middle school special education writing prompts

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Creative Writing Activities for a Special Needs Student

I always assigned creative writing activities on the first day of school to start the year off on the right foot. For instance, I wanted the students to share something from their Summer vacation right after lunch this particular school year.

However, one of my students had a hard time with the assignment.

“I can’t do this!” John said, slamming his pencil down. “These writing assignments are just too hard for me,” he continued.

“What is it about the assignment that makes it too hard for you, John,” I said.

“I’m just not good at writing, and I don’t know what to write about,” John said.

Writing is one of the hardest tasks for children who have special needs. The process of getting their thoughts and ideas down on paper is overwhelming for students.

Creative Writing Activities for a Special Needs Student

Although writing can be a tedious process, there are many different ways for students to express themselves through writing. Here are eleven great writing activities to try with your students.

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11 Writing Activities Your Special Needs Students Will Enjoy

#1 comic book writing.

I have found that some of my students love writing comic book stories. They don’t feel overwhelmed like they do when they are assigned a five-paragraph essay. In addition, it is a creative way to practice writing in smaller sentences.

You can find comic book-creating websites or templates online to help you plan the assignment. I have found that Make Beliefs Comix is a great online resource for those wanting to explore and write creatively. I have a student who uses this website, and he loves being able to create his own comic book.

#2 Sensory Writing

Sensory writing is an engaging way to encourage students to use all of their senses in their writing.

Begin by offering your students a variety of sensory experiences, such as:

Smelling different scents
Touching various textures
Listening to different sounds
Looking at things in different ways, like under a microscope, magnifying glass, or in the dark with a flashlight

Then, have them describe these experiences using vivid language and detail. Sensory writing activities help students to develop their descriptive writing skills and connect their experiences to their writing.

#3 Memory Writing

Memory writing is an activity where students can reflect on something they read earlier in the week. The reading could be something that they read or experienced in reading groups.

The students have a time limit to reflect and write so that everyone has an opportunity to write about what they remember. This creative writing activity is important because it encourages students to recall their memories, which builds stronger connections in the brain.

#4 Reading Response Journals

As a student, I hated work that seemed like a waste of time. One thing that I remember was that each week we had to write a reading response about something that we had read that week.

A reading response journal is a series of entries from students’ reflections, opinions, and reactions to readings. This active learning technique encourages them to examine things thoroughly and relate what they’ve read to their prior knowledge and experiences.

Tips for Reading Response Journals

Let your student know this is his journal. No one else has to read it, and he will not be graded on what he writes in it.
Give ample time for each student to write in their journal immediately after reading time when it is fresh on their mind.
Provide journal prompts so your students aren’t sitting there staring at the blank page, overwhelmed with what to write. Here are a couple of reading response journal prompts:
Reader Response Journal Prompts
Reader Response Journal Questions

#5 Picture Storytelling

Visual aids can be a powerful tool to engage special needs students in creative writing. Provide your students with a selection of interesting images, such as landscapes, animals, or scenes from everyday life.

Encourage them to choose one image and write a short story based on what they see. This activity allows students to practice their descriptive writing skills while simultaneously stimulating their imagination.

Get the free Silly Sentence and Story Maker Creative Writing Activity for kids.

#6 Group Storytelling

Group storytelling is a collaborative and interactive way to help your students practice their writing skills.

First, divide your students into small groups and give each group a story prompt or a sentence to start with. Then, have each student take turns adding a sentence or two to the story.

This activity helps students learn to work together, practice writing coherent narratives, and develop their listening skills.

#7 Sentence Structure Writing Activities

There are many ways to practice writing skills. However, as a teacher, I always think of ways to get my students to work on their sentence structure that is not so boring or overwhelming.

Ideas for Practicing Sentence Structure

Give them a topic that they have to write about in under 100 words.
Provide them one word to write a paragraph about what they know about that word.
Give them unique writing prompts that could have fun and creative endings. For example, “If they were to have a dinosaur for a pet, what would they do with their dinosaur?”
Have them map out an outline of their paper using a specific topic.
Do a brainstorming activity using their research topic.

#8 Mad Libs

Mad Libs is an activity that helps students practice their grammar and vocabulary skills in a fun way without pressure.

Create a simple story template with blanks for various parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.). Have your students fill in the blanks with their own choices of words.

When they’re done, read the completed Mad Libs story aloud, and enjoy the silly and creative results!

#9 Letter Writing

Letter writing can be an enjoyable way for students to practice their writing and communication skills. Encourage students to write letters to friends, family members, or even fictional characters.

Teach them about the different parts of a letter, such as the greeting, body, and closing. Letter writing helps students practice organizing their thoughts, expressing their feelings, and writing in a clear and structured manner.

You can even check out these pen pal programs for kids to write to astronauts, authors, and deployed soldiers.

#10 What If” Scenarios

Encourage your special needs students to think outside the box by presenting them with “what if” scenarios. Provide prompts that ask students to imagine alternate realities or situations, such as “What if…”

You could become invisible for a day?

The world was made of candy, you discovered a secret door in your house that led to a magical land, technology suddenly ceased to exist, everyone had the power to fly, you could communicate with animals, there was a potion that could grant any three wishes, humans could breathe underwater, time could be paused for an hour each day, you found a map to a hidden treasure.

Have your students write a short story or paragraph describing the scenario and its consequences. This activity fosters creativity and helps students explore new perspectives and ideas in their writing.

You could make this a What if Wednesday activity that your students would look forward to each week.

#11 Rewrite

Lastly, another creative writing activity that is fun and gets children to think creatively is something I call “rewrite.”

Many stories over the years have been rewritten with new endings. For example, Cinderella is a story that has multiple different endings.

Give students a short story to rewrite that would change the story in some way. This assignment can be an excellent writing activity to teach them about plagiarism. In addition, you can instruct them on the best way to write the story without copying the author’s ideas or information.

What Creative Writing Activities Do You Use In Your Classroom?

Writing can be difficult for special needs students. However, creative writing activities can be a fun way for students to learn the basics of writing. Choose from any one of these five writing exercises, or try them all!

No matter which you choose, we’re confident that they will help your student develop their language skills in ways that are both enjoyable and challenging.

Do you have an idea for another creative exercise or activity not listed here? Drop it in the comments below so we can add it to our list. We look forward to hearing how this helps your students!

Additional Resources

Writing Strategies Made Simple
How to Easily Create Social Stories to Successfully Teach Children
Reading And Writing Our Way Through Thanksgiving

Get weekly tips and techniques from a fellow Special Educator and parent of a special needs child.

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Special needs students doing one of their creative writing activities sitting at their desks at school.

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Sentence Building Activities for Special Ed

Do you have students in your special education classroom who struggle with writing sentences? Or maybe they struggle with putting words together to form a sentence?

Sentence Building in special education classrooms blog header

Today I would like to introduce you to Sentence Building .

This resource was created out of a desperate need for my own self-contained classroom. Students in my classroom, verbal and nonverbal, were struggling with sentences… writing them, putting them together… the whole nine yards… but they had IEP goals to meet and I had zero curriculum to help them achieve their annual goals.

So I created it for them, providing models and guidance to promote independence with the task…

…and it worked!

Sometimes it is difficult for some of our students to figure out how to organize words in a sentence. There are so many different reasons your students may be struggling, including ( but not limited to ):

spelling, handwriting, lack of success previously, can verbalize sentences, but not put the ideas on paper…

I understand both you and your student’s frustrations. Writing sentences is tough! There’s so much that goes into it, but it is a life-long skill our students need to learn and master.

