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How to Write a Journal Entry

Last Updated: February 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Nicolette Tura, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Nicolette Tura is an Empowerment Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a decade of experience creating change in various non-profits then went on to operate her own wellness business for 10 years. Most recently, she worked as a Therapy Associate to a chiropractic neurologist for 15 months working hands-on with patients, helping them heal from neurological disorders like concussions, long covid, migraines, and more. Nicolette guides groups and individuals on transformative meditation journeys and game-changing mindset management workshops and retreats on empowering everyone to keep expanding beyond past conditioning and self-limiting beliefs. Nicolette is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with a Psychology & Mindfulness Major, a NASM certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, and an expert in psychophysiology with experience in nervous system regulation and breath work. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree is Sociology from San Jose State University There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,832,074 times.

Keeping a journal allows you to record what’s happening in your life and to work through your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, you might write a journal for school to help you deepen your understanding of what you’re studying. Fortunately, writing a journal entry is a simple process. First, choose a topic to write about, like what's happening in your life. Then, write an opening for your entry and express your thoughts.

Choosing a Topic

Step 1 Write about what’s going on in your life.

  • This is a great way to help you document things you want to remember.
  • For instance, you might write about something funny that happened at lunch, scoring the winning goal in a soccer game, or a fight you had with your friend. The events can be positive or negative.

Step 2 Explore your emotions or how you feel about something.

  • Let’s say you’re feeling sad because you’re going through a breakup. You could write about how you feel and what you’ll miss about the relationship. This will help you release your feelings so you can start to feel better .

Step 3 Use a writing prompt if you aren’t sure what to write about.

  • Write about what you’d like to do this weekend.
  • Discuss a place you’d like to visit.
  • Pretend that you found a fantasy creature.
  • Write about something you want to change.
  • Write from the perspective of your favourite book or movie character.

Step 4 Record your reactions to readings and lectures in an academic journal.

  • A summary of a reading or lecture.
  • Your analysis of the course material.
  • Connections between topics you’ve studied.
  • Personal connections you made with the coursework.
  • Questions you have about the text or lecture.

Tip: Keep a journal for school focused on studying and analyzing your course material. For instance, you might summarize your coursework, record your reflections on it, and write down questions you have. Leave out how you feel about what you’re reading or studying.

Opening Your Journal Entry

Step 1 Read your assignment sheet if you’re keeping a journal for school.

  • Your instructor has assigned journaling to help you deepen your understanding of your coursework and to improve your writing skills . Following their instructions will help you best achieve these goals.

Step 2 Write the date at the top of your entry.

  • For instance, you might write, “July 24, 2019,” “07-24-19,” or “24 July 2019.”

Step 3 Include the location and time to provide context for what was happening.

  • For instance, you might write “Good Beans Coffee House,” “School,” “Paris,” or “My bedroom” for your location. For the time, you could write the actual time, such as “12:25 p.m.,” or the time of day, like “Early morning.”

Step 4 Start with an opening like “Dear Diary” or “Dear Self” if you prefer.

Tip: You usually don’t include a salutation when you’re writing a journal for school.

Expressing Yourself in a Personal Journal

Step 1 Don’t worry about grammar and spelling rules.

  • If mistakes really bother you, it’s okay to go back and correct them after you finish writing your journal entry.

Step 2 Be creative in how you write your posts if you like.

  • Turn a memory into a story.
  • Record what you dreamed last night.
  • Write a list, such as what you did that day or what you’re grateful for.
  • Doodle or paste pictures into your journal.
  • Record song lyrics or quotes that mean something to you.
  • Write your own lyrics or a poem.
  • Write in stream of consciousness.

Step 3 Use “I” to write your journal in the first person.

  • For instance, you’d write, “I went to lunch with Sari today,” not “Amy had lunch with Sari today.”

Step 4 Incorporate details that appeal to your 5 senses to make your post vivid.

  • For instance, let’s say you’re on vacation at the beach. You might include details like, “sea spray hitting my face,” “the smell of burning wood from bonfires on the beach,” “the taste of salt on my lips,” “the sun glinting off the surface of the water,” and “the shouts from other beach goers having fun.”

Step 5 Don’t worry about the length of your journal entries.

  • With journaling, it’s more important to write often than to write a lot.

Drafting an Academic Journal Entry

Step 1 Organize your thoughts to make them coherent.

  • If you’re telling a story, try to follow a narrative structure to give it a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Read over your journal entry before your submit it to check that it makes sense.

Step 2 Make sure you reach the required word count.

  • For handwritten journals, your instructor may require that you simply fill up a page. Make sure you know the exact requirements so you can do your assignment correctly.
  • If you’re struggling to think of something to write, make a mind map about the topic to help you brainstorm some new ideas.

Step 3 Use proper grammar like you would in an essay.

  • If you’re struggling with your grammar, visit your school’s writing center or ask your instructor about tutoring options. Additionally, you can find online programs that help you with grammar.

Step 4 Proofread your journal entry and correct any mistakes.

  • This is especially important if you’re keeping your journal as a graded assignment.
  • If you’re typing your journal entries in an online portal, there may be a spellcheck tool you can use. However, you should still proofread the entry to look for other errors.

Journal Entry Template

how to write a journal entry 5th grade

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • It’s best to write regularly so that journaling becomes a habit. To help you remember, write in your journal at the same time everyday. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • You can write about anything you want, so don’t feel like you can only write about how you feel. You might instead prefer to write about your daily accomplishments or what you enjoyed that day. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
  • While you can use a paper journal, there are journaling apps and websites you can try. Additionally, it’s okay to use a word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word for journaling. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 8

how to write a journal entry 5th grade

  • Since your journal is private, prevent people from reading it by keeping it in a safe place. If it’s a digital journal, you might even password protect it. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

Hide Your Diary

  • ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/title
  • ↑ Nicolette Tura, MA. Empowerment Expert. Expert Interview. 23 January 2020.
  • ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
  • ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/article/journal-writing
  • ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/writing/writing-resources/journal-writing
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/writing-an-abstract-for-your-research-paper/
  • ↑ https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/reflective-journals-and-learning-logs.shtml
  • ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/ready-set-journal-64-journaling-prompts-for-self-discovery
  • ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling
  • ↑ https://www.bates.edu/biology/files/2010/06/How-to-Write-Guide-v10-2014.pdf
  • ↑ https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081806.pdf
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/connectingideas/
  • ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/writing-therapy/
  • ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/capitalization
  • ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/proofreading
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-minds/202301/10-good-reasons-to-keep-a-journal

About This Article

Nicolette Tura, MA

To write a journal entry, first find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed. Take a moment to brainstorm what you want to write about. You can journal about anything, like your day, your dreams, work, school, friends, or an upcoming project. If you’re not sure, choose a writing prompt for your entry, like “What was your earliest childhood memory?” or “What is your biggest secret?” Open to a new page in your journal and write the date at the top. Then, start writing. Let your thoughts flow and don’t edit yourself. Write whatever comes to mind. It’s okay to be honest since nobody else will be reading what you write. Draw pictures if specific images come to mind while you’re writing. Try to journal for somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes every day. The more you journal, the easier it will become! Keep reading to learn how to write a journal entry for school! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Crafting a Green World

5th Grade Journal Prompts

5th grade journal prompts

💾 Print or download a free PDF copy of this page:

image_pdf

Unlock your 5th grader's creativity and thought process with our specially curated journal prompts. Encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and writing skills in a fun, interactive way. Perfect for both classroom and home use.

