Daily journaling: Many grade levels already do this. Journaling is a great way to get kids to express themselves as well as use later as a reference for more directed writing projects.

• Sample of Journal lessons that build on each other

• Before/During/After reading a picture book or chapter aloud, give students prompts to reflect and write.

Watch a short video

• Sample video lesson from Missouri Writing Project (start at about 3:11, do the prompt, then go to 9:15) - Grades 4 and up
• Supporting Act - watch, ask students to write about the lesson or theme, how might the story be different if told from the Dad's perspective
• Kids love short films
• List of video links - these have reading skills attached

Use photos to get kids writing!

• Visual Writing Prompts

Using Short Texts to Warm up to Reading & Writing