You can use this full-year resource to teach students how to write a sentence, or to reinforce the skills through interactive sentence building practice. These leveled activities can be used in small or whole group, in literacy centers, as morning or word work, in sensory bins or in intervention groups.

how will sentence building benefit my students? subheader

Daily sentence writing allows students to:

practice spelling and identify spelling patterns
use their thinking skills to create a complete sentence, and
improve comprehension and writing skills.

With differentiated practice, students will feel confident to:

write a sentence
read and spell common words and sight words
answer comprehension questions about the text
visual how sentences come together by putting words in order
use pictures to guide their writing, and
demonstrate growth

Other skills practiced when using Sentence Builders: capitalization and punctuation, letter formation, spacing between words, parts of speech, cutting and gluing practice, and more!

middle school special education writing prompts

• 40 weeks of writing and sentence building instruction • 5 levels of differentiation, print and implement ready!

How is this resource differentiated to meet the needs of all of my learners? There are 3 different levels of sentences: Level 1 – 6 sentences with 3 or 4 words per sentence. Level 2 – 6 sentences with 6 words per sentence. Level 3 – 6 sentences with 8 to 12 words per sentence.

{ Grab the Sentence Builder Bundle here . }

So let’s take a look at how it works, the different levels, and the recommendations for use in the classroom.

Sentence Building - Level 1 has 6 different sentences with 3 to 4 words per sentence. Only at Mrs. D's Corner.

There are 6 sentences within each level. This is Level 1, so each sentence has 3 or 4 words.

I recommend printing these cards on cardstock and laminating so you can reuse them each year.

Have students work on one sentence at a time. Using the picture cards, have students put the words in order to form the sentence correctly.

Sentence Builder - Level 1 - Put the picture cards in order and then cut the sentence strips to put in order. Mrs. D's Corner.

Next is getting the cut and paste worksheet ready.

For some students, I will have them cut their own sentence strips apart. For others ( or if we are short on time ), I will cut them out ( typically while they are putting the sentence together ).

Now it’s time to paste!

Sentence Builder - Level 1 - Paste the sentence strip pieces onto the worksheet. Use the picture cards as a guide. Mrs. D's Corner.

With this worksheet, there are 4 options available. As shown ( errorless, with pictures ), errorless with words, and just pictures or just words. Having these different levels of differentiation will help you meet the needs of all learners in your classroom, while working on the same thing.

Paste the sentence strip onto the worksheet. We love using our glue sponges !

This first step, putting the sentences together and cutting/pasting activity, is typically done on the first and second day of writing instruction.

Sentence Builder - Level 1 - Trace or write the sentences. Mrs. D's Corner.

As we move into day two, start by having students put the sentences in order again. You can mix all of the picture cards up, have students sort the cards, and then put the sentences in correct order.

Then you will move into the third day of writing instruction with either the trace or write Sentence Builder ( depending upon student skill level ).

Students will use the picture cards as a model to write the sentence in correct order, as well as spell all of the words correctly.

Typically if students finish early, we have this “extra” Sentence Builder activity to complete… and sometimes we will complete this on a Thursday if we’ve completed the rest of our writing work.

This challenge activity provides two options for students. One, use the words given with each picture to write 2 new sentences about that picture with the words. Two, the extra challenge at the bottom asks students to write their own sentence about each image.

This really gets students thinking outside of the box and gives them an opportunity to showcase lesson mastery and creativity.

Level 2 – each sentence has 6 words per sentence. All of the activities are identical to Level 1.

You can easily have students working on the same week’s topic ( this post shows the weather set ), but on different levels. All of the images are the same within each level, but the sentence difficulty increases.

Level 3 – each sentence has 8 to 12 words per sentence. All activities are, again, identical to Level 1.

here's what other teachers are saying... subheader

What are other teachers, like you, saying about Sentence Builders?

“ The sentences are formulated in such a way that they work on sentence structure as well as grammar and can also be used as comprehension activities if you come up with questions for them. ” – Samantha W.

“ I am so excited for this resource!!! Differentiating writing in my class is challenging as they just want to copy each other. Now they have their own personalized stuff. ” – Macy B.

“ LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is differentiated to my lower level writers but also to my writers who need challenged. It is a great resource and I use it in independent writing centers. ” – Passion2Teach

“ What a wonderful, comprehensive resource for writing! I love the differentiated levels- all of my students will be able to participate! ” – Annie A.

If you’d like to try a set out for free, you can download a free set of Level 2 in the Resource Library .

{ Grab the Holiday Sentence Builder Bundle here . }

Writing instruction for special education classrooms. Use this full-year, 40 week, differentiated Sentence Builder resource to teach students how to write a sentence, and to reinforce the skills through interactive sentence building practice. The leveled activities can be used in small or whole group, literacy centers, as morning or word work. Also practices writing, spelling, grammar, capitalization and punctuation, letter formation, word spacing, & more! Learn more at Mrs. D's Corner.

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300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

February 15, 2024 by Richard Leave a Comment

Here are 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students, when looking to engage middle school students in daily writing, it can be difficult to come up with enough creative yet educationally meaningful prompts to fill the school year. That’s why I was thrilled to uncover an incredible list of over 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students. With about 180 school days, this mega list of prompts could last nearly two school years without repeating! As a middle school teacher striving to make writing fun while also pushing my students to think deeper, stretch their perspectives, and grow their skills, I appreciate prompts tuned specifically to 11-14 year olds on topics that resonate with their developmental stage and experiences.

The list has prompts spanning popular middle school genres and themes ranging from relationships with friends, family, teachers, and community; to personal growth around emotions, hardships, ethics, and decision making; to navigating their changing identity and society around them. Examples that caught my eye include: “How can peers positively stand up to bullying?” and “What leadership lesson challenged you?” Imagine how students will light up responding to prompts that speak their language and tap into what they care about! With 300 on deck, I can target different skills and rotate in new prompts easily. This treasury of writing ideas unlocks an exciting year ahead!

These prompts are organized in the following categories:

On Relationships

On technology, on emotions.