Writing can be a powerful tool in sparking the imaginative minds of 5th graders. It is an excellent way to encourage students to express their feelings, ideas, opinions, and to refine their creative thinking skills. We believe that every kid has a unique story to tell, and sometimes they only need a little tug in the right direction to materialize those thoughts into words.

In this article, we will be sharing an engaging collection of 5th-grade journal prompts. These prompts are designed to bring out the young wordsmith in every child, covering a plethora of themes that would resonate with them.

Grab your notebook, find a comfy spot, and get ready to embark on a captivating journey of literary exploration and creativity. Let’s make the pen mightier than ever before. ✍️

Self-reflection Prompts

Self-Reflection Prompts for fifth graders help them to look inward and evaluate their thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs, encouraging personal growth and heightened self-awareness. Here are 20 prompts to incite introspection and self-understanding within these young minds:

  • Write about a decision you made that you're proud of and double down on how it made you feel.
  • Reflect on a time when you needed to be brave. How did you handle it?
  • Describe what you love most about yourself and why.
  • Jot down three new things you learned about yourself recently.
  • Narrate an instance when you overcame a fear. What did you learn from the experience?
  • If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
  • Describe a moment where you felt misunderstood. What could have rectified the situation?
  • Write about an achievement you're proud of and what it took to reach it.
  • Write a letter to your future self. Include some goals you hope you’ve achieved.
  • Think about a time you made a mistake. How did you get past it?
  • Reflect on a good habit you have developed and how it positively impacts your life.
  • Describe a situation where you showed perseverance.
  • If you could change one thing about the past week, what would it be and why?
  • Write about a moment where you felt triumphant. What did it teach you about yourself?
  • Contemplate a time when someone gave you guidance. How did it influence your decisions or behavior?
  • Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed yet managed to handle the situation. How did you approach it?
  • Detail a moment when you had to stand up for yourself or someone else. What did it teach you?
  • Write about a challenge you're currently facing. How do you plan to handle it?
  • Reflect on your relationship with a loved one and discuss what you appreciate most about them.
  • Contemplate a time you faced disappointment. How did you recover and what did you learn?

Imaginative Story Starters

Imaginative Story Starters are intended to stir a child's creativity and encourage them to delve into the limitless world of fantasy and creativity. Here are 20 unique prompts that can help to kickstart their imagination:

  • You discovered a hidden door in your house that leads to a magical world. Describe what you find there.
  • You woke up one morning and found out you were invisible. What adventures did you have?
  • Imagine you've invented a machine that can talk to animals. What conversations did you have?
  • You are a detective solving a mystery in your school. What clues did you find and how do you solve it?
  • While digging a hole to plant a tree in your backyard, you find a treasure map. What happens next?
  • You are chosen to represent Earth in an intergalactic council. What advice do you give them about our planet and its inhabitants?
  • One day, all electronic devices stop working. How does your life change?
  • A new student in your class is actually a friendly alien. How do you help them adapt to life on Earth?
  • A magical pet shop opens in your neighborhood. Describe the pet you chose and your adventures together.
  • You get in a time machine but it breaks. You are now stuck in the era you traveled to. Describe your life in that era.
  • You find a magic lamp with a genie who grants you 3 wishes. What are your wishes and why?
  • You stumble upon a magical book that brings whatever you write in it to life. What do you write about?
  • Describe a day in your life if you swapped places with your teacher.
  • You've invented a new candy that has unbelievable effect. Describe the candy and its effects.
  • You and your friends discover a hidden underwater city while scuba diving. Describe your experiences there.
  • A shooting star lands in your backyard and grants you a superpower of your choice. What is it and how do you use it?
  • You fall into a rabbit hole and end up in a magical kingdom. What's your role in the kingdom and how do you get back home?
  • You've created a robot friend. Tell us about your invention and the adventures you two have.
  • You find a secret recipe that can change flavors and colors with each bite. Describe your first meal using this recipe.
  • You wake up in your favorite video game. How do you adapt and what is your strategy to win?

Prompts For Personal Growth

Applying the concept of personal growth to 5th grade journal prompts encourages a child's exploration of self-discovery, self-improvement, and emotional development. Here are 20 prompts focusing on this theme:

  • Reflect on your happiest memory. What made it so special?
  • Write about a goal you want to achieve this school year.
  • Describe a challenge you recently faced. How did you handle it?
  • List three things you like about yourself and elaborate why they make you unique.
  • Write about a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
  • Think about a friend who has different interests than you. How has knowing them broadened your perspective?
  • List three of your strengths and reflect on how can you utilize them more in your daily life.
  • Write about a fear or worry you have and brainstorm ways to overcome it.
  • What is a new skill you would like to learn? Why is it important to you?
  • Reflect on a recent accomplishment. How did it make you feel?
  • Describe a situation when you were very brave.
  • List three things you could do to make your school or neighborhood a better place.
  • Write about a risk you took that paid off.
  • How would you define success for yourself?
  • Write about a time when you stood up for what you believed in.
  • Reflect on a time you made a tough decision. Would you make the same choice again?
  • How do you react when things do not go as planned?
  • Write about a moment when you were proud of yourself.
  • Describe who you look up to the most and why they inspire you.
  • Write about a change you would like to see in yourself and how you plan to achieve it.

In-depth Character Descriptions

Personalizing and exploring characters through writing promotes creativity, enhances comprehension, and develops empathy. Here are 20 thoughtful journal prompts to help delve into in-depth character descriptions:

  • Write a diary entry from your character's perspective, revealing their typical day.
  • How would your character react to winning a million dollars?
  • What is your character's favorite childhood memory?
  • In what ways does your character demonstrate bravery?
  • Write about a significant life event through your character’s eyes – how it has shaped them?
  • Describe your character's favorite place and explain why they love it.
  • What is your character's biggest fear and why?
  • How does your character handle conflict or adversity?
  • What are three words your character would use to describe themselves? Explain their choices.
  • Illustrate your character's most cherished possession and what it means to them.
  • Write a letter from your character to their future self.
  • Describe a meal that your character loves to eat and why.
  • What would be your character's dream job? Why?
  • How does your character feel about nature? What are their favorite outdoor activities?
  • Does your character have any pets? Describe their relationship.
  • Write a dialogue between your character and their best friend discussing a problem.
  • What is one habit your character wants to break and why?
  • Describe your character's favorite book or movie and why it resonates with them.
  • Write about your character's family dynamics.
  • Highlight a secret your character keeps and why they're holding onto it.

