Thought for the Day: Quotations, Proverbs and Holiday Writing Ideas with 365 Journal Writing Prompts to Challenge Students to Write with Purpose and Meaning

by Donnalyn Yates M.Ed

Good writing prompts stimulate deeper thinking skills. This book provides 365 journal writing prompts in the form of quotations, sayings and proverbs which challenge children to ponder and write from the heart. When children read the words of a famous person, promoting good character building traits, they listen and benefit. This 68 page book with appropriate illustrations for each month, is the teacher’s indispensable friend.

Sample writing prompts

January 27 - "How can I know what I think, till I see what I say?" (E.M.. Forster) This means, when I write something, then I know what I think about it. What would happen if there was no television? Write, and then you will know what you think about it.

September 30 - "I haven’t failed. I now know a thousand things that won’t work, so I am that much closer to finding what will work." (Thomas Edison said this after doing many, many failed experiments trying to invent the light bulb.) Write about a time you failed at doing something and then later succeeded.

January 6 - "Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use." (Charles Schulz, cartoonist for Peanuts) Maybe you don’t use your drawing ability but if you did, you could improve, couldn’t you? What are some of the “gears” or talents you have in your life you could be using?

May 26 - You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” (Sally Ride, first woman in space) Today is Sally Ride’s birthday. She was very brave to go into space. Tell about a time when you were very fearful about doing something.

August 13 - Do not criticize another person until you’ve walked a mile in his or her moccasins." This is a Native American saying. What do you think it means?

Each month a new character building trait is emphasized through quotations and sayings.

January	Self Esteem/Self Improvement New Year/Plans/Goals
February	Love/Honesty/Valentines Day/Presidents
March	Random Acts of Kindness/Respect/ Friendship/Spring/St. Patrick
April	Procrastination/Perseverance/Spring/Conservation/Earth Day
May	Tolerance/Attitude/Learning/Cinco de Mayo/Mother’s Day/Memorial Day
June	Proverbs/Summer Fun/Singing/Good Sportsmanship
July	Patriotism/Country/Good Health/Anger Management
August	Creativity/Travel/More Proverbs/Enjoying Life/Home
September	Self Improvement/Responsibility/Reading/Back to School
October	Getting Along with Others/DARE Week/Columbus Day/Halloween
November	Thankfulness/Books/Goodness/Thanksgiving/Veterans Day
December	Joy of Giving/Holidays/Family/Memories

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