Issues in Schools
Entertainment
On Hero/Role Models
Write about what being a good friend means to you.
Describe your best friend and what makes your relationship special.
Write about a time a friend disappointed you. What happened and how did you handle it?
What is the best advice about friendship you have ever received? Who gave you the advice?
Describe a time you and your friend had an argument. How did you resolve it? What did you learn?
What qualities do you look for in choosing friends? Explain why those qualities are important.
What is your favorite memory with your best friend? What happened that makes it so memorable?
Should friends always agree with each other? Explain your opinion using an example from your life.
Write about a person who has been a mentor for you. How have they impacted your life?
Describe how you balance time between family and friends. Give examples.
Do you find making new friends easy or hard? Discuss a time you made a new friend.
Explain three qualities that make someone a good family member. Provide examples from your experiences.
Describe your relationship with your siblings or extended family members. Use examples.
Should family always come before friends? Discuss why or why not using examples from your experiences.
Write about a family tradition or ritual you have. Why is it meaningful to you?
How can families best support teenagers? What is something you wish your family understood better?
Have you ever had a teacher that was an important mentor for you? If yes, describe how they supported you.
Describe an adult aside from your family who has been a positive influence on you. Explain how they have helped you.
Do teachers have lasting impacts on students? Describe one of your teachers who inspired you.
Write about a figure you admire but do not personally know, like a celebrity, author, or athlete. Explain why you admire them.
Describe a disagreement you witnessed between two people. How did each handle it? Who handled it better in your view?
Think of someone you had a disagreement with in the past. Looking back, how could you have handled it better?
Why is it important to admit when you are wrong? Describe a situation when you had to admit you were wrong. What was it like?
Write about a time you compromised with someone who had an opposing view from yours. How did you find common ground? What did you learn?
Do you find it easy or difficult to get along with people different from you? Explain using examples.
How can people move past stereotypes? Share a time when you or someone else overcame a stereotype.
Describe a situation where jealousy impacted a friendship or relationship. What damage did it cause? What did you learn?
Why is trust so essential in relationships? Describe the building or breaking of trust in one of your relationships.
What have you learned from both good and bad relationships? How have those lessons shaped how you interact with people?
How do you define respect? Write about a time when respect was present or absent from a relationship.
Describe a time when words were very hurtful or healing in a relationship. What impact did this have on you?
Think about a relationship that is difficult. How could you act to improve it?
Write about a stranger who did a kind deed for you or someone else. How did this small act of kindness make a difference?
Should people give second chances? Share a story from your own life on second chances.
For what reasons do conflicts happen between family or friends? Share a personal story.
How can people prevent or resolve conflicts between each other? Share a time when conflict was prevented or resolved positively.
Think about a relationship that recently improved. What specifically changed for the better? What can be learned?
What does it mean to truly listen to someone? Why is listening skills important in relationships? Give an example.
Choose one word to describe each member of your family and explain why you chose those words.
What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do and what do you enjoy most? Explain.
If you had the chance to give advice to a good friend right now, what would it be and why?
What goals can people set to become better friends or family members? What’s one goal you have set for yourself?
Who do you turn to when you have problems? Why have you chosen to talk to this person/people?
Should we forgive friends or family who lie to us? Share your thoughts and experiences with forgiveness.
Is it ever okay to keep secrets from friends or family? Explain why or why not.
What does “being responsible” with friendships and family relationships mean to you? Give examples.
Do you think rules should be different for friends than family? Explain your thoughts with examples.
Describe a time you felt support from your friends or family during a difficult situation.
For you, what is the difference between a close friend and an acquaintance? Give examples from your life.
Explain why friendships and family relationships should be valued and prioritized. Use personal examples.
Describe your extended family like grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. How often do you see them? What do you enjoy about those relationships?
What traditions or rituals does your family have? Why are they meaningful?
Has a relative ever given you great advice? What was it and why was it helpful?
How can families best support pre-teens and teenagers? What do you wish your parents understood better?
What qualities make someone a good brother or sister? Do you think you have those qualities? Explain.
Describe your mom, dad, or another caregiver’s personality. What are 3 great qualities they have?
If you had magical abilities, what problem would you solve for a family member? Why?
What does “unconditional love” mean to you? Describe how your family shows love.
Should parents be friends with their kids? Explain your view using examples and reasons.
How should parents handle teens who break rules or make poor choices? Discuss their responsibilities.
Describe one of your favorite memories with your family. What happened that makes it extra special?
For what reasons do conflicts happen in families? Share a story from your own family.
How can families prevent or resolve conflicts positively? Share a time your family resolved a conflict well.
If you could add a new family rule, what would it be and why? Would others agree it’s needed? Explain.
What does being a good listener mean in your family? Provide a time when good listening skills were helpful at home.
Describe one issue your parents had to compromise on while raising you and your siblings. Explain their perspectives.
What is one clue that a family member needs extra support? Describe a time you or someone else needed support.
How can trust be built, lost, or repaired in families? Provide a personal example.
What does “respect” require inside families? Describe how your family shows respect or could improve.
Share an example of how your family cooperates and supports one another. Why is this important?
How can families balance personal interests with responsibilities to the family unit or household? Give examples.
Have religious or spiritual beliefs impacted your family positively? Explain how.
What does “forgiveness” require in families? Describe someone forgiving or being forgiven. What was the outcome?
Is venting anger appropriately important in families? Share an example from your household.
What is one problem you think many families struggle with? Explain ideas for how to address this issue.
What is a rule that has helped create order or safety in your home? Why was it needed?
How do parents model good behavior for their children without realizing it? Give examples you’ve observed.
Write about an annoyance or frustration you have experienced with a parent, guardian, or sibling. How have you worked through this issue?
Explain why keeping promises and commitments to family matters. Provide a related example.
What are fun ways for families to spend quality time together? What does your family do that brings you together?
Should families pray or perform spiritual rituals together? Explain why this can be meaningful or not needed.
Is getting advice from elders important? Share an example of getting advice from your parents or grandparents.
How can parents and kids better understand each other’s perspectives? Explain with a personal example.
Describe one house rule you did not understand as a younger kid. Now that you are older, does it make more sense? Explain.
How should parents educate kids about racism or discrimination? Discuss using personal examples or observations.
Do you make friends easily outside your family? Explain how your family gives you confidence or holds you back socially.
What quality about your parents inspires you to be like them? Explain using examples.
What is one thing you wish you and your siblings would stop fighting about? Why does this issue cause problems? What could improve it?
Describe one thing you argue about a lot with your sibling(s) and one thing you get along well doing together. Compare the two relationship dynamics.
Explain one of your family’s funny little habits or traditions outsiders would find interesting or strange. Where did it originate?
For what reasons are family relationships often complicated? Share an example from personal experience.
If a new kid was joining your family as an adopted sibling, what advice would you give him or her about fitting into your established household?
Should parents give kids advice about friendship or let them learn those skills independently? Discuss, backing your view with reasoning.
Describe an ethical dilemma or complex problem your family faced together. How did working through it strengthen relationships? What did family members learn about each other?
How can parents and kids respect each other’s privacy? Discuss setting boundaries while still providing guidance.
How might experiencing hard times like illness, grief, job loss, etc. bring a family closer together? Describe a difficulty that ultimately strengthened bonds between your family members rather than weakening them.
Even in difficult or complex family relationships, what makes the bond stronger than conflict? Explain why you think family ties still endure.
Even if family relationships are challenging or imperfect, why work to understand versus give up on each other? Provide evidence that trying leads in a positive direction.
When do you think parents should stop influencing adult children’s choices? Explain where the line should be drawn and why.
What have you learned from your parents’ strengths and weaknesses? How will you carry these lessons into your future as an adult?
What is your favorite app or website? Describe what you like about it.
Explain 3 responsible ways you use the internet and social media.
Should there be laws about how people your age use the internet? Why or why not?
Describe when it’s okay or not okay to share information or photos online.
Write about a time technology like GPS maps or the internet really helped you or someone you know.
Explain why spending too much time on devices can be unhealthy. Provide evidence.
Describe problems or distractions technology like cell phones can cause at school. Should policies be made to address this issue?
How is communicating online and via text different from talking face-to-face? Include pros and cons of each.
