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Category: Writing

10 Quick Writing Activities to Add to Your Daily Routine

Teacher's Pay Teachers, Writing

Finding time to fit meaningful writing into the school day can feel impossible with everything else on your plate. But the truth is, writing doesn’t have to be long or complicated to be effective! With a few consistent routines and engaging prompts, you can easily weave short writing activities into your daily schedule—and see big growth over time. If you’re looking for writing activities for kids or writing prompts that your elementary students will love, I have you covered! 

writing activities

Here are 10 quick writing activities that take just 5–15 minutes and help build strong, confident writers:

  1. Morning Message Response
    Post a short message on the board and have students write a sentence or two back to you. It’s a great warm-up and helps with sentence structure.
  2. Would You Rather Prompts
    Pose a silly “Would you rather…” question and ask students to write their choice and explain why. Kids love the creativity and opinion writing practice.
  3. Daily Picture Prompt
    Show a photo and have students write a short story or description. You can use real images or illustrations to spark their imagination.
  4. Weekend Rewind
    Every Monday, invite students to write a sentence or two about something they did over the weekend. It builds routine and personal narrative skills.
  5. Finish the Story
    Start a story and let students write the ending. You can make it funny, spooky, or themed to match the season or curriculum.
  6. Gratitude Writing
    Ask students to write one thing they’re thankful for and why. It’s a great SEL check-in and builds reflective thinking.
  7. List Writing
    Quick and low-pressure—have students make a list (e.g., favorite animals, things in their backpack, foods they dislike). It supports spelling and vocabulary.
  8. Step-by-Step Writing
    Great for procedural writing! Have students write how to do something simple like make a sandwich or tie a shoe.
  9. Character of the Day
    Introduce a character name and ask students to describe them or write a short scene. This encourages creativity and descriptive language.
  10. Use a Prompt from the Writing Prompts K–3 Bundle
    One of the easiest ways to get kids writing daily is with ready-made prompts! The Writing Prompts Kindergarten–3rd Grade BUNDLE includes a huge variety of seasonal, creative, and curriculum-aligned prompts. Each page includes a clear writing focus and space for students to draw and write—perfect for morning work, centers, or fast finisher tasks. It’s truly a grab-and-go resource you’ll use all year!
writing activities for kids

With just a few minutes a day and the right tools, writing time can become a meaningful and manageable part of your classroom routine.

Want more writing activity ideas? Check out my post here! 

5 Benefits of Using Visual Schedules in Early Elementary

Classroom Behavior Management, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Writing

Consistency and routine are key in early elementary classrooms, and one of the best tools to support this is a visual schedule! A visual schedule provides a clear, predictable structure for young learners, helping them navigate their day with confidence. 

visual schedule benefits

So how important is a visual schedule for kids? Here are five benefits of using a visual schedule in your classroom:

1. Reduces Anxiety and Builds Confidence

For many students, uncertainty about what comes next can cause stress and anxiety. A visual schedule helps ease those worries by clearly outlining the day’s activities. When students know what to expect, they feel more secure and confident in their learning environment.

2. Supports Independence

Young learners thrive when they can take ownership of their day. With a visual schedule, students can independently check what’s coming next and prepare accordingly. This reduces the number of questions like, “What are we doing next?” and helps students feel empowered in their daily routine.

3. Improves Transitions

Transitions can be challenging, especially for students who struggle with changes in routine. A visual schedule provides a concrete reference to help children move smoothly from one activity to the next. It gives them time to prepare mentally and physically, making transitions less stressful and more efficient.

4. Enhances Comprehension for Visual Learners

Many young students are visual learners who benefit from seeing information rather than just hearing it. A visual schedule reinforces verbal instructions, helping students understand and remember the flow of the day more effectively.

5. Encourages Classroom Management and Engagement

When students understand the schedule and expectations, they are more likely to stay engaged and on task. A visual schedule helps set clear guidelines for the day, reducing disruptions and improving classroom management.

If you’re ready to bring structure and ease into your daily routine, check out this Editable Classroom Daily Visual Schedule! 🌟 

visual schedule for kids

This resource features retro-groovy, calming designs that are perfect for any early elementary classroom. Plus, it’s fully customizable to fit your needs!  Grab it here!

For tons more visual schedule options, check out my shop!

Looking for more classroom management tips? Check out my post here! 

5 Ways to Make Writing Fun in Elementary

Writing

Writing can be a challenging subject to teach, especially when young students feel stuck or unmotivated! Trust me, I have been there. It can be so discouraging for everyone. However, with a few creative strategies, you can turn this skill into an activity your students look forward to! 

writing

If you’re looking for ways to make writing fun for kids in school or writing activities for kids that are simple and easy to do in the classroom, you’re in the right place. Here are five simple ways to make writing fun in your elementary classroom! 

1. Incorporate Writing Prompts with a Twist

Sometimes, all students need is a little spark of inspiration! Fun and imaginative writing prompts can transform writing into an exciting adventure. Try prompts like:

  • “If I could shrink to the size of an ant, I would…”
  • “Imagine you are a snowflake. What is your journey like?”
    You can also align prompts with seasonal or holiday themes to keep things fresh and engaging. Students love the chance to use their creativity and write about topics they find exciting.

Need some help? Check out this year-long writing prompt bundle with prompts for every day of the year! 

2. Use Creative Writing Tools

Writing doesn’t have to be limited to paper and pencil! Tools like story dice, word jars, or picture prompts are excellent for getting the ideas flowing. For example, roll the dice to determine characters, settings, or conflicts for their stories. Picture prompts can also inspire descriptive writing and spark discussions before students begin. These tools help remove the intimidation factor and turn writing into an interactive experience.