Descriptive Setting Prompts

Descriptive Setting Prompts stimulate students' imagination and allow them to paint a vivid picture of a place or environment. Here are 20 writing prompts inspiring your 5th grade students to create detailed, descriptive settings:

  • Describe your bedroom in the morning, highlighting the colors, sounds, and feeling.
  • Write a detailed description of your favorite family vacation destination.
  • Imagine a jungle ecosystem. What does it look, sound, and smell like?
  • Describe a bustling city from the viewpoint of a bird flying overhead.
  • Write about a day at a crowded beach under the scorching summer sun.
  • Imagine the North Pole, describing its physical features, weather, and the living organisms there.
  • Create a description of your classroom during an exciting activity.
  • Picture and portray an ancient castle hidden deep in the forest.
  • If you were on the surface of Mars, what would you see, feel, and possibly smell?
  • Describe a peaceful morning at your favorite park.
  • Write about an abandoned, spooky house; include details that make it eerie.
  • Imagine you are a tiny insect in your backyard, describe your surroundings.
  • Describe the setting of your favorite movie or book. How does it enhance the story?
  • Write about a bustling marketplace in an exotic country you've never visited.
  • Picture being trapped inside a snow globe. What would you see and feel?
  • Describe an underwater setting as viewed by a fish in the ocean.
  • Imagine an old lighthouse on a stormy night, detail the environment around it.
  • Write about a serene mountain peak during sunset.
  • Describe a quiet library, focusing on the views, sounds, and ambiance.
  • Picture a fairytale forest, include the magical elements and creatures living in it.

Future Planning Prompts

Future Planning Prompts invite kids to think forward and visualize their life goals, aligning their present actions with their future aspirations. Here are 20 prompts to help 5th graders contemplate and plan for their future:

  • Write down three things you want to achieve before turning 18.
  • Describe your ideal job. What makes it so appealing?
  • Picture your dream home. What does it look like?
  • If you could possess one skill or talent, what would it be and why?
  • What is one thing you'd like to change about the world?
  • Write about a trip you'd love to take in the future.
  • What are three personal strengths that will help you reach your goals?
  • List five steps you can take now to help accomplish your dream job in the future.
  • Write a letter to your future self. What advice or wisdom do you want to share?
  • What is one habit you want to develop and how will it benefit your future?
  • Imagine winning a million dollars. How would you spend it wisely?
  • Share what you envision for your family in the future.
  • Describe what kind of person you aspire to become.
  • Write down a promise to your future self.
  • Think about what makes a good friend. What are the qualities you hope to have in your future friendships?
  • What are the most important lessons you want to remember as you grow older?
  • Describe the steps you could take now to make your school or neighbourhood a better place in the future.
  • Write about a famous person who inspires you. How could you achieve success like them?
  • Imagine you're inventing a gadget for the future. What does your gadget do?
  • What is one thing you would like to learn more about to help you in your future plans?

Book Review Prompts

Book Review Prompts provide 5th graders with thought-provoking questions to analyze and understand the different aspects of a book they have read, giving them an avenue to express their insights and opinions. Here are 20 Book Review Prompts that can excite the minds of 5th graders:

  • Describe the main character(s) using three words and explain why you chose those words.
  • Write about the setting. Does it play a significant role in the story?
  • What can you tell about the author's style of writing in this book?
  • Discuss a part of the book that surprised you most.
  • What is the most important message or lesson that the author wants readers to learn from the book?
  • Write down your favorite quote from the book and explain why you like it.
  • Would you recommend this book to your friend? Why or why not?
  • What are some things you liked and disliked about the plot of the story?
  • Describe a scene from the book that you found particularly exciting or gripping.
  • How did reading this book make you feel?
  • How has the main character changed or grown by the end of the book?
  • If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
  • Think about the title of the book; after reading, do you think it suits the story? Why or why not?
  • Illustrate one scene from the book and explain why it stood out.
  • If you were given a chance to change the ending, what would you do differently?
  • Which character do you relate to the most and why?
  • Write a letter to the main character addressing what you've learned from their journey.
  • Do you agree with the actions and decisions made by the characters? Why?
  • If this book were made into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?
  • Would you like to read another book by the same author? Why or why not?

Nature Exploration Prompts

Nature exploration through journaling encourages fifth graders to become more aware of their surroundings, fostering an appreciation for the environment and inspiring curiosity about the natural world. Here are 20 Nature Exploration Prompts to encourage reflection, observation, and creativity in your journal entries:

  • Pick an animal in nature to observe. Write about its characteristics and behavior.
  • Describe how the change of seasons affects the natural world around you.
  • Imagine that you are a tree. Write about the world from your viewpoint.
  • Write about the most beautiful thing in nature you have ever seen.
  • Draw a map of your favorite outdoor space, describing the different elements in detail.
  • Write a poem about a sunrise or sunset you recently watched.
  • Note down all the different sounds you hear while sitting quietly in nature.
  • Document the life cycle of a plant from seed to bloom.
  • Write about how you would feel if you were a river or a mountain.
  • Describe a time when you experienced a dramatic weather change, and how it impacted your day.
  • Invent a story about a day in the life of a wild animal.
  • Write about the tallest tree in your neighborhood – its age, type, and any changes you've noticed.
  • Tell a tale from the perspective of an ant on a nature hike.
  • Imagine a world where animals could talk. What would they say about their lives?
  • Look at the stars in the night sky. Record your thoughts about the universe.
  • Document a day in your backyard, noting the movements of birds, insects, and small animals.
  • Research about the types of rocks and minerals found in your area. Write what you learned.
  • Describe a flower's journey from being a bud to full bloom.
  • Reflect on a natural disaster from the perspective of the earth.
  • Write an adventure tale about exploring an unknown woodland area.

Prompts Around Climate Change

Examining climate change through journal prompts helps gain a deeper understanding of the environmental crisis and encourages young thinkers to ideate practical solutions. Below are 20 prompts around climate change:

  • Draw your understanding of what 'climate change' means.
  • Write down three ways climate change impacts your local community.
  • Detail what you think would happen if everyone planted one tree each day.
  • Explain what role humans play in climate change.
  • Debate whether climate change is a man-made or natural phenomenon.
  • Imagine what life would look like if we failed to curb climate change.
  • Think about a climate change headline you'd like to see in the future. Write it down and explain why.
  • List five actions you can take at home or school to combat climate change.
  • Project a conversation between the earth and a polluting factory, what would they discuss?
  • Reflect on the role that renewable energy plays in combating climate change.
  • Describe a new invention that could greatly reduce greenhouse gases.
  • Write a persuasive letter to the school principal suggesting ways the school could be more environmentally friendly.
  • Imagine if animals could talk, what might they say about climate change?
  • Explain what 'sustainable living' means to you and how it relates to climate change.
  • Write about one species that is affected by climate change and discuss how its struggles impact the ecosystem.
  • What questions would you ask a climate scientist if you had the opportunity?
  • Draw a comic strip depicting the world before and after serious climate change.
  • How would you explain the importance of recycling to a younger sibling or friend?
  • Reflect on how global warming is affecting the Arctic. Why is it important to preserve it?
  • If you were a world leader, write down three laws you would implement immediately to curb climate change.