Stories are spreading about technology like virtual reality. Describe what you think virtual reality will be like someday based on current information.
Do you think technology brings people together more than it isolates them? Use reasons and evidence to back your opinion.
How does the internet make researching for school easier and harder at the same time? Explain with examples from experience.
Write about a time technology failed to work properly. What problems did it cause? What was the backup plan to address needs?
How have smart phones impacted how youth and adults spend leisure time? Explain pros and cons.
Describe an app that helps make people’s lives easier somehow. Explain its standout features.
What are ways social media connects people positively? Also discuss risks and how to use social media responsibly.
Should everyone have access to affordable home internet? Explain pros and cons of internet access becoming an essential utility provided via programs for low income families.
Discuss an innovative medical technology that improves healthcare. How exactly does it help doctors treat patients better?
Would receiving instruction through technology at home some days help students learn? Explain the possibilities and challenges you envision.
How have delivery drones and self-driving vehicles started changing the way people transport items? Describe what future possibilities exist to revolutionize transportation.
Explain how smartphones both waste and make the best use of people’s time. Provide evidence.
How do various communication methods impact trust and relationships between people both positively and negatively? Cite examples.
Should schools invest in providing laptops or tablets to each student for learning? Explain reasoning using pros and cons.
How does advancing technology like electric cars, solar power, etc. positively and negatively impact the environment now and in the foreseeable future?
How have smartphones changed people’s behaviors for better or worse? Provide evidence from real world observations.
Should youth be on social media? At what age is appropriate? Cite reasons.
How does the online world impact body image perceptions? Discuss using observations or evidence. Provide solutions.
Explain pros and cons you see regarding video games’ impacts on things like kids’ brains, creativity, social skills, and values.
Discuss positive and concerning impacts highly advanced robotics may have on jobs, the economy, how people treat each other in relationships, self-worth and identity when more labor becomes automated.
How can the internet and connected technology increase existing inequities? Offer ideas to responsibly address this concern.
Explain why developing future technology sustainably matters. Provide examples like electric car batteries, solar panels, etc.
Should tech CEOs or companies do more about issues like device addiction? What exactly should change?
How does immediate access to so much information impact how people view issues? Explain how quality versus quantity of data impacts judgments made. Cite real world examples like politics, news stories, etc.
Discuss ways technology harms or helps entertainment quality and enjoyment like movies, shows, music, etc. Compare changes you see over time as innovation progresses.
How does the internet impact the spread of truth versus lies? Describe how credibility should be evaluated.
What existing technology truly excites you? Explain what you find interesting and innovative about it.
Share what harm has occurred when people use technology irresponsibly. Also discuss fixes to address concerns you see being neglected.
Should schools better educate students about using technology safely and wisely? Explain importance.
Discuss technology’s influence during an election. Consider media, voter engagement, political messaging, etc. Are changes mostly beneficial or concerning in your view? Explain.
Explain why websites and apps should value user privacy and security. What should companies transparently share and responsibly protect?
Has social media made peers kinder or less sensitive to each other? Explain your observations and solutions.
How does always on the go device access impact family relationships? Provide positives and hints for avoiding pitfalls.
How does being constantly plugged in emotionally impact people over time based on your observations?
Discuss an existing technology that worries you. Explain problems it fuels. What regulations could responsibly and ethically decrease harm?
How does social media impact mental health? Support your perspectives with observations, credible research sources, and possible solutions.
Share why empathy remains important even as technology progresses. Provide real world evidence supporting your claim.
Discuss how smartphones both hurt and help people fully live “in the moment.” Use personal examples and suggestions.
Explain effective tactics for determining if online content and interactions are credible versus manipulative or false. Cite real world examples like clickbait ads. What tips do you recommend?
Describe pros and cons of computers grading students’ writing versus teacher feedback. Which approach is better in your opinion? Support perspectives with reasoning.
How does always on technology impact people’s sense of wonder, curiosity to learn new things the old fashioned way, and ability to have insight? Provide observations.
What existing or emerging technology do you believe is getting too little or too much hype? Explain reasoning using evidence and examples.
Describe a time when you felt really proud. Why did this accomplishment make you feel that way?
When was the last time you felt grateful? What happened that made you appreciate something or someone?
Write about a situation where your emotions felt out of control. How did you eventually handle them?
What calms you down when feeling nervous or worried? Explain step-by-step what helps you.
What does courage feel like to you? Describe a situation where facing your fears made you braver.
Share about a hardship or failure after which you felt resilience. What gave you strength during the tough time?
Describe a memory where curiosity led to a fun adventure, interesting discovery, or new understanding.
What sparks your sense of joy or happiness most? Paint a picture with words sharing what that feels like.
How can friends show kindness to classmates who feel left out or lonely at school?
What should someone do when social media interactions stir up feelings like anger or envy? Explain smart strategies.
How might words impact someone’s self-worth without the speaker realizing it? Provide examples.
How can overcoming a challenge build grit to handle future tough situations emotionally? Recall a time this happened for you or someone else.
What values guide your life choices? Where did those become important to you?
How can students show more empathy and compassion at school? Provide examples.
How do responsibilities like chores influence attitudes and maturity levels? Explain using personal experience.
What action should people take if they witness bullying? Offer solutions.
Should students notify an adult if a peer’s joke goes too far emotionally? Explain why or why not.
How do colors impact someone’s mood? Describe colors that tend to make you feel peaceful, energized, cheerful, etc. and why.
What makes someone feel understood? Describe mindsets and behaviors that convey acceptance of others’ feelings.
Is letting anger out always required? Why or why not? Offer healthy strategies for processing anger.
Which is more important – self-confidence or self-awareness? Support your choice with sound reasoning.
How can students respect differences in learning abilities, cultures, beliefs, backgrounds, etc.? Provide positive examples.
Describe mindsets kids should avoid like blaming others for disappointments vs. taking responsibility for choices.
What advice would you offer someone who feels marginalized for being different like nationality, disability, etc?
Is perfectionism about looks and grades harmful? Explain problems and smarter mindsets to feel good enough.
How can families show members they matter through simple gestures like greeting questions, eye contact, etc?
Should people give second chances? Share why this does or does not make sense in certain relationships or situations.
When has a pet’s companionship lifted your spirits? Paint an upbeat picture sharing that memory.
Recount a time laughter healed hurt feelings between family or friends. What humor techniques restore connection?
Coach someone from your own past on building self-esteem despite mean kid behavior. Offer concrete empowering strategies.
How can students incorporate more emotional intelligence on social media? Consider acts of exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
Provide examples of tone and body language that convey trust and acceptance of someone venting feelings. Offer additional tips.
Share how music enriches your life emotionally. Pick a song that impacts your mood and explain why.
Should people give compliments just to be nice? Explain pros and cons of this using personal examples.
How can focusing on gratitude, blessings, self-care, etc. safeguard mental health when undergoing stress? Discuss research-backed techniques.
Recount a time you put yourself in someone else’s shoes during a tense interaction. How did trying to understand them positively transform empathy?
Coach a shy student on making a tough social situation better through small acts of kindness. Provide uplifting guidance.
Suggest healthy emotional habits students should build to handle future challenges like first jobs, college, adulthood, etc.
How can recess sports and games nurture social skills like teamwork, good sportsmanship, managing disappointment after losses, etc.? Use examples.
Should students speak up about wrong assumptions peers make regarding diverse groups? Politely clarify truth to dispel stereotypes. Use examples.
Pick an emotion like awe, angst, delight, despair, wrath, bliss, etc. and paint a vivid personal picture where you felt that way.
How can social media interactions demonstrate more emotional intelligence? Consider exclusion, meanness, etc. and remedies.
When is it acceptable to hide feelings to spare someone pain versus speak truth with compassion? Explain where lines should be drawn.
How can focusing on society’s past moral progress fuel present optimism? Discuss using civil rights victories, democracy wins, etc.
Recount a time swallowing pride strengthened a valuable relationship. What wisdom did you gain?
How do fair leaders appeal to citizens’ highest ideals rather than stoke dark emotions like blame, fear, etc.? Share real examples like Lincoln.
Paint an inspirational picture of society lifting up youth wired to live meaningfully versus seek fleeting thrills. What specifically makes their lives shine?
How can rules promote ethical, wise digital community behavior versus thoughtless harm? Consider implementing guidelines for more supportive interactions.
Paint an inspirational picture of people uniting across political divides to solve real problems jeopardizing emotional and physical health like addiction, poverty, human trafficking, etc.
Recount a time you transformed hurt into helpfulness or comfort for someone else grappling with hardship. What emotional tools and insights can uplift both giver and receiver?

