Category: writing

January Journal Writing Prompts

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to keep a daily journal? Do you need some inspiration to get you started? Consider the following journal writing prompts for January.

  1. What did you do last night for New Year’s Eve? Did you go to a party? Or did you stay in to relax and watch the ball drop? What was your favorite part of the evening? Why?
  2. What are your personal goals for 2020? What steps do you need to take to accomplish those goals? Go into details.
  3. What goals do you have for your family? Why are these particular goals vital to you?
  4. What goals do you have for your apartment, home, or personal living space?
  5. What was your most significant achievement in 2019? Why did achieving this goal make you happy?
  6. Looking back on 2019, what was your favorite family or friend’s moment? Why is this particular memory so important to you?
  7. What is one thing you would like to do with your family or friends this year? What do you need to do to make this particular activity happen?
  8. List 10 activities you would like to do this year as a family or with a group of friends.
  9. List 3 personal qualities you want to improve 2020.
  10. Over a week has passed, are you keeping your New Year’s resolutions? What is the most challenging part of keeping your resolutions?
  11. What activity did you do to take care of yourself today? Remember, self-care is essential.
  12. How was your local weather today? Was the day ideal? Did you spend time outdoors?
  13. A new week, what are your plans for work, home, school, or other commitments?
  14. What is your favorite time of year? Why?
  15. List 5 books you would like to read this year.
  16. List 5 movies you want to see this year.
  17. If you could do anything in 2020, what would you do? Why?
  18. Describe your day in detail. What was your favorite moment? Why?
  19. What is one thing you learned this past week? Provide details.
  20. Write a memory from childhood? Why did this particular memory come to mind?
  21. What is your favorite television show at the moment? Why do you like this program?
  22. What is one negative behavior about yourself that you want to improve in 2020? What steps are you going to take to correct it?
  23. Write in detail about your dream vacation.
  24. Where are you in life right now? What is your age? Are you married? How many children do you have? What is your career? Do you have pets? Provide numerous details.
  25. What is your biggest fear right now? Why?
  26. Write one word you would use to describe the past workweek? Or a particular day last week? Why did you use that specific word?
  27. What is one book that had the most significant impact on your life? As a child? A teenager? An adult?
  28. Write about the person who inspires you? Why?
  29. What are your favorite family activities in the winter? Why?
  30. Write about a funny moment from today.
  31. The first month of 2020 is over, what was your favorite part? Why?

31 Journal Writing Prompts for December

December focuses on the holiday season. Christmas decorations, parties, dinners, and other activities quickly fill your schedule. Taking the time to write in your journal is good for you. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts.

December Journal Writing 

  1. What do you plan to accomplish today? This week? This month? Go into details to help you plan and organize your December activities.
  2. What does the holiday season mean to you? Do you decorate for Christmas?
  3. What are you looking forward to the most during the holiday season?
  4. What is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas?
  5. What family traditions from your childhood do you incorporate into your Christmas celebrations?
  6. What do you miss the most from your childhood at Christmas time?
  7. What was your favorite Christmas gift? Why was this gift so important to you?
  8. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve? What type of planning do you need to do to accomplish your activities?
  9. List 10 activities you would like to add to your family’s Christmas season celebrations?
  10. List 5 community activities you would like to add to your Christmas season celebrations?
  11. What is the best part of the holiday season for you? For your family? Why?
  12. What is the worst part of the holiday season? Why?
  13. What Christmas craft would you like to try?
  14. What new recipe would you like to attempt?
  15. What is your favorite holiday recipe of all time? Why does this recipe mean so much to you?
  16. What was the best part of your day? Why?
  17. What are your five favorite Christmas movies? What one is your all-time favorite? Why?
  18. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
  19. Today is National Hard Candy Day. What is your favorite hard candy flavor? Why? Have you ever tried to make homemade rock candy? Describe the experience.
  20. Only four days to Christmas Eve and five days to Christmas Day? What do you still need to do? Write out lists to help you achieve your goals.
  21. Today is the Winter Solstice. Describe the current weather outside, go into great detail, write a poem or a short story about the changing season.  Are you planning to do anything special for the Winter Solstice?
  22. The Sunday before Christmas Did you attend church? Did you attend an early Christmas dinner? Write about your day. What was your favorite part?
  23. Are there any last-minute preparations that you need to do before Christmas?
  24. Christmas Eve, what was the best part of the day?
  25. Merry Christmas! Write about your day. Did everything go as planned? How was your dinner? Did you have guests? Or a quiet day? What was the best part of the day? What was your children’s favorite part?
  26.  Are you having a party for New Year’s Eve? What do you need to do to prepare?
  27. What is your favorite New Year’s Eve memory? Why?
  28. What was your favorite personal memory of 2019? Write why the event was so important?
  29. What was your favorite family memory of 2019? Ask your children to tell or write about their favorite part of 2019.
  30. Did you accomplish all of your 2019 goals? What are you looking forward to trying in 2020?
  31. New Year’s Eve, what are your plans? Did you set any New Year resolutions for yourself? Your family?

