Writing prompts that support your efforts to teach, not only writing, but Social studies, history, geography, science, language, arts, religion… even pop culture!
Use them to prompt writing, reflection, discussion, and even deeper research on the topics. They’re great for faculty and parent newsletters, too!
Jim's writing prompts are one of our most popular features; teachers find them helpful for motivating their students to reflect and write, and people just plain enjoy reading them. Check them out, and share the link!
November 10: Today is Hero Day in Indonesia. Who is your hero? Why did you choose that person as a hero? What do you admire about him or her?
Happy Birthday, United States Marines! Today in 1775, the Continental Congress created the Marine Corps as a part of the U.S. Navy. They were such fierce fighters that their enemies called them “Devil Dogs,” a nickname they adopted.
They have also brought aid to thousands of people after wars and natural disasters. Has anyone ever said anything about you that was intended as a put-down, but that you were proud of? Have you ever said anything like that about someone else? Make a list of things you can say about a person that can be either a compliment or a put-down, depending on how you take it. [Click below for the rest of Nov. 10 and prompts for the rest of the week!]
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was born in 1904. When asked about the future of ...See MoreWriting prompts by James Wayne for March 17 - 23 have been posted and are linked below. Following is just a sample of the stellar prompts for next week. (BTW, the first prompt for March 19 will resonate with some readers here. Perhaps we can discuss on this board.)
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was born in 1904. When asked about the future of computers, he said, “The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” What do think he meant by that?
In 1942, two American scientists describe element 94, which they named “plutonium,” after the newly discovered planet. If you discovered a new element, what would you name it? Describe what a new element might be like, and why you chose the name you did.
French scientist Louis Pasteur began work on a vaccine against anthrax in 1877. Pasteur had already proved that microorganisms cause disease, and had invented a way to purify milk and other liquids that cannot be boiled. This process was named pasteurization, after him. If something was to be named after you, what would you like it to be, or to do?
Here's just one of many writing prompts for specific days in March that will entertain and motivate students...and adults!
Today is St. Urho Day in Finland. St. Urho didn't really exist, but was made up by a department store manager as an excuse to have a sale—and a party. It is said he chose today for his saint to get ahead of the Irish and St. Patrick's Day. He made up a story about St. Urho's holy chanting driving away the grasshoppers that threatened to ravage the wild grape vines of Finland. Since grapes have never grown wild in Finland, the story is way bogus. The Finns know it, but many of them celebrate the holiday anyway. A fake saint deserves some fake traditions to go with his holiday. Invent a tradition about how St. Urho's Day should be celebrated.
Click below to find out when to celebrate St. Urho Day and to access dozens of additional prompts.
All of those intriguing questions and many more will be answered during March in Jim Wayne's very popular Writing Prompts! The first installment for March is now online!