Issues in School

Describe a challenging project and how you completed it successfully.
Explain why cheating on schoolwork is unethical. Have you dealt with a cheater? Discuss honestly.
Share about a teacher who inspired you to work hard. Traits? Qualities? Teaching style? How were they excellent?
Tell how you improved at something that was difficult at first like sports, music, math, etc. Hard work pays off!
Pick an ethical dilemma at school and explore solutions. Consider rights, rules, safety, fairness.
Discuss pros and cons of letter grades verses pass/fail evaluation systems. Which promotes actual learning?
Describe obstacles when group projects frustrate and solutions teachers could try instead.
How do pressures like getting into college impact student priorities? Reflect on whether the tradeoffs are worth it.
Discuss technology’s impact on school both positively and concerningly. Consider distraction, behavior, values, etc. Share ideas.
How can teachers and students unite when controversial real-world issues arise in class conversations? Explore respectful solutions.
What should teachers say and allow regarding politics, religion, activism etc.? Explain appropriate policies and ethical reasoning.
How can school sports best prevent injury? Consider health risks of head trauma, ACL tears, etc. Offer student perspective on rule changes, gear requirements, rest guidelines etc. needed to protect players.
Describe an ethical way you used tech for schoolwork versus a rule you’d add to curb misconduct. Consider cheating potential, theft, privacy invasions, harmful uses, etc. and consequences.
Discuss public school funding debates. Consider formulas, competing priorities, misperceptions, pros/cons of programs cut or supplemented by parent fundraising. Should policies shift? Why/why not?
How should schools handle mental health crises? Consider stress, anxiety, depression, trauma’s impacts. Discuss counseling, staff training needs etc. Destigmatize struggles!
How might school safety improve? Consider emergency protocols, building modifications, security roles, technology aids. Balance protection with warm environments.
What extracurricular activities matter most to you? Explore their life lessons like teamwork, resilience, commitment. Fund programs empowering students.
Discuss controversies around school uniforms and dress codes. Consider disciplinary fairness, cost factors, Pros? Cons? Alternatives?
How can students improve school spirit? Consider event turnout, community service participation etc. Share fun ideas!
Describe a great teacher. Traits? Qualities? Teaching Style? Why were they excellent? How did they inspire students?
Share a time good writing instruction made ah-ha connections for you. What teaching approach finally demystified skills? How does this help adults see school positively?
Discuss positive side effects when youth pitch service projects. Consider impacts on agency, purpose, skill-building.
How can peers positively stand up to bullying? Consider strategies matching context like severity, ages, power imbalances, supervision etc. Apply compassion.
What career discovery approach best serves students? Consider guest talks, job shadows, project relevance etc. How can exploration pair with current coursework?
Should cash incentivize good grades? Consider pros, cons and alternative motivations.
How might better nutrition improve school performance? Consider food quality, budget disconnects, health ripple effects.
What advice would you give struggling peers? Consider perspectives affecting motivation like learning differences, attention challenges, skill gaps, emotional blocks. Share supportive guidance.
What leadership lesson challenged you? Consider group projects, captain positions, committee roles. How can educators further grow student leadership?
Should middle schoolers use social media? Explain appropriate usage, privacy, ethics. Explore impacts face-to-face versus online communication, identity-building.
How do sports build character and community? Consider award/recognition systems also encouraging nonsport interests.
Share a time good teaching eased subject struggles. Consider learning style pairings, tutoring, visuals etc. What finally made content click? How can teachers apply such insights schoolwide?
How can students practice self-advocacy asking for help? Consider communication method pros/cons. Normalize speaking up!
How should schools handle grief support? Consider student perspectives on memorials, counseling, handlings of loss. What sensitivity helps healing?
Should cellphones be allowed in schools? Consider classroom complexities. How to responsibly integrate usage?
What career skills should schools teach? Consider financial literacy, interview tactics, job applications, workplace ethics alongside math, literature etc. Blend knowledge fields.
What homework policies best serve students and family lives? Consider hour limits, vacation blackout periods. How can schools support balance?
Should middle schoolers have recess? Consider mental health benefits balancing packed academic schedules.
How can dress codes embrace personal style without straying from professionalism? Consider flexibility for religious diversity.
What grading system most accurately reflects learning? Consider test reliance, extra credit, participation, skill gains versus deficits.
How young should career advising begin? Consider early goal-setting, age views of self/interests. What roles can teachers play?
Should community service become a graduation requirement? Consider purpose, logistics.
How can better school-parent communication occur? Consider platforms, frequency, accessibility etc. Building partnerships around the whole child matters!
Should teachers incorporate art forms into standard subjects? Consider benefits of music, visual art etc. blending into math, literature, science etc. Explore cross-disciplinary learning pros.
Pick a controversial real-world issue arising in class study. Outline respectful discussion ground rules enabling equitable idea sharing. Consider rule modification by grade.
Should schools screen students for mental health needs? Consider care connectors, warning signs role in prevention. Destigmatize support.
Should schools provide career counseling? If so, what issues should be addressed and what topics avoided? Consider student feelings discussing economic challenges.
Describe an imaginative teacher capturing learning in creative ways you enjoyed. What did their innovations teach in terms of thinking differently?
Should students evaluate teacher performance? Consider aspects like tone, control, care shown. Explore survey goals – accountability, improvement insights etc. Discuss complex power dynamics sensitively.
Is starting school days later better for health and learning? Consider research on adolescent sleep needs.
How can team and individual activities coexist in gym class Cooperatively rotating through stations enabling choices might help those loving and loathing competition. Discuss solutions valuing all skill preferences.