November Journal Writing Prompts

For many, November marks the start of the holiday season. Take some time out of each day to write in your journal. Quiet moments are perfect for your emotional well-being.

Journal Writing Prompts for November

  1. What would you like to accomplish during November? What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal?
  2. What does the month of November mean to you?
  3. Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving? What steps do you need to take to prepare for the holiday?
  4. When the season changes to cold, snowy, or rainy weather, what do you like to do? Why?
  5. List the top 20 things in your life that make you grateful.
  6. Describe your current mood. Why do you feel this way?
  7. What made you smile or laugh today?
  8. What is your interpretation of gratitude?
  9. If you could write a mission statement about your life, what would it be? Why?
  10. How do you plan to celebrate Veteran’s Day tomorrow? Go to a parade? Or other types of community events?
  11. Happy Veteran’s Day! Do you know a veteran? Is the veteran a member of your family or a friend? What branch did he or she serve?
  12. What happened today at noon? 4 pm? 6 pm? 8 pm? 10 pm?
  13. 13 Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade? If you could enter any type of float in the parade, what would you design? Why?
  14. Write 5 ways you engage in self-care?
  15. If you could invite any person who is living or dead to your Thanksgiving meal, who would you invite? Why?
  16. What is your favorite quote from a television show, book, or movie? Why do you like this quote?
  17. Write a critique of the last movie or television show you watched?
  18. What does your school, work, home, or other schedule look like this week? Are you in for a busy week? What steps can you take to ease the stress of your schedule?
  19. Do you have difficulty expressing your feelings to your family? Friends? Co-workers? Why or why not?
  20. How do you inspire gratitude in yourself, your family, or others?
  21. Who do you have in your life currently who you most thankful for at this moment? Why?
  22. List 5 things you do well. List 5 things you would like to improve.
  23. Is there a project or goal you would like to finish in the last two months of 2019? What do you need to accomplish this goal?
  24. Are you going to participate in Black Friday? Why or why not?
  25. Describe in detail your typical childhood Thanksgiving? What is your first memory of Thanksgiving?
  26. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory? What is this one so important to you?
  27. Are you ready for your Thanksgiving? How do you think tomorrow will go?
  28. Happy Thanksgiving! How did your holiday go? Did everything go as planned? What was your favorite memory?
  29. Do you have leftovers? What do you make? What’s your favorite Thanksgiving leftover?
  30. What are you looking forward to next month?

 

October Journal Writing Prompts

October brings leaves bursting with colors, sweater weather, and Halloween. Keeping a journal this month should reflect your past memories of the changing seasons, goals for the holidays, and past memories.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for October

  1. What do you hope to accomplish in October? For yourself? For your family? For work?
  2. What fun Halloween activity would you like to try this month? Why is this activity important to you?
  3. Think about your childhood. How did you celebrate Halloween? Our of all of your Halloween memories as a child, which is your favorite?
  4. What was your favorite childhood Halloween costume? Was it homemade or store-bought?  Why did you like this particular costume so much?
  5. Did you attend any Halloween parties as a child? At school? Or another location?  What Halloween party made the most memorable impression? Why?
  6. Do you want to attend or host a Halloween party this year? Why or why not?
  7. Do your children or grandchildren plan to dress up for Halloween? Why did they pick their Halloween costumes?
  8. List 5 things that made you smile today.
  9. What steps do you need to take to be happier every day? Organization? New job?
  10. If you could visit any country or state in the fall, where would you go? Why?
  11. If you could buy one item without worrying about the price, what would you purchase? Why?
  12. Describe the weather today. Cold, wet, warm? Was it typical for this time of year? Did you enjoy the day?
  13. Describe the most vivid dream you can remember.
  14. Are you happy with your job? Your daily routine? What would you train?
  15. What everyday item can you not without? Why?
  16. What is your personal definition of happiness?
  17. What is your favorite book? Describe the main character in the story. Why were you drawn to this book?
  18. What was your first pet? Describe.
  19. Happy Sweetest Day! How do you plan to celebrate? What is your ideal Sweetest Day?
  20. Write a bucket list for the last 3 months of the year.
  21. What one thing do you need to improve your health? Exercise? Eat better? How do you accomplish it?
  22. Write about cooking or baking disaster.
  23. Write a tale about October, Fall, or Halloween. Or ask your children to tell you a story.
  24. Write a letter to your future self.
  25. Go outside and write. (Or take pictures if it’s too cold). Describe the scene.
  26. What home project would you like to start?
  27. Write about your day from your pet’s point of view.
  28. What new fall recipe would you like to try? Why?
  29. Have you started your Christmas shopping? Are you a holiday planner?
  30. Thinking ahead to November, what are you looking forward to doing?
  31. Happy Halloween! Describe your day. Did you hand out candy? Go to a party? What was the most memorable moment?