Exploring Space Through Writing

Using writing to explore the vast realms of space gives 5th grade students a creative outlet to discover the unknown and out-of-this-world concepts. Here are 20 thought-provoking prompts on the theme of space exploration:

  • Describe what you imagine it would be like to step foot on Mars for the first time.
  • If you could ask an astronaut one question, what would it be and why?
  • Detail a day in your life living on a space station.
  • Write a story about an alien you befriend from a newly found planet.
  • List five things you’d take with you on a journey to the moon and explain why.
  • What do you think about the possibility of life on other planets? Explain your views.
  • Imagine you've discovered a new galaxy. Describe what it looks like.
  • Write about a mission to retrieve a lost satellite.
  • What would a space picnic look like? Describe the scenario.
  • If you could rename one of the planets in our solar system, what would you call it and why?
  • Write an entry in the Mars Rover's personal diary.
  • Imagine a new alien creature. Describe its appearance and habitat.
  • What does the phrase "We're not alone in the universe" mean to you?
  • What could be the advantages and challenges of living on another planet?
  • Write a letter to your future self who's part of a Martian colony.
  • If stars could talk, what do you think they would say?
  • Write a news report about the first school being opened on the moon.
  • Design your own planet with its own set of rules and describe it.
  • What kind of art or music might an alien culture create?
  • Given a chance to time travel, would you choose to visit the past or the future of space exploration?

Animal World In Prompts

Immersing ourselves into the various facets of Animal World through journaling is fascinating way to not only kick-start creativity but also to instigate empathy towards animals. Below are 20 prompts to immerse ourselves in the intriguing and fascinating world of animals through our journal entries:

  • Write a day in the life of a giraffe, how does it feel to be so tall?
  • Imagine if you could understand a bird’s song, what is the bird singing about?
  • Describe an exciting underwater adventure you had as a dolphin.
  • Write about a journey to the Arctic from the perspective of a migrating polar bear.
  • What would a day look like if you were a pet dog?
  • Imagine a conversation between two ants, what are they discussing?
  • Suppose you are a lion, describe your day.
  • Write about a squirrel’s busy day of collecting nuts.
  • If you were a butterfly, what beautiful sights would you describe on your journey?
  • Picture yourself as a bee, describe your critical role in pollination.
  • Imagine being a turtle and depict your long, slow-paced healthy life.
  • What kind of home would you create if you were a beaver?
  • Suppose you could speak to your pet, what would you say?
  • Write a day in the life of a wild horse.
  • Imagine you are a bird, describe the view from up above.
  • If you were a ladybug, write about your day in a peaceful garden.
  • As a kangaroo, how would you describe your unique way of movement?
  • Write about an animal you admire, and list the reasons why.
  • If you could be any animal for a day, which would you choose and why?
  • Suppose you're an elephant. Write about your experience with excellent memory.

Navigating Family Dynamics

Understanding family dynamics and expressing them through writing can provide 5th graders with new insights and skills to navigate their daily relationships within the family. Here are 20 related journal prompts to stimulate their thoughts:

  • Describe a tradition that your family cherishes and why it is important to you.
  • Write about a time when you had a disagreement with a family member and how you resolved it.
  • Think about a specific way in which you are similar to one of your parents or siblings. Does this similarity bring you closer or cause conflicts?
  • Write about one way you could help to make things run smoother in your household.
  • List three things you appreciate about each of your family members.
  • Describe a time when you worked together with your family to achieve something.
  • Write a letter to a family member telling them why they are special to you.
  • Reflect on a change in your family (like a move or a new sibling) and how you dealt with that.
  • Think of a time when you felt proud of a family member. What made you feel this way?
  • Write about how your family celebrates a particular holiday or event and why you enjoy it.
  • Explain a situation where you wish your family could have better understood your point of view.
  • Describe what 'family' means to you.
  • Imagine your family as a team. What role do you play?
  • Think of a family rule you wish you could change. Explain how your alternative rule would work.
  • Write about a day you spent with your family that you will always remember.
  • Describe a time when one family member needed support and how the rest of the family helped.
  • List ways you show love and acceptance to your family members.
  • Write about how your family deals with disagreements and how it can be improved.
  • Describe what you love most about your family.
  • Reflect on how being part of your family has shaped you as a person.

Understanding Emotions Prompts

Understanding Emotions Prompts offer the opportunity for 5th graders to explore their feelings and gain deeper insight into their emotional experiences. Here are 20 prompts that encourage emotional exploration and understanding:

  • Describe a time when you felt very happy. What caused this feeling?
  • Write about a moment when you felt really angry. How can you express your anger more calmly next time?
  • Reflect on a time when you were very scared. How did you cope with your fear?
  • Consider an event that made you feel upset. How can you soothe yourself when these emotions arise?
  • Think about a situation where you experienced intense excitement. How might you harness this enthusiasm to learn or do something new?
  • Detail an episode when you felt disappointed. How can you deal with disappointment more effectively next time?
  • Describe a time when you felt proud. What steps did you take to accomplish the task that led to this feeling?
  • Reflect on a time when you felt guilt. How can you make amends and let go of guilt?
  • Write about a moment when you felt very peaceful. Can you recreate that peace when you feel stressed or anxious?
  • Consider a time when you felt hopeless. How can you cultivate hope in such times?
  • Detail an episode when you were surprised. How did you react and how did this feeling influence your actions?
  • Describe how it feels to be in love. What actions and attitudes do you associate with this feeling?
  • Reflect on a time when you felt admiration. Who or what inspired this feeling and why?
  • Write about a moment when you felt very curious. How did you satisfy your curiosity and what did you learn?
  • Consider a situation where you experienced envy. Instead of feeling upset by someone else’s success, how can you use this as motivation?
  • Describe a moment when you felt gratitude. How can you express this feeling more often?
  • Write about a time when you felt patience was challenged. What strategies could you use to be more patient?
  • Detail an event when you felt embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes, so how can you be kinder to yourself in these situations?
  • Reflect on an instance where you felt confused. How can you seek clarity in the future?
  • Consider a time when you felt determined. What drove your focus, and how did it feel to follow through?

Writing About Historical Events

Writing about historical events as part of 5th-grade journal prompts facilitates a deeper understanding of our past and empowers students to make connections between these events and present situations. Here are 20 writing prompts focused on historical events:

  • Imagine you were a passenger on the Titanic. How would you describe the event and your feelings?
  • Write a diary entry for a soldier during the Civil War expressing his experiences of a battle.
  • Detail a conversation between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla about electricity.
  • If you could have dinner with George Washington, what questions would you ask him?
  • How would you feel if you lived during a significant historical event of your choice? Try to express your emotions.
  • Pretend you are an astronaut on the first Apollo mission. How would you describe the journey and your first steps on the moon?
  • Write a letter from the perspective of an immigrant arriving at Ellis Island in the early 1900s.
  • Detail an interview with Rosa Parks about her act of civil disobedience.
  • Write a story about a child living during the Great Depression.
  • Imagine you lived during the American Revolutionary War. What are your thoughts on the conflict?
  • Pretend to write a journal entry from the perspective of a Native American during the Trail of Tears.
  • Describe an event from the perspective of a miner in the 1849 California Gold Rush.
  • Write a report from the viewpoint of a journalist witnessing Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech.
  • Imagine having a conversation with Albert Einstein about his theory of relativity.
  • How would you describe the construction of the pyramids if you were an onlooker in ancient Egypt?
  • Write about a day in the life of a child during the Industrial Revolution.
  • If you were Abraham Lincoln making the Gettysburg Address, what emotions would you be experiencing?
  • Write a letter to your future self about the lessons you have learned from studying World War II.
  • How would you describe the discovery of America if you were Christopher Columbus?
  • Imagine you are a knight in the Middle Ages. Write about your preparation for a jousting tournament.