entertainment

What is your favorite movie and why?
What is your favorite song and why does it make you happy?
Who is your favorite singer or musical artist? Describe their music.
What is your favorite TV show? Describe the characters and plot.
If you could star in any TV show or movie, what would you choose? Why?
What is the funniest video you’ve seen? Describe what happens in it.
What is your favorite book? Describe the main character and plot.
Who is your favorite author? What do you like about the stories they write?
Describe your perfect day watching movies or TV shows. What would you watch all day?
What is your favorite smartphone or tablet app for having fun? How do you use it?
If you could attend any concert, who would you see perform live? Why?
Describe the most entertaining YouTube video you’ve seen lately.
What entertainer or celebrity would you most like to meet? What would you talk about?
Describe a time when you laughed really hard at something funny. What happened?
What is the funniest joke you’ve heard? Why did you find it so funny?
Pick three famous people you’d invite to a dinner party. Why did you choose them? What would you talk about?
Describe a time when you performed in front of an audience. How did it make you feel?
What games or activities entertain your family when you’re all together? Why do you enjoy them?
Imagine you could enter any fictional world from a book, TV show or movie. What would you choose and why?
What local attractions or amusement parks have you visited for fun day trips? Describe what you did there.
What teachers at your school make learning the most fun? Describe their teaching styles.
Describe your ideal birthday party for entertainment. What would you do? Who would you invite?
What is the best school play, concert or other performance you’ve seen? Describe it.
What do you like doing on weekends for fun?
What entertainer or celebrity do you think has the best job? Why?
Describe your favorite hobby. How did you get started doing it? What do you like about it?
What is your favorite holiday? What entertainment traditions does your family have for it?
What outdoor activities entertain you? Describe one.
If you opened your own entertainment business for kids your age, what would you offer?
When you want to relax and destress, what TV shows, music or other things do you turn to? Why are they relaxing?
How do reality talent competitions like American Idol or America’s Got Talent entertain you? Do you want to someday audition for one?
Describe your perfect entertaining day off from school. What fun would you have?
What were the best fireworks you ever saw? Describe the display.
Write a short, imaginary dialogue between you and your favorite entertainer or fictional character. What do you talk about?
What is the funniest joke you know by heart? Why can you remember this one?
Describe an entertaining family tradition or celebration your family enjoys. What happens each time? What do you like about it?
What is your favorite live event you’ve attended, like a concert, play, or sporting event? Describe it. What entertained you?
Have you ever entered a talent show or performed for an audience? Describe your act and the performance. How did you feel?
Pick three famous historical figures you’d invite to dinner and describe why you chose them and what you might talk about.
What is the most beautiful place that you have visited that made you happy? Describe what you saw and did there.
What music always makes you smile and dance? Why does it have that effect on you?
Watching movies at home or going to the movie theater – which do you prefer and why? Describe your perfect movie experience.
What were your favorite school subjects as a younger kid? What made learning fun then?
Have you ever met someone famous? Who was it? Describe the experience.
If you had the power to become a fictional character for just one day, who would you be and why? Describe some things you would do as that character.
You can have superpowers for just one whole day. What powers would you choose and how would you use them for entertainment or to help yourself and other people?
You just won front row concert tickets to see your favorite band perform live. Who is the band and how excited are you as you take your seat? Describe the incredible night.
Describe your dream vacation – where would you go, who would you take, and what fun things would you make sure to do when you get there? Make your planning committee happy!
What outdoor summer hobbies and activities do you most look forward to each year? Describe your favorites in vivid sensory detail so the reader feels like they are there with you.
What do you find entertaining that most other people probably don’t? Describe or demonstrate it and try to convince readers to give it a try!

On Hero/role Model

Who is your personal hero? Describe why you admire this person.
What qualities make someone a hero? Describe your idea of a hero.
Who in your family do you look up to the most? Explain why.
Describe a fictional character that you consider a hero. What do you admire about them?
If you could spend a day with any hero (real or fictional), who would you choose and why? Describe what you would do together.
Have you ever met someone you consider a hero? Tell about your experience.
What does being a role model mean to you? Describe someone who is a good role model.
Who is a positive role model in your community? What makes them a good role model?
Describe a time when you helped someone. Do you think that made you a role model or hero to them?
If you had a special power, how would you use it to be a hero in your town? Describe the ways you would help people.
What central traits do all heroes share? Explain some key qualities heroes have.
Explain why teachers can be everyday heroes. What makes a teacher a hero to students?
Describe a fictional superhero origin story for yourself. How did you get your powers and decide to become a hero?
Whose poster would you hang on your wall: a sports star, entertainer, historic leader, inventor, or someone else? Explain why you admire this person as a role model.
Who do you think is a hero in your family’s history? Write about one of your ancestors who inspires you.
When have you felt like a hero? Describe a time you helped someone in an important way.
What song best describes the qualities of a hero? Explain your choice.
What is the most heroic career , in your opinion? Describe why.
Have you read about an inspirational figure who overcame difficulties? Write about why their life story is heroic.
What fictional place would you want to live where you could train to become a hero? Describe your training.
Which of your friends shows heroic qualities? Share why you think they are hero material.
Describe a way you would like to help animals and become their hero.
What career would you like to have one day where you could be a hero? Explain the ways you could help people in that career.
Tell about a time you stood up for someone. Do you think that took strength or heroism?
Describe a character in book who is a good role model for teens. Explain why.
Who is your hero in sports? Why do you find them inspirational?
Have you ever written a story featuring yourself as the hero? Share some details.
What is the most courageous thing you have ever done? Why did it require courage?
Describe a way you would protect others from bullies if you could.
Explain why nurses, doctors and other medical professionals are everyday heroes.
Who is a “hometown hero” where you live and why are they admired?
What animal is your favorite hero from a movie? Explain why.
What is more important for being viewed as a hero – talent or good character? Discuss why you think so.
Describe someone at your school who you think behaves like a hero to others.
Tell about a time you exercised wisdom in a difficult situation. Does that make you feel heroic?
Design a new superhero. Describe their costume, superpowers, vehicle, mission and who they protect.
Parents often tell kids – “Be careful climbing too high or you might get hurt!” Do you think a hero would be careful or bold? Discuss why.
What 3 traits best describe a hero? Explain your choices.
How can ordinary people become heroes? Give some examples of ways everyday people have been heroic.
Pick two fictional mentors you have read about and would want to learn life lessons from about being a hero. Explain your choices.
Should people think of themselves as heroes or is it best to be humble? Discuss this idea.
What inspires you to want to make a positive difference in the world? How does this relate to being a hero?
How are teachers and students heroes for each other? Describe their heroism.
Tell about a historical hero who inspires you. Why do you look up to them?
How can music and movies motivate people to be heroes? Give examples of inspirational songs and films.
What will be the next great challenge that tomorrow’s heroes need to tackle and overcome? Speculate what that challenge might realistically be.
How can young people reveal their “inner hero” more? What would help them develop heroism?
How do images of heroes vary across different cultures? How might your idea of a hero change if you lived in another country?
Do you think there will ever be a time period that doesn’t need any heroes? Explain why you think so.
Imagine yourself at age 60 looking back – what do you hope young people say about your life that might inspire them or make them see you as a hero?

With over 300 thoughtful writing prompts for middle school students, the possibilities for sparking student engagement are endless. I’m energized imagining how students will dive into these age-appropriate topics and questions that resonate with their experiences and invite them to explore identity, relationships, responsibility, and more.

Whether it’s debating policies around technology in schools or opening up about a time they felt marginalized for being different, students will surely find prompts on this comprehensive list that interest them while also pushing their perspectives and building key literacy skills. Teachers can easily integrate these into warm-ups, journal entries, discussion springboards, and more activities.

Best of all, using so many prompts over a school year prevents repetition and boredom while allowing teachers to customize difficulty, vary formats to meet different learning styles, and scaffold writing skill development. With around 180 school days, weaving these 300 gems in daily exposes students to less redundant ideas so they sharpen a greater diversity of skills through unique responses rather than formulaic approaches. I foresee this prompting richer writing and deeper engagement that unlocks students’ potential. I can’t wait to incorporate these into my lesson planning and unit development this summer to start the year strong and set my young writers up for ongoing success! We have many more writing prompts on our site if you found these useful.

About Richard

Richard Everywriter (pen name) has worked for literary magazines and literary websites for the last 25 years. He holds degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology and Education. Richard has headed many writing workshops and courses, and he has taught writing and literature for the last 20 years.

In writing and publishing he has worked with independent, small, medium and large publishers for years connecting publishers to authors. He has also worked as a journalist and editor in both magazine, newspaper and trade publications as well as in the medical publishing industry. Follow him on Twitter, and check out our Submissions page .