September Journal Prompt Questions

September brings about the end of summer and the start of the fall season. Your children have either already started school or preparing to return within the week. Finding quiet moments to reflect should be a priority. Do you need some journal inspiration for September?

Journal Prompt Questions for September

  1. What are your goals for September? Go into detail. Write about your personal, work, and family goals for the month.
  2. What does Labor Day mean to you? Are planning on celebrating the day?
  3. Did you like school? Why or why not?
  4. What was your favorite memory of the first day of school? How did your memory compare to your children’s first day?
  5. Who was your favorite teacher in grade school? Junior high? High school? Why did these teachers make a lasting impression?
  6. What was your favorite subject in school? What made you interested in this particular subject? Do you still find the subject interesting today?
  7. Who were your best friends in grade school, junior high, and high school? Did you remain friends with any of them after school was out?
  8. What was your favorite sport or extracurricular activity? What did you enjoy the post about the activity?
  9. If you could go back to high school, what would you do differently? Why?
  10. Did you go to your senior prom? Write the details of the night?
  11. What school activities are your children participating in? What do you like about their choices?
  12. How would you describe yourself in school? How does the description compare with who you are today?
  13. What project would you like to start for the fall season?
  14. Write about your normal daily routine.
  15. Write 5 facts about yourself, your husband (or significant other), your children, parents, and grandparents. Go into detail. Why are these facts important to you?
  16. How would you describe your current lifestyle? Are there any changes you would like to implement? Why?
  17. What is your idea of a romantic evening? When was the last time you had a romantic evening?
  18. List 10 things you would like to change in your household.
  19. What funny story or moment did you and children share today?
  20. What would you like to accomplish over the weekend? Do you want to spend more time with your family? Go out to dinner? Have a movie night? What steps do you need to take to make one these happen?
  21. What is your favorite song? Why is this particular song important to you?
  22. Describe a recent accomplishment? How do you feel?
  23. First Day of Autumn: What do you like about the fall season?
  24. List 10 fall activities for you and your family to enjoy.
  25. What childhood memories do you have about fall?
  26. Describe your last family gathering. What was successful? What could you do differently next time?
  27. Write a letter to a past teacher. No, you don’t have to send it.
  28. What changes would you like to see in yourself?
  29. What new recipe or activity would you like to try before 2020?
  30. What would you like to accomplish for the last 4 months of the year?

August Journal Writing Prompts

Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to record memories, express ideas, and release emotions. A journal does not need to be fancy. A simple spiral notebook is just as good as a leatherbound journal. Writing is the most important aspect of keeping a journal.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for August

  1. What are your personal or family goals for August?
  2. Name 10 things you want to accomplish before summer ends.
  3. Describe a funny moment from today. Did someone tell a joke? Or did your toddler do something that made you laugh? Write why the moment was funny to you.
  4. Today is Friendship Day. Write about your best friend in elementary, junior high, and high school? Did you have the same friend all the way through your school years?
  5. Write about your grandparents or older family member. What was their occupation? Where did they live?
  6. Create an August Bucket List for last-minute fun before school begins.
  7. How did you spend your day? Go into detail.
  8. What do you need to accomplish to get your children ready for the new school year?
  9. Are you healthy? What habits do you need to change in your routine to make healthier choices?
  10. What was your favorite Saturday activity as a child?
  11. Write a letter to your future self.
  12. Write a letter to your past self.
  13. List 5 long term goals.
  14. Write a review of your favorite restaurant.
  15. Describe your childhood bedroom. What posters did you hang on the wall in highschool?
  16. If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
  17. What is your favorite show on television? Why do you like the program?
  18. What was your favorite show during childhood?
  19. What are 10 things you could do to help the environment?
  20. What would be your ideal vacation or getaway to end the summer?
  21. What is your current pet peeve?
  22. What is your guilty pleasure?
  23. What makes you feel peaceful?
  24. Name a person you miss. Why?
  25. What family activity would you like to try? Why?
  26. Today is National Dog Day. Describe your favorite dog or other pet.
  27. List 5 things you are grateful for at this point in your life.
  28. Describe yourself in ten sentences.
  29. Describe in detail an item or recipe you made.
  30. If you could visit a fictional world, where would go?
  31. Write a memoir or letter saying goodbye to summer.