Prompts For Peer Relationships

Understanding and navigating peer relationships is a significant part of 5th grade, and journal prompts can inspire reflection, empathy, and resolution in these areas. Here are 20 prompts centered around Prompts for Peer Relationships:

  • Describe a time when you helped a friend in need. How did you feel?
  • Write about a situation where you had a disagreement with a peer. How was it resolved?
  • Talk about an instance when you learned something new from a friend.
  • List three qualities you appreciate in your best friend.
  • Write a letter to a peer you had a misunderstanding with, expressing your thoughts and feelings.
  • Recall a time a friend made you feel special or important.
  • Describe a situation where you felt left out in a group. How did you handle it?
  • List five ways to be a good friend.
  • Write about a time when a friend stood up for you.
  • Talk about an instance where you had to be supportive of a friend going through a tough time.
  • Describe the qualities that make someone a good friend versus a bad friend.
  • Imagine a situation where you had to mediate a conflict between two friends. What would you do?
  • Recall a time when you met a new friend. How did it happen?
  • Write about a moment when you had to apologize to a friend.
  • Discuss a common activity you share with your group of friends.
  • Describe a friend’s achievement that made you proud.
  • Write a letter to yourself about the importance of being a good friend.
  • Discuss a time you felt hurt by a friend’s action. How did you overcome it?
  • Write about your dream adventure with your best friend.
  • Reflect on a memorable moment you shared with your peers.

Creative Poetry Prompts

Exploring the realm of Creative Poetry Prompts linked to 5th grade journal prompts helps stimulate a young writer's imagination and enhance their literacy skills. Here are 20 activity suggestions to tap into their poetic potential:

  • Write a poem using the five senses about your favorite season.
  • Compose a poem about an imaginary land.
  • Share a poem about your favorite animal using vivid descriptions to bring it to life.
  • Jot down a poem whose every line starts with the letters from your name.
  • Conjure up a funny limerick about school.
  • Write an acrostic poem using the theme of 'Friendship'.
  • Imagine you have the power to fly. Write a poem about your first flight.
  • Create a shape poem where the lines of the poem create a picture.
  • Pen a rhyming couplet about something that makes you smile.
  • Write a poem from the viewpoint of your pet or your favorite toy.
  • Describe an experience with a sibling or friend using a Haiku.
  • Craft a poem that tells a short story about a superhero you admire.
  • Conjure a poem as a riddle where readers can guess the subject.
  • Draft a poem about a day in the life of an object in your room.
  • Write a poem about your favorite food, engaging all senses, to make it mouth-watering.
  • Imagine a conversation between the sun and the moon. Craft it into a poem.
  • Create an ode to a loved one highlighting their qualities and importance in your life.
  • Write a poem about a dream you recently had.
  • Compose a poem with similes comparing nature with emotions.
  • Express your feelings about getting older in a free verse poem.

Inventive Invention Prompts

"Inventive Invention Prompts" spark creativity and challenge the young minds of 5th graders to brainstorm and explore innovative ideas for new inventions. Here are 20 prompts to let your imagination take flight:

  • Design an invention to help you with your homework.
  • Imagine you could create a new flavor of ice cream. What would it be and why?
  • Develop a gadget to automatically brush teeth. What are its features?
  • If you could invent a robot, what tasks should it perform?
  • Draft an idea for a toy that could help teach a subject you find difficult in school.
  • Sketch a plan for an environmentally friendly vehicle.
  • Invent a device that could help solve a current global issue. Which issue have you chosen and why?
  • Discuss a new method of communication for people who speak different languages.
  • Draw up a new tool to help farmers in their agriculture work.
  • Imagine a device that can control weather. How would it function?
  • Innovate a gaming console for visually impaired individuals.
  • Come up with a space gadget that helps astronauts in long-duration missions.
  • Envision a device that could teleport objects. How does it work?
  • Create a unique piece of fashion accessory that has an additional utility.
  • Design a fitness gadget specifically for children to keep them active.
  • Invent a new sport with detailed rules and equipment required.
  • Imagine a musical instrument that blends sounds of two existing instruments.
  • Create a process to recycle a common household waste item.
  • Draft a design for a future transport system.
  • Design an invention that would make life easier for your pet, or animals in general.

Science Investigation Prompts

Science Investigation Prompts encourage 5th graders to inquire about natural phenomena, devise testable hypotheses, and articulate their understanding of scientific concepts. Here are 20 writing prompts centered on Science Investigation:

  • Outline the steps you would take to investigate why leaves change colors in the fall.
  • Draft a hypothesis about the phases of the moon and describe how you might test it.
  • Write about your favorite animal and three adaptations it has for its environment.
  • Describe an experiment you could conduct to figure out how plants use sunlight.
  • Explain how water moves through the water cycle and the changes it undergoes.
  • Sketch a diagram of the solar system and annotate the unique features of each planet.
  • Formulate a question about the changing seasons and describe how you might explore it.
  • Imagine you've just discovered a new species. Describe its characteristics and hypothesize about its habitat.
  • Draft a detailed plan of how you might investigate why some objects float while others sink.
  • Write about how fossils are formed and why they are valuable to scientists.
  • Hypothesize why some animals migrate and others do not, considering different climates and resources.
  • List and describe three experiments you can do at home to understand the concept of gravity.
  • Explain an experiment that demonstrates the concept of photosynthesis.
  • Write about an observation you've made about weather patterns and how you might investigate it.
  • Write a short report on a natural disaster of your choice, explaining its causes and effects.
  • Describe an experiment you could run to investigate the functions of different parts of a plant.
  • Compare and contrast two planets in our solar system based on your current understanding.
  • Propose a possible explanation for why certain types of rocks feel heavier than others.
  • Create a flowchart that demonstrates the life cycle of a butterfly.
  • Describe an experiment you could conduct to demonstrate how the earth rotates and revolves.