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10 Engaging Special Education Journal Prompts for Students

Are you looking for a way to make your special education class more interactive and engaging? Have you ever considered incorporating journal prompts into your lesson plans? Journal prompts can be a powerful tool for special education teachers who want to encourage their students to express themselves and reflect on their learning experiences. Whether you’re teaching students with autism, dyslexia, or any other special needs, journal prompts can help them develop important skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

From simple prompts like “What did you learn today?” to more thought-provoking questions like “What challenges did you overcome this week?” there are countless journal prompts that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your students. Not only can journal prompts help your students develop important writing skills, they can also help them build confidence, improve their communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

As a special education teacher myself, I’ve seen firsthand how journal prompts can transform my students’ learning experiences. By providing a safe space for students to explore their thoughts and feelings, journaling can help students with special needs connect with their emotions and develop strong problem-solving skills. If you’re ready to take your special education class to the next level, consider incorporating journal prompts into your lesson plans. Your students will thank you for it! Special Education Journal Prompts for Social Skills

Special Education Journal Prompts for Social Skills are useful tools to help students develop and improve their social skills. These prompts can be used to prompt students to reflect on their social interactions, express their feelings, and develop empathy towards others. Here are 15 examples of Special Education Journal Prompts for Social Skills that can be used to develop skills in social interaction:

Write about a time when you felt really happy with a friend, what happened?
Describe a time when you felt left out and what you could have done.
Write about a time you had a conflict with someone and how it was resolved.
Write about a time you helped someone out, how did it make you feel?
Describe a time when somebody helped you, what did they do and how did it help you?
Write about a time you felt really sad, how did you cope with it?
Write about a time when you felt angry and how you dealt with it.
Describe a time when you were proud of yourself for something you achieved.
Write about a time when somebody showed kindness to you, what did they do and how did it make you feel?
Describe a time when you felt nervous about something and how you worked through those feelings.
Write about someone who inspires you and why.
Describe a time when you had to apologize to someone, what happened and how did you handle it?
Write about a time when you stood up for someone, why did you do it and how did it make you feel?
Describe a time when someone showed empathy towards you, what did they do and how did it make you feel?
Write about a time when you forgave someone, what happened and how did you feel afterwards?

These journal prompts are a great way to help students explore their feelings and emotions while also improving their social skills. Prompts like these can help students to understand the perspectives of others and to build empathy and compassion towards others, as well as learn more about themselves. Encouraging students to write in a journal regularly can help them develop stronger social skills and improve their ability to interact with others in a positive and meaningful way.

Journaling is a self-reflective practice that can help students develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can also be a valuable tool for teachers and parents to gain insight into the social and emotional needs of their students.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is an essential skill for children with special needs to learn as it helps them manage their emotions effectively. Journaling is an effective way to promote emotional regulation by allowing children to process their feelings and thoughts in a safe and non-judgmental way. Here are 15 journal prompts that can help promote emotional regulation in children with special needs.

Write about a time when you felt really happy, and what made you feel that way?
What makes you sad, and what can you do to feel better?
What is your biggest fear, and how do you deal with it?
What makes you angry, and how can you manage your anger better?
Write about a time when you experienced a disappointment, and how did you cope with it?
What are some good things about you and why do you think so?
What do you like about yourself and why?
What are some things you do to relax and calm down?
Write about a time when you had to be brave, and what made you feel brave?
What are some ways to cheer yourself up when you are feeling down?
Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself, and what did you do to achieve that?
What are some things you do to get over a disagreement with someone else?
What are some ways to feel more positive and optimistic?
Write about a time when you helped someone, and how did it make you feel?
Write about a time when you were afraid, and how you overcame your fear.

By answering these journal prompts, children with special needs can gain a better understanding of their emotions and become more self-aware. They can learn how to manage their feelings in a healthy way by identifying what triggers negative emotions and developing coping strategies to deal with them effectively.

Journaling can also help children communicate their emotions to parents and caregivers, which can improve their relationships and increase their sense of security. Finally, journaling can serve as a powerful tool for building resilience and self-confidence in children with special needs.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Communication

Effective communication is crucial for students with special needs. Journal writing can be an excellent tool to encourage communication skills, help students express their thoughts and feelings, and promote self-reflection. Here are 15 special education journal prompts for communication:

Write about a time when you felt really happy.
What is your favorite thing to do? Why do you enjoy it?
Describe someone you admire and why you admire them.
Write about a time when you were proud of yourself.
What is your favorite memory? Why is it special to you?
Write about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
Who is your best friend? What makes them a good friend?
Describe a place you like to go to feel calm and relaxed.
Write about a time when you felt scared or nervous. What helped you feel better?
What is something you would like to learn or try? Why does it interest you?
Write about a time when you helped someone else. How did it make you feel?
Who is someone you would like to get to know better? What would you like to learn about them?
Describe how you feel when you succeed at something.
What is something you have always wanted to say to someone? Why haven’t you said it?
Write about a time when you had to apologize. How did it make you feel?

Use these journal prompts to help your students with special needs practice their communication skills. Encourage them to write freely and expressively, without fear of judgment or criticism. Offer positive feedback and support to help them build their confidence and self-esteem.

Journal writing can also be a great way to track progress and growth over time. Keep a record of your students’ responses to these prompts and revisit them periodically to reflect on the progress they have made.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Inclusion

Inclusion is a crucial aspect of special education. It is the practice of ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, are given equal opportunities to learn and participate in the classroom. To promote inclusion, special education teachers can use journal prompts that encourage students to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. These journal prompts can help students reflect on their personal strengths and challenges, learn about different perspectives, and develop empathy and understanding for their peers with disabilities.

Write about a time when you felt included in a group or community. How did it make you feel?
What are some things you can do to make your classmates with disabilities feel more included in the classroom?
If you could change one thing about the way your classroom operates, what would it be? How would it promote inclusion for all students?
Describe a time when someone made an assumption about you or your abilities that wasn’t true. How did it make you feel? How can we avoid making assumptions about our classmates with disabilities?
What are some things you can say or do to show your classmates with disabilities that you value and appreciate them?
Think about a time when you had to work with someone who was very different from you. What did you learn from that experience? How can we apply those lessons to promote inclusion in the classroom?
Describe a time when you felt excluded from a group or activity. How did it make you feel? How can we avoid excluding others in the classroom?
What are some challenges that students with disabilities might face when it comes to inclusion? How can the classroom environment be adapted to meet these challenges?
Write about someone you know who has a disability. What are some of their strengths and talents?
What are some things you can do to support your classmates with disabilities during group activities or projects?
Describe a time when you witnessed someone being bullied or excluded from a group because of their disability. What did you do? What could you have done differently?
What are some myths or stereotypes about people with disabilities? How can we challenge these myths and stereotypes in the classroom?
Think about a time when you had to overcome a challenge. How did you do it? What strategies can we use to support our classmates with disabilities as they face challenges?
Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself for accomplishing something difficult. How can we celebrate our classmates’ achievements, regardless of their abilities?
What are some common barriers to inclusion in the classroom? How can we work to overcome these barriers?

Using journal prompts is just one strategy for promoting inclusion in the classroom. As teachers, it’s important to create a welcoming and supportive environment that values diversity and celebrates differences. By encouraging open communication, empathy, and respect, we can create a learning environment where all students can thrive.