Need some help? Check out this Writing Would You Rather activity to inspire students to write about their opinions in a fun way! 

3. Turn It into a Game

Bring play into the writing process by turning it into a game. Here are a few ideas:

  • Writing relay: Students work in teams, adding sentences to a shared story.
  • Spin-the-wheel storytelling: Use a wheel to select random story elements like characters, settings, and problems.
  • Pass-the-paper stories: Students start a story, then pass it to a peer to continue.
    These activities not only encourage collaboration but also make writing feel more dynamic and fun.

Need some help? Check out this fun sentence-building activity!

4. Incorporate Technology

Embrace the tools of the digital age to make writing more engaging! Apps and websites that allow students to type, illustrate, and even animate their stories bring their ideas to life in a new way. Programs like Book Creator or Google Slides can be used to create digital storybooks. Adding a tech element can especially appeal to students who love using tablets or computers. 

Need some help? Check out this writing escape room activity! 

5. Celebrate Their Work

Nothing motivates our young writers more than knowing their work will be appreciated! Create opportunities to celebrate their work, like:

  • Hosting a “writer’s gallery” where students can display their stories.
  • Compiling their work into a class “book” to send home or keep in the classroom library.
  • Letting them read their stories aloud to their peers.

Need some help? Have your students write something and then celebrate by displaying it on your bulletin board with this set! 

I hope your students love these activities! With a little creativity in your lessons,  it’s amazing how much engagement you can get from your students. What are your favorite activities that get your students excited to write? Let me know in the comments! 

Looking for more? Check out my post here!

3 Fun Ways to Practice Opinion Writing

Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips, Writing


As teachers, we know that opinion writing for kids is an important skill to learn early on in students’ education. It’s a great way to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and empowerment in students- preparing them for the future! 

opinion writing

If you are getting ready to start your opinion writing unit with your elementary students and you’re looking for some opinion writing prompts or opinion writing activities that will fully engage your students in their lessons, you’re in the right place! 

What is a fun way to introduce opinion writing?

There are many ways that you can start your opinion unit. Try out these ideas:

Classroom Survey

Begin by conducting a classroom survey on a light-hearted topic, such as your favorite ice cream flavor or preferred recess game. Students can then analyze the survey results and write about their own opinions, providing reasons to support their choices.

Picture Book Analysis

Choose a picture book with a clear opinion expressed by the characters or narrator. After reading the book together, discuss the opinions presented and encourage students to share their own viewpoints. This can serve as a springboard for students to start forming and writing about their opinions.

Role-Playing Activity

Create a scenario where students take on different roles or characters with differing opinions on a simple topic, such as “Best Season of the Year” or “Preferred School Lunch.” Allow students to express their assigned character’s opinion and reasons through role-playing, then transition to writing about their own opinions independently.

Looking for some ready-made activities that are low-prep and, most importantly, fun?! Look no further than these opinion writing activities! 

Opinion Writing Unit with Cookies

Opinion Writing with Cookies is a student favorite! Add some cookies and watch the creative writing flow. 

Designed with K-2 students in mind.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Table of Contents

Lesson Plan for 5 Days

Brainstorm Page

In My Opinion Page

Thank About Your Cookie

Cookie Opinion Organizer for K-1

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 TEACHER SAMPLE

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 With intro and closing help

Cookie Organizer for 1-3 Blank (Students do all on their own.)

Primary Writing Lined Paper

Intermediate Lined Writing Paper

Cookie Acoustic Poem

Opinion RUBRIC for scoring

Writing Certificates

Transition Words

Descriptive Words for Cookies

POSTER

Parent Home Letter (cookie request)

Opinion Writing Dog vs Cat Writing Activity

Dogs vs Cats is a student favorite and gets their creative writing juices flowing! Students can use the graphic organizers to plan their opinion papers.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Table of Contents

Lesson Plan

Donation Request (dog and cat-themed treats)

Opinion Poster

Cover for a Book (optional)

Transition Words/Phrases

Descriptive Words

Brainstorming

Think About Your Favorite

Primary and Intermediate Opinion Graphic Organizers with a SAMPLE (on pages 12-14)

CAT HEAD Writing Toppers (on pages 15-20)

DOG HEAD Writing Toppers (on pages 21-25)

Primary and Intermediate, Dog and Cat Paws, Writing Paper to match the topper they choose. (on pages 26-39)

Acrostic Poems (Extra Activity) (on pages 40-41)

RUBRIC

Super Author Certificates

Opinion Writing Prompts BEST Candy | Graphic Organizers

Opinion Writing with Candy is a student favorite! Add some candy and watch the creative writing flow. 

Designed with K-3 students in mind.

What’s in this download? 

Cover

Standards

Lesson Plan

Brainstorm Page

In My Opinion Page

Think About Your Favorite Candy

Candy Opinion Organizer for K-1

Candy Organizer for 1-3 TEACHER SAMPLE

Candy Organizer for 1-3 With intro and closing help

Candy Organizer for 1-3 Blank (students do all on their own.)

Primary Writing Lined Paper (on pages 12 & 13)

Intermediate Lined Writing Paper (on pages 14 & 15)

Picture Box Writing Options (on pages 16 & 17)

Acoustic Poem

Opinion RUBRIC for Scoring

Writing Certificates

Transition Words

Descriptive Words for Candy

POSTER

Parent Donation Request Letter

I hope your students love these opinion writing activities! For more writing fun, check out my post here!