Writing About Favorite Hobbies

Writing about favorite hobbies allows fifth-graders to express and delve into their passions, keeping their enthusiasm as they put pen to paper. Below are 20 writing prompts geared towards exploring favorite hobbies:

  • Describe your favorite hobby in details. What makes it so enjoyable to you?
  • If you had to teach someone your hobby, how would you begin?
  • Discuss how you first discovered your interest in this hobby.
  • Write a story about a memorable moment you experienced while pursuing your hobby.
  • Do you remember the first time you tried your hobby? Detail that experience.
  • Who or what motivates you to continue with this hobby?
  • If you could spend a whole day doing your hobby, what would that day look like?
  • What is something challenging about your hobby? How do you overcome it?
  • Write a letter to yourself about your hobby's importance in your life.
  • Is there someone who shares your hobby? Discuss an experience together.
  • Imagine a dream scenario involving your hobby. What would it be like?
  • What is the most rewarding aspect of your hobby?
  • Do you have any goals related to your hobby? What are they?
  • What skills have you developed from your hobby? How have these helped you elsewhere?
  • If your hobby was suddenly unavailable, how would you feel?
  • Has your hobby led you to learn something surprising? What was it?
  • Share a funny anecdote related to your hobby.
  • How has your hobby changed your life for the better?
  • If you could improve something about your hobby, what would it be and why?
  • Imagine yourself a decade from now. Do you still pursue the same hobby? If so, in what ways has your passion evolved?

Prompts For Volunteer Experiences

Writing prompts about volunteer experiences encourage reflection on setting goals, helping others, and community involvement. Here are 20 prompts to ignite your thoughts:

  • Describe your first volunteer experience. What were your initial thoughts and feelings?
  • Write about a time when you helped someone in need during a volunteering experience.
  • What made you decide to volunteer in the first place?
  • Think about a challenging situation you faced while volunteering. How did you handle it?
  • List five skills you have gained from your volunteering experiences.
  • What is one accomplishment during your volunteering that you're proud of, and why?
  • Describe a time when volunteering helped you understand something about yourself.
  • Write about a person you met through volunteering who made a strong impression on you.
  • How has volunteering changed your perspective about the community you're serving?
  • What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the cause you volunteer for?
  • Describe a time when you had to go outside of your comfort zone during volunteering.
  • Write about a time when volunteering made you feel deeply thankful.
  • How has volunteering impacted your day-to-day attitude or behaviors?
  • Visualize where your volunteering experience might lead you in the next five years.
  • Write an open letter to a hypothetical volunteer, explaining why they should join your cause.
  • Discuss a time when you felt challenged during your volunteering experience.
  • Write about a memorable celebration or event related to your volunteering work.
  • How do you balance school, extracurricular activities, and volunteering?
  • What steps do you take to motivate yourself when you feel less enthusiastic about volunteering?
  • Describe an instance where volunteering helped you develop a new perspective on a common issue.

Healthy Eating And Lifestyle Prompts

Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Prompts encourage one to reflect on their dietary habits and overall lifestyle, and stimulate a deeper understanding of the impact of these choices on health and wellbeing. Here are 20 writing prompts to explore the concept:

  • Write about your favourite nutritious meal and describe why it's good for your health.
  • Suggest three ways to make your lunchbox healthier.
  • Describe the types of food you should eat more of and why.
  • Write a short argument for a balanced diet vs fast food.
  • Reflect on how exercise makes you feel after you’ve finished.
  • Journal about a new sport or physical activity you’d like to try and why.
  • Describe three ways you could include more physical activity in your day.
  • List five benefits of drinking water regularly.
  • Write a guide to maintaining good hygiene habits.
  • Describe what 'portion size' means and why it matters.
  • Imagine a day in your life with zero sugar. What would you eat?
  • Journal about three foods you previously disliked, but like now, and why.
  • Reflect on a time you felt really good after eating healthy food.
  • Record a diary of your meals and physical activities for a day.
  • Write a persuasive argument for making PE classes longer at school.
  • List three goals you have for improving your diet, and detail ways to achieve them.
  • What does 'eating a rainbow' mean and why is it important?
  • Reflect on the importance of sleep on your health and wellbeing.
  • Write about how your moods can affect your food choices.
  • List five different ways to stay active, even when it's raining or cold.

Prompts About Culture And Heritage

Exploring Culture and Heritage through journal prompts helps to broaden understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and heritage, fostering a sense of respect and personal connection to ancestral roots. Below we've compiled a list of 20 prompts to spark cultural exploration and heritage connection in 5th grade journaling:

  • Write about a tradition your family follows. How does it make you feel part of your culture?
  • Describe a popular food from your culture and why you enjoy it.
  • If you were to teach someone about your culture, what are three key things you would highlight?
  • Write a page about a famous person from your culture. What's so special about them?
  • Describe a festival or celebration unique to your culture. What makes it so significant?
  • Reflect on a time when you felt proud of your heritage. Why did that moment stand out for you?
  • Invent a fairy tale set in the cultural backdrop of your heritage.
  • List three aspects of your culture that you would want future generations to keep.
  • Write about an artifact or symbol that represents your culture. What's the story behind it?
  • Imagine a day in the life of a child from your heritage a hundred years ago.
  • Describe a cultural artifact in your house. What's its purpose and symbolic meaning?
  • Reflect on a cultural value that is very important in your family. Why is it significant?
  • Write about a cultural practice you find intriguing and would like to know more about.
  • Imagine you're interviewing an elder from your family about their life experiences. What five questions would you ask?
  • Explore a proverb or saying from your culture and its underlying wisdom.
  • Write about a traditional song or dance from your culture. What feelings does it evoke?
  • Describe an iconic location or landmark that holds historical significance in your culture.
  • Detail a cultural myth or legend and discuss what moral it teaches.
  • Write a letter to a friend introducing and describing your culture.
  • Reflect on a precious memory associated with your cultural background. Why does it hold special meaning for you?

Prompts About Favorite People

Exploring the topic of favorite people through journaling allows 5th graders to express their feelings and experiences, fostering emotional intelligence and strengthening relationships. Here are 20 prompts to guide this exploration.

  • Who's your favorite person in your family? Write about why they are your favorite.
  • Write about a memorable moment with your best friend.
  • Who is your favorite teacher and what makes them stand out?
  • Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give?
  • Describe a moment when you were proud of a sibling or friend.
  • If you could spend a day with a famous person, who would it be and why?
  • Write about a time when a friend helped you in a difficult situation.
  • What makes your best friend, your 'best' friend?
  • If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be and why?
  • How have your parents or guardians inspired you?
  • Write a thank you note to someone who has made a positive impact on your life.
  • What qualities do you admire in your favorite person?
  • Describe a time when you were grateful for someone's presence in your life.
  • What have you learned from your favorite person?
  • If you could ask your favorite person one question, what would it be?
  • What's your favorite memory with your favorite person?
  • How does your favorite person make you feel when you're around them?
  • Write about a time your favorite person made you laugh.
  • If you could give your favorite person a gift, what would it be and why?
  • How has your favorite person influenced your hobbies or interests?