Remember that inclusion isn’t just the responsibility of the special education teacher, it’s everyone’s responsibility. By working together, we can create inclusive classrooms that benefit all students.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Transition Planning

Transition planning for special education students involves preparing them for life after graduation. To effectively plan for transition, special education teachers can use journal prompts to encourage reflection, self-awareness, and goal-setting. Here are 15 examples of special education journal prompts for transition planning:

What are my strengths and weaknesses? How can I use them to my advantage when transitioning to post-secondary education or the workforce?
What are my career aspirations? How can I turn them into achievable goals?
What support systems do I need to have in place to be successful during the transition process?
What challenges do I anticipate facing when transitioning to a new environment? How can I overcome them?
What skills do I need to work on to be successful in my chosen career field?
What accommodations or modifications do I need to request to be successful in my post-secondary education or the workforce?
What are my preferences for learning and working? How can I make sure to find a post-secondary education or a job that aligns with them?
What resources are available to help me with the transition process?
What experiences have I had that I can use as evidence of my skills and abilities?
How can I involve my parents, teachers, and support team in the transition process?
How can I use technology to assist me in completing post-secondary education or work tasks?
What steps can I take to build a strong professional network to support me in my career?
What non-academic skills do I possess that can help me achieve my career goals?
How can I use my interests to explore different career options?
What can I do now to prepare myself for a successful transition to post-secondary education or the workforce?

Journal prompts can be adjusted to fit the individual needs of each special education student. By using these prompts, special education teachers can help their students gain insight into themselves, their goals, and their future. This process can greatly assist in the transition from high school to post-secondary education or the workforce.

Overall, transition planning is a collaborative effort between the special education student, their parents, and their support team. Special education journal prompts can be a valuable tool in opening up dialogue and planning for a successful transition.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Self-Advocacy

As a special education student, it is crucial to develop self-advocacy skills and learn to speak up for oneself. Journaling can be a helpful tool to reflect on one’s experiences and feelings, which can in turn lead to better self-awareness and confidence. Here are 15 special education journal prompts for self-advocacy:

Reflect on a time when you felt proud of yourself for advocating for your needs. What did you do, and how did it feel?
Think about a situation where you wanted to speak up but didn’t. What could you have done differently?
What strengths do you have that can help you be a successful self-advocate?
What are some barriers or challenges that you face when it comes to advocating for yourself?
How can you involve your teachers, parents, and/or other adults in supporting your self-advocacy skills?
Choose a specific goal related to your education. What steps can you take to communicate your needs and work towards achieving that goal?
Think about a time when you received accommodations or modifications that helped you succeed. How did that impact your confidence and motivation?
What are some ways you can practice self-care and manage stress related to your educational experiences?
What resources or tools (such as apps or websites) do you find helpful for self-advocacy and organization?
How can you educate others (such as peers or teachers) about your disability and how it affects your learning?
What are some strategies you can use to regulate your emotions and stay calm when advocating for yourself in a challenging situation?
Think about a past experience in which you received negative feedback or criticism related to your disability. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently?
What are some ways you can work with your teachers to set achievable, meaningful goals for your academic and personal growth?
Choose a role model (such as a famous person or someone in your life) who exemplifies strong self-advocacy skills. What can you learn from their experiences?
What are some ways you can celebrate and acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small?

Remember, journaling is a personal process, and the prompts that resonate with one person may not be as effective for another. Choose what works for you and use your journal as a space to explore and reflect on your journey as a self-advocate. With time and practice, you can build the skills and confidence you need to succeed in and outside of the classroom.

Special Education Journal Prompts for Classroom Accommodations

Special education students often require unique classroom accommodations to help them learn effectively. Journal prompts offer an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning experiences and think critically about how these accommodations impact their education. Here are fifteen special education journal prompts for classroom accommodations:

Describe a classroom accommodation that has helped you learn better.
How has your teacher helped you understand this accommodation?
What challenges have you faced when using this accommodation?
In what ways do you think this accommodation could be improved?
How does this accommodation make you feel more included in the classroom?
Explain how this accommodation has helped you in subjects like math or reading.
What is your favorite accommodation and why?
How do you think your classmates could benefit from this accommodation?
What strategies do you use to remind yourself to use the accommodation?
Describe a time when you forgot to use the accommodation, how did it impact your learning?
What advice would you give to a new student who is learning how to use this accommodation?
What accommodations do you wish you had access to in the classroom?
Describe how this accommodation has made a positive impact on your academic success.
Do you think this accommodation should be used in all classrooms? Why or why not?
What other accommodations do you think we could offer to help students in the classroom?

Encouraging special education students to reflect on their learning is an important part of supporting their academic growth. By providing journal prompts related to classroom accommodations, we can empower students to think critically, communicate with their teachers, and take ownership of their education.

If you are a special education teacher, consider implementing these journal prompts in your classroom to help your students reflect on their learning experiences and gain valuable insights about their accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Journal Prompts

Q: What are special education journal prompts? A: Special education journal prompts are writing prompts specifically designed for students with special needs to help them reflect on their experiences, emotions, and learning.

Q: How can special education journal prompts benefit students? A: Journaling can improve communication, writing, and critical thinking skills, as well as increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Q: Who can use special education journal prompts? A: Special education journal prompts can be used by any student with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and emotional or behavioral disorders.

Q: How often should students use special education journal prompts? A: The frequency of journaling can vary depending on the student’s needs and goals. It can be done daily, weekly, or as needed.

Q: What kind of prompts can be used for special education journaling? A: Prompts can range from simple questions to more complex scenarios. Some examples include: “What was the best part of your day?”, “Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself”, or “How do you handle difficult situations?”

Q: Can special education journaling be done without prompts? A: Yes, students can also write freely about their thoughts, feelings, or experiences without specific prompts.

Q: How can teachers use special education journal prompts in the classroom? A: Teachers can use journal prompts as warm-up activities, as homework assignments, or as a tool for self-reflection and goal-setting.

Closing Thoughts

Journaling is a valuable activity not just for typical learners, but also for students with special needs. It can be a safe and effective way for them to express themselves, reflect on their achievements and challenges, and develop their communication and writing skills. With the help of special education journal prompts, teachers and parents can support their students’ growth and development in a meaningful way. Thank you for reading, and we hope you visit again soon for more informative and engaging content.

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Creative Writing Activities for a Special Needs Student
These 5 creative writing activities are a fun way for students to develop their writing motivation and improve creative writing for kids. These creative writing tips include links to writing prompts, quick writing activities, and are easy to implement at school or virtual classrooms. Check out the other special education resources we have ...
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Sep 3, 2018 · So, I encourage you to try out some writing prompts with your students. I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and it will lead to increased participation and communication. Be sure to click on the button below to get your free apple writing prompt!! Free apple writing prompt. Remember: Writing prompts for kids do not have to be long
Sentence Building Activities for Special Ed - Mrs. D's Corner
Differentiating writing in my class is challenging as they just want to copy each other. Now they have their own personalized stuff.” – Macy B. “LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is differentiated to my lower level writers but also to my writers who need challenged. It is a great resource and I use it in independent writing centers.” – Passion2Teach
300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students - EveryWriter
Here are 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students, when looking to engage middle school students in daily writing, it can be difficult to come up with enough creative yet educationally meaningful prompts to fill the school year. That’s why I was thrilled to uncover an incredible list of over 300 Writing Prompts for Middle School Students.
A-Z Writing Prompts - specialneedsforspecialkids.org
A-Z Writing Prompts For Non-Readers. C J W. Table of Contents c M o 22-23 26-27 3940 Teacher Directions of in THEIR NOT their one I i, if kid, dragon superhero
10 Engaging Special Education Journal Prompts for Students
Jun 12, 2023 · Q: How often should students use special education journal prompts? A: The frequency of journaling can vary depending on the student’s needs and goals. It can be done daily, weekly, or as needed. Q: What kind of prompts can be used for special education journaling? A: Prompts can range from simple questions to more complex scenarios.

Creative Writing Activities for a Special Needs Student

Creative Writing Activities for a Special Needs Student

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11 Writing Activities Your Special Needs Students Will Enjoy

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