Journals are fabulous. I love having kids write random stuff. It's no pressure writing that gets kids talking and comfortable with sharing their ideas.
One of my favorite resources is this Photo Writing Prompt presentation I created by pulling prompts from two Tumblr accounts. I had to start putting the prompts in the Google Presentation because Tumblr was blocked. Now, however, about 350 people have shared the document, so it is constantly changing.
In addition to journals, I like to assign quick paragraph writings. When we read Night, I have students write one paragraph that students explain how Elie shows humanity in Chapter 1. Students must use 1 quote from a chart we complete together as their evidence. Once I get this paragraph, I proofread the paragraph and return it. Students will then rewrite the paragraph until I am happy with it. It can take up to three rewrites until they get it right.
I like this activity because it isn't graded but is also a practice in revising techniques. I have to continuously remind students that the first draft is not the one to submit. Rewriting is expected and okay.
Overall, we write a lot in English class. Surprise, right? I like low-stakes writing because it is an easy way to reinforce skills and less grading fro me.
I love those photo prompts! I used them a few times with Focus Friday and we had a lot of fun with them. I also love that you're teaching revision techniques and showing students it is okay to rewrite! One of my biggest issues is college when I was a freshmen was not revising my work!
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