Creating Own Superhero Prompts

Exploring the process of crafting individual superheroes in journaling not only fuels the imagination but also fosters creativity, empathy, and problem-solving abilities in fifth graders. Here are 20 writing prompts centered on creating personal superheroes:

  • Describe your superhero's appearance. What makes them unique?
  • Write about your superhero's origin story. How did they become a superhero?
  • What is your superhero's special power? Explain how they discovered it.
  • Your superhero has a day job. What is it and why did they choose it?
  • Discuss your superhero's greatest weakness. What situations challenge them the most?
  • How does your superhero maintain a balance between their day job and their superhero tasks?
  • Describe a typical day in your superhero's life.
  • Write a suspenseful encounter between your superhero and their arch-nemesis.
  • Your superhero has a secret hideout. Describe it in detail.
  • Explain the moment your superhero realized they need to use their powers for the good of others.
  • Your superhero has a companion or a sidekick. Who are they and what bond do they share?
  • How does your superhero handle the public’s admiration or criticism?
  • Write about a time when your superhero failed to save the day and how they bounced back from that.
  • Describe the most daring rescue mission your superhero has ever attempted.
  • Discuss why your superhero chooses to keep their true identity a secret from the world.
  • What personal values does your superhero live by? How do those values impact their superhero decisions?
  • Write a short newspaper report lauding your superhero's recent rescue mission.
  • Describe the essential items in your superhero's tool-kit.
  • Your superhero is faced with an ethical dilemma. Detail the situation and the outcome.
  • Conclude with a heartfelt letter your superhero writes to a child who sees them as an idol.

Prompts About Environment Conservation

Writing prompts about Environmental Conservation can offer 5th graders a chance to explore their thoughts, ideas and suggestions about preserving our planet. Here are 20 prompts on this topic:

  • Describe your perfect environment. How does it look, smell, and sound?
  • If you were a tree, write about your day.
  • What could be the impact if everyone in your school started recycling?
  • What steps can your family take to reduce water usage at home?
  • Imagine if animals could talk. Write a conversation you would have with an endangered animal.
  • Write a persuasive letter to your city mayor explaining why more parks are needed in your town or city.
  • Describe a visit to a landfill or recycling center. What did you see, smell, and hear?
  • Consider your lunch today. How much of the packaging can be recycled?
  • Write a short story about a group of children who stop an industrial company from polluting a local river.
  • What changes could you make in your daily routine to reduce your carbon footprint?
  • Imagine the ocean had social media. What would it tweet about pollution?
  • Think about your favorite outdoor activity. How would pollution affect it?
  • Write a news report about a successful environmental conservation effort in your community.
  • Express your feelings towards deforestation through a poem.
  • What would happen to wildlife if all the forests were cut down? Write from an animal's point of view.
  • Reflect on a time when you felt connected to nature. How can you foster more of those moments?
  • If you invent something to help the environment, what would it be? Describe its features and how it works.
  • Imagine how different your city would be if there were no cars. How would people travel?
  • Why do we need to protect endangered species? Write an argument to persuade your classmates.
  • Think about five items you throw away at school. How could they be reused or recycled?

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how to write a journal entry 5th grade

45 5th Grade Journal Prompts

  • June 26, 2023

Journaling Prompts

Journaling is a great way for 5th graders to express their thoughts and feelings, explore creative ideas, reflect on lessons learned, and set goals for the future. Here are 45 journal prompts designed specifically for 5th graders to get them started on their journaling journey. These 5th-grade journal prompts are sure to help get your student’s creative juices flowing.

What is Journaling for 5th Graders?

Journaling is a way for 5th graders to write down their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. By writing in a journal on a regular basis, students can explore their emotions, reflect on what they have learned, plan ahead for the future, and practice creative problem-solving skills. Writing can also be an effective tool to help manage stress and anxiety.

1. What’s the best thing about being fifth graders?

2. What have you accomplished that you’re most proud of?

3. Write a letter to yourself 5 years from now.

4. Who is someone that has had a positive influence on your life, and why?

5. Describe what it feels like when you learn something new

6. Write about a time you felt proud of yourself and why.

7. Describe your favorite place to be.

8. If you could invent something, what would it be?

how to write a journal entry 5th grade

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

10. If you could time travel, where would you go and why?

11. What is something good that has come out of the pandemic?

12. Create a list of things that make you feel calm and relaxed.

13. Write about a lesson you have learned from a difficult experience.

14. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

15. Create a list of things that you are grateful for.

16. What do you think the world needs more of?

17. Write about a time when you overcame a challenge.

18. If you could ask one famous person any question, who would it be and what would you ask?

19. Create a list of goals that you want to achieve in the next year.

20. Describe a place where you feel safe and secure.

21. What is your dream job?

22. Write about a time when someone showed kindness to you, or when you showed kindness to someone else.

23. Create a plan for how you will reach one of your goals.

24. What makes you unique?

25. Do you believe fourth and fifth graders can use unlimited social media ?

26. Create a bucket list of activities that you want to do in the next year.

27. Describe a favorite memory from the elementary school year.

28. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

29. What is something that you are good at and why?

30. Write a letter to yourself about your future self.

31. Create a list of ways to practice self-care.

32. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?

33. What do you think is the most important thing that everyone should know?

34. Create a list of positive qualities that you have.

35. If you could learn any new skill, what would it be and why?

36. Write a funny story about something that has happened recently.

37. How can you help your family and community?

38. Describe a time when you worked hard to achieve something.

39. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

40. Create a story about getting lost in a big city.

41. Write about something that you are looking forward to in middle school.

42. What do you think makes a best friend?

43. Create a list of characteristics that you admire in others.

44. What do you think makes someone successful?

45. Imagine the world 100 years from now, describe what it would be like.

How to Setup 5th Grade Journals

Choose a notebook.

For journaling , it’s important to choose the right kind of notebook that is comfortable for your child to write in. Consider factors such as size, texture, and color when selecting a journal.

Pick out writing supplies

Make sure to have plenty of pencils, pens, erasers, and colored pencils on hand so that your child can express their ideas in a creative way.

Help your child set small goals with their journaling , such as writing for 15 minutes every day or completing one page of the journal each week.

Decide on a specific time and place to write

It’s important for your child to have a consistent time and place for them to write in their journal .

Establish a routine

Encourage your child to make journaling part of their regular routine. This could be writing every morning before school or in the evening after dinner.

Create an environment that is comfortable and inviting

Make sure that the area where your child is journaling is comfortable and inviting. This could include items such as cozy blankets, pillows, lamps, and plants.

Introduce prompts

Fifth-grade writing prompts are a great way to get your child started with their journaling. Here are 45 5th-grade writing prompts to inspire your child’s writing.

Offer support and encouragement

Show your child that you are interested in what they have written and let them know that their thoughts, feelings, and ideas are important.

Celebrate successes

Make sure to recognize and celebrate the success of your child’s journaling journey! This could mean praising them for completing a certain number of pages or giving them a small reward when they reach a goal.

How to Organize Journals for 5th-Grade Students

Label the notebook.

Provide your child with a label for their journal so that they can easily identify it. You could also use stickers, markers, or other decorations to make it unique and personal.

Create an index

Help your child create an index page at the beginning of their journal so that they can quickly refer back to previous entries .

Use bookmarks

Bookmarks are a great way to help your child easily navigate within their journal and find the page they’re looking for.

Divide the notebook into sections

Separate each topic or theme into its own section of the journal, such as “Creative Writing”, “Writing Assignments” or “School Projects.”

Include a table of contents

Encourage your child to write a brief overview of each entry in the journal and include this as a table of contents for easy reference.

