammar Chic can get behind.
The Benefits of Writing & Journaling
Putting pen or pencil to paper can not only help your child develop improved focus and thinking skills, it can also let them sort out their feelings and examine what is happening in their head. This leads to improved self-awareness and mindfulness that can prove to be a steadying force during trying and challenging times, no matter if we are talking about the current situation with COVID-19 or any other issue they will face in their future lives. Self-awareness developed through imagination and writing can reduce stress, help them know themselves better, and turn their attention away from situations that are beyond their control.
And there are benefits to you, as a parent, too. Ultimately, by encouraging your child to use these writing prompts, you can gain insight into how they are dealing right now. You might be provided with a window into what is happening in their brain, which can help you help them on a different level. Or it could simply spur a new and fun conversation that you have not had before.
Writing Prompts for Elementary School Kids
- 5 things that make me laugh.
- If my pet could talk, it would say things like…
- My favorite food is [X] because…
- My favorite part of last week was…
- My favorite thing about my family is…
- If I had a magic genie who granted me three wishes, I would wish for…
- I want to learn more about [X] because…
- My favorite thing to do with my mom is [X] because…
- My favorite thing to do with my dad is [X] because…
- If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to [X] because…
Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers
- What would you buy if you won the lottery? Why?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Why?
- Write about something you are scared of…
- Write about something you hope will happen…
- If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Why?
- What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
- Oh, no, I’m quarantined, and I can’t…
- If you could meet someone from any time in history, who would it be? Why?
- What is your favorite memory?
- The house was so quiet, but then I heard…
- What is your favorite animal? If it could talk, what would you ask it?
- Write about something that you lost in your life and miss…
- The BEST/WORST ways the quarantine has affected my family…
Writing Prompts for High Schoolers
- What do you think courage is? Write about a time when you were courageous…
- What is the most important issue facing teenagers today?
- What is your favorite thing to do? Who do you do it with? Why do you think it’s fun?
- Write about going shopping at the mall. What would you buy if money were no object?
- If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and what would be the first thing you would do?
- Write about a time when your parents embarrassed you.
- What is the best advice you have been given?
- Have you ever broken your promise? What happened?
- What do you believe is a big problem in the world? How would you fix it?
- Write about a good book you have read recently…
- What have you liked about quarantine and what have you disliked?
- Describe what the word “hero” means to you. Do you know anyone who is a hero? Or who do you consider a hero?
We hope that you and your family spark some interesting conversations with these prompts—and of course, we hope that you are healthy and well. Indeed, we live in interesting times, but here at Grammar Chic, we are deeply passionate about the written word and how it can offer transformation. For more information about our company, visit www.grammarchic.net or call 803-831-7444.