How to Start Using Seasonal Writing Prompts

Do you feel your kids are not getting enough writing practice? 

If you do, you are not alone feeling this way. I had the same feeling, too, until I started assigning seasonal writing activities for the kids to complete during writing time.

When I started assigning these writing activities, I had no idea what my fourth grader's response would be. I was at my wit's end to get my kids to write more. 

Then, I was amazed when I saw my reluctant writers wanting to write! It seems these big kids in upper elementary changed their minds about writing. It was exciting to see this! 

And today, I'm spilling all the secrets on how you can add that extra writing practice to get kids to write more.

Teaching Writing in Fourth Grade 

One skill prevalent in upper elementary is learning to write essays. And if you are like me, you are devoting countless hours teaching kids to write an essay to pass those pesky state writing test.

Although it may appear like a good idea to keep writing assignments limited to essays, this cannot be further from the truth. 

Besides, there are many ways for kids to hone their writing skills to make them better writers and enjoy writing. 

A Solution To Get Kids To Write More

One way is to get kids to explore different genres of writing. 

My fourth graders practice their writing skills by completing two writing assignments. The first writing assignment is an essay writing prompt. The second writing assignment is a seasonal writing activity. 

So, how do I manage two writing assignments? 

Establish A Writing Routine

Early on in the year, I establish writing routines to help the kids make the best use of independent work time. 

If you want to know about my classroom management strategy to establish a writing routine, learn about CHAMPS by reading this post. 

Pacing for Writing Activities to Write More

Here is a breakdown of my writing schedule and routines for fourth grade. 

Each month, the kids complete an essay and one of the monthly writing projects and coloring craft. 

After I teach a writing lesson, the expectation is to apply the writing strategy by editing and revising their essays. Depending on the writing lesson, this takes my fourth grade about 15 minutes or less to do. 

But, independent writing times is about 45 minutes or longer because, at the same time, I am conferencing with kids in a small group or one to one conference. 

If you are doing the math, this leaves the majority of my class with 30 minutes left. It is at this time my fourth graders complete their writing projects.  

In their writing folders, they have their essay on one side. In the other pocket, their second writing piece is the seasonal writing activity and coloring craft. 

Throughout the week, they use the graphic organizer to brainstorm and use notebook paper to write their draft. 

Lesson Plan Format For Writing Prompts

Since the writing prompts are not text-based, it takes them less time to write a response. 

During this process, I encourage them to write with a partner and bounce off ideas. 

I also allow them to write using their favorite color pen. Writing with a pen and not a pencil is a great motivator strategy to encourage kids to write. 

After writing their draft, they submit their responses, and I read them. I don't go crazy marking every error. 

Instead, I pick one writing skill or trait to focus on and provide feedback. This strategy allows me to give timely feedback and analyze each draft faster. 

As the kids are waiting for me to return their drafts, they start to color and cut the paper topper. 

They assemble their writing projects by pasting the paper topper on top of the paper template. 

Once they have their draft, they write their final piece, and their project is ready to be displayed. 

Since my fourth graders can complete these writing projects in a week, they do a minimum of two seasonal writing projects per month. 

Other Ways To Use Seasonal Writing Prompts

One of the perks of completing seasonal writing activities is never running out of writing samples to display on our bulletin board. 

My school is big on showing current student work, and completing these writing projects is a time saver. 

Besides, they make a great addition to the kids writing portfolio towards the end of the year. 

Wrapping It Up 

I'm a big subscriber to using whatever you can find to get kids writing. 

Let's face it; getting kids to write every day can go a long way towards ensuring they do not forget what they have learned in writing. 

The changes I have made to my writing routine to include seasonal writing prompts have been one way to get in that extra writing practice kids need. 

Check out my tpt store for monthly writing prompts to get you started.