Keep in mind, there’s no right or wrong answer when writing in a journal. The experience is a personal pursuit. Always, remember to have fun when you write.

July Journal Writing Prompts

Warm weather, the 4th of July holiday, and relaxing summer events are perfect for being outdoors. Take a few moments out of your day to write. Journal writing is a chance to document daily events or explore your emotions. Consider the following prompts to help with your journal writing.

31 Journal Writing Prompts for July

  1. What does the 4th of July and freedom mean to you?
  2. Do you have any family members past or present who served in the military?
  3. What are your 4th of July plans? Are you ready?
  4. Happy 4th! What is your favorite Independence Day memory?
  5. I want to…
  6. What is your idea of a relaxing Saturday afternoon?
  7. What 5 movies would you like to see? At the movies? On Netflix? Or Other streaming services? Why do you want to see these movies?
  8. What was your favorite song from childhood? Teenage years? Now? What do you like about these songs?
  9. What one trait do you dislike about yourself? What steps can you take to improve yourself?
  10. Write about your driver’s training experience?
  11. List 10 things to accomplish by the end of the month.
  12. What is your current biggest obstacle?
  13. Write about your favorite trip as a child? Teenager? Adult?
  14. What’s your current relationship status? Are you happy with your status?
  15. What is something from your past do you miss?
  16. is music important to you?
  17. Do you believe it is important to follow trends? In fashion? For your home? Technology?
  18. If you could learn a new language, what would you pick? Why?
  19. What would you like to do this weekend? Relax? Go on an adventure? Stay home? Why is this choice important to you?
  20. What local tourist spot would you like to revisit? Why? If there’s not one to revisit, what one would you like to view for the first time? Why?
  21. What does your week ahead look like? How busy is your schedule?
  22. It’s Independent Retailers Month. What local shop or service do you like? Why?
  23. What obstacle did you overcome in the past 6 months? Year? Five years?
  24. Make a new playlist. Why are these songs important to you?
  25. What hobby or recipe would you like to try? Why?
  26. What are your favorite summer memories from childhood?
  27. Describe a summer vacation experience.
  28. What was your best idea this week? Why?
  29. What steps did you take to improve yourself this month?
  30. I never…
  31. What are you looking forward to in the month of August?

Happy July! Happy Writing!

Journal Prompts for June

Are you keeping a journal? Or do you want to start writing in a journal on a daily basis? Journals are a great activity. Record your memories or daily events. Looking back on journal entries are a way to learn and understand yourself.

June Journal Prompts

  1. What are your summer plans?
  2. What are you grateful for on this day?
  3. What new activities would you like to try this summer? As a family or by yourself?
  4. Describe your family’s day? Or your day? Did the day go as planned?
  5. What can you do to help the environment?
  6. What are your personal goals for June?
  7. If you could do anything this summer, where would you go? Or what activity would you like to try?
  8. Interview your children or grandchildren?
  9. List 5 things to accomplish this upcoming week? List 5 things to accomplish this month. What steps do you need to take to finish your list?
  10. If you could interview anyone in the world, who would you pick? Why is this person so special to you?
  11. Write about your family’s history.
  12. What challenges did you overcome in the last six months? Last year?
  13. Married? Write about your first date with your partner. Single? Write about your ideal date.
  14. Flag Day in the U.S. What does the flag mean to you?
  15. What are your pet peeves?
  16. Father’s Day in the U.S. Write your favorite memory with your father or father figure.
  17. What is your favorite song? Why?
  18. How do you like to relax with your family or friends? When was the last time you participated in this activity?
  19. What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Why?
  20. What is your favorite book? Why?
  21. Summer official begins. What is your favorite childhood memory of summer? Why is this memory important to you?
  22. What is your favorite memory of the beach? Swimming pool? Why is this memory so important to you?
  23. Describe your life 5 years ago.
  24. Where would you like to be in the next year? Next five years? How can you make these goals a reality?
  25. Who is your current role model? Why?
  26. Describe in detail your dream home or summer vacation home.
  27. If you could spend an entire day alone, doing only what you want, what would you do? Why?
  28. What is your favorite summer movie? Why?
  29. What are your current feelings or mood?
  30. June marks the halfway point for the year. What are you looking forward to in the next six months? What activities would you like to accomplish?

Writing in a journal every day is a fulfilling personal activity. The journal does not need to be anything fancy. Pick up a spiral notebook or composition book to record your thoughts. Do not limit yourself to just words. Draw pictures, add memorabilia or photos, personalize your journal each day.

How to Celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day

Today, April 17th is International Bat Appreciation Day. Myths and urban legends often give bats a bad reputation. Bats are actually interesting creatures. A single bat can feast on a meal of 100 mosquitoes in just an hour’s time.

Celebrating Bat Appreciation Day

So how do you celebrate a day dedicated to a bat? Consider the ideas below.

  • Go to the Library or Local Book Store: Finding books about bats will help you learn about the species, behavior, habitat, and more.
  • Watch a Documentary about Bats: Check out Netflix, YouTube or other streaming resources for a program about bats. National Geographic and PBS are generally two top resources for nature documentaries.
  • Go to Your Local Zoo: Behind the protective glass, many zoos have different bats for viewing. The zoo or local wildlife rehabilitation center may have programs for viewing bats up close.
  • Write a Child’s Story Focused on a Bat: Do you need help getting started? A quick writing prompt is “the lonely little bat” or “the bat found a new home”. If you are having a problem with writing out a story, ask your child to make one up. Younger children may require your help in writing down the words. The quick story can easily turn into a lasting memory.
  • Do Bat-Themed Crafts: An easy craft is a collage. Simply cut out a bat shape on a piece of black construction paper. Allow your child to glue different materials to the bat. For example, add googly eyes, sequins, pompoms, yarn pieces, etc. Painting or using chalk on the construction paper bat is another way. Ask your child about the bat masterpiece.

The best way to celebrate Bat Appreciation Day is by having fun. Learn about the bats. Engage in a bat-themed family activity. Just remember, allow professionals to handle bats if you find one in your home or business.

5 Tips to Encourage Your Young Writer

Today, April 10th is National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Does your child make up stories? Encouraging your child’s imagination may result in a career in writing. But using your imagination works in every field. The process allows you to think outside the box for a better solution to a pressing problem.

Tips to Encourage a Young Writer

Promoting writing is easy. Simply think, read, write, and repeat. Do you need help encouraging your young writer? Consider the following tips.

  1. Create a Writing Space

Setting up a writing space is a great way to encourage your young writer. Set up a desk in your child’s room or other location in your home. If you do not have a desk, an unused table in the corner is just as good. Old desks and small tables are available at many thrift stores for low prices. Younger children can use an old coffee table or end table for a writer space. Promoting writing is the purpose of a writing area.

  1. Purchase Writing Supplies

Your local dollar store is ideal for purchasing writing supplies at a low cost. If you are uncertain the type of supplies to purchase, take a look at the following list.

  • Journals/Diaries
  • Pens/Pencils
  • Gel Pens
  • Markers
  • Composition Notebooks
  • Spiral Notebook Paper
  • Paperclips
  • Notecards
  • Stapler/Staples
  • Stickers

The smallest items can create the largest impact on your child’s imagination.

  1. Encourage Journal Writing

Keeping a journal goes beyond recounting the day’s events. A journal provides your child with a chance to write about the world.  Encourage your young writer to express feelings, descriptions, and scenes. The information may become a great resource down the road.

  1. Books

Age appropriate books are a valuable resource for every writer. Books may be digital. But, often a book on your desk is a great way to find the answer. Digital brings you directly to the content. A book allows your child to research and search through pages.

  • Writing Books
  • Writing Prompt Books
  • Thesaurus
  • Dictionary
  • Nature Books
  • Fantasy Books
  • Other Books of Interest
  1. Library Card

A library is a wealth of information.

  • Your young writer can search for books of interest.
  • Find new topics.
  • Meet others who share similar interests.
  • Receive guidance from the librarian.
  • Attend library sponsored groups, book clubs, and field trips.
  • Check out media including DVDs, recordings, music, documentaries, and other educational based material.

A little encouragement in any child’s interest may spark a lifetime path of knowledge.