Utilize dividers

Using dividers or tabs can help your child organize their entries into sections, making it easier to find what they’re looking for.

Utilize digital resources

If your child is more tech-savvy, you can also provide them with a digital journaling app to help them stay organized and efficient. This could include a note-taking app or online document-organizing tools.

Tips for Using 5th-Grade Journaling Prompts Successfully

Set a schedule.

Decide with your child how often they should journal and when the best time would be for them to do so.

Provide space and time

Make sure that you provide them with a designated area and enough time to complete their entries without being rushed or feeling overwhelmed.

Provide structure

It is important to provide your child with structure when it comes to their journaling. You can have them write for a set amount of time each day and/or assign specific topics or creative writing prompts for them to write about.

Let them choose topics

While you should provide some guidance, make sure to let your child explore and choose the topics that they want to write about. They will be more likely to stay engaged and write if it’s something that interests them.

Encourage creativity

Remind your child that they can express their creativity through their writing. You can encourage them to use different writing styles, such as poetry or creative storytelling, as well as draw pictures or add stickers to their pages.

Give feedback

Provide your child with feedback on their journaling and help them become a better writer. Offer suggestions or ideas for improvement but make sure to also focus on the positive aspects of their writing as well.

Bottom Line

Journaling is a great way for 5th graders to explore their thoughts, reflect on lessons learned, and plan ahead. With the right structure and prompts, young students can use journaling as an effective tool to work through difficult emotions, practice problem-solving skills, and foster creativity.

By providing a safe space for students to write about whatever they choose, you can help them become better communicators and lifelong learners.

With these 45 5th-grade journal prompts , you’ll have everything you need to get your students started. Good luck!

Ben

I'm Ben, a data engineer who adores journaling. My passion for recording life experiences inspired me to develop Otto's Journal, an online diary app. Join me as I blend data and storytelling in the ever-changing tech world, making journaling more accessible and exciting.

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Demonstrating Comprehension Through Journal Writing

Demonstrating Comprehension Through Journal Writing

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  • Instructional Plan
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This lesson invites students to demonstrate comprehension by responding to open-ended questions based on the 1939 Newbery Honor chapter book Mr. Popper's Penguins . Students draw from the text and their personal experiences to create written journals. Journal writing allows students to be less formal as they incorporate their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions into responses. Involvement with and relation to a story's characters, setting, and plot also enhance comprehension and promote a deeper understanding of the story. This lesson does not need to be completed on consecutive days but may be incorporated as part of a standard read-aloud session used in the classroom.

Featured Resources

Journal Questions : This helpful handout will guide your students to respond to questions related to each chapter of Mr. Popper's Penguins in a personal journal.

From Theory to Practice

  • Making personal connections helps with comprehension. Teachers can encourage students to make associations between their lives and the characters, setting, feelings, and ideas presented in what they read.
  • Talking, writing, and drawing provide students with the chance to reflect upon and understand what they read.
  • Trade books can provide a medium for teaching reading comprehension strategies.
  • Teachers can combine comprehension strategy instruction with reading and response activities.
  • The following comprehension strategies may be used by students: self-questioning, retelling, writing, summarizing, predicting and verifying, using a story map, assuming a character role, and responding aesthetically.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

  • 3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
  • 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater (Little, Brown and Co., 1938)

  • Journal Sheet or student notebooks
  • Journal Questions
  • Journal Response and Comprehension Rubric

Preparation

Student objectives.

Students will

  • Listen to a story and respond in writing
  • Learn and use several comprehension strategies including self-questioning, retelling, predicting, summarizing, and assuming the role of a character to respond to questions in journal format
  • Share journal responses orally to stimulate discussion, express opinions, and deepen their understanding of the story
  • Apply their understanding of the story by forming opinions, imagining themselves in a particular situation, or sharing personal experiences
  • Self-assess their writing based on established criteria from a rubric

Instruction and Activities

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a story about a house painter who has always dreamed of visiting the North and South Poles. He was particularly interested in the penguins and received one as a surprise from an Antarctic explorer. The story chronicles Mr. Popper's adventures as a proud penguin owner. The topic of penguins is always a popular one with elementary students. This particular story provides descriptive text, interesting characters, and a main character who finds himself in unique and funny situations. Refer to the booklist for other books that also lend themselves well to journal writing. Reading comprehension can be assessed in a variety of ways. Students can answer multiple-choice questions, respond to open-ended questions through essay writing, or use diagrams like story maps or charts to demonstrate comprehension. Journal writing can also provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of a story. In addition, journal writing allows students to be less formal as they incorporate their own thoughts, feelings, and opinions into responses. Journal writing for younger students may include pictures and diagrams as well.

Introductory Session

Additional sessions.

  • The newspaper reporters in Mr. Popper's Penguins wrote an article about Captain Cook. Have students write short and interesting articles about themselves. Ask each student to share his or her article with a classmate.
  • Mr. Popper's penguins were selected to advertise Owens Oceanic Shrimp Company because they ate large amounts of shrimp. What products do students frequently use that they could advertise? Have them draw pictures of their advertisements.
  • Have students visit the For Kids section of the New England Aquarium website to see baby penguin pictures . Ask each student to write a journal entry in response to the following prompt: Do the baby penguins look as you expected? Why or why not?
  • Have students learn more about penguins by visiting the Sea World/Busch Gardens website . You can also access and share the comprehensive Penguins Teacher's Guide for Grades 4-8 to learn about the 17 species of penguins. Using this website, can students determine what type of penguin Captain Cook, Greta, and their children might be? (They seem to resemble closely the Adelie penguin of Antarctica because of their white ring eyes and the common black-and-white tuxedo.) This site also offers a Teacher's Guide for Grades K-3 .

Student Assessment / Reflections

  • Collect and review students' journals. Assess written responses for accuracy in answering the comprehension component of each journal question. Do student responses reflect an understanding of the material read aloud in the chapter?
  • Assess students' abilities to make connections between the text and their own experiences as they respond to the personal component of each journal question.
  • Use the sample Journal Response and Comprehension Rubric or the class-generated rubric as a checklist to assess journals and to provide feedback to students. Use the rubric as a basis for discussion and feedback with each student as well.

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  • Kindergarten K

52 Journal Prompts for Kids to Reflect and Practice Writing Skills

  • July 26, 2022

Keeping a journal can have many benefits for your child, whether they keep it by themselves or with your help. In addition to practicing writing, journaling can give children a way to capture their thoughts and memories. Plus, journaling can boost your child’s mood and mental well-being because it teaches mindfulness.[1]

These 52 journal prompts—one for each week of the year—are perfect for elementary school students. If your child hasn’t quite learned to write yet, you can always help by writing down their answers or they can draw them.

how to write a journal entry 5th grade

Sources: 1. Bailey, K. “5 Powerful Health Benefits of Journaling.” Intermountain Healthcare. July 5, 2018. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2018/07/5-powerful-health-benefits-of-journaling/

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When I discovered interactive notebooks a few years ago, I knew I’d found a goldmine!

I finally had a place for students to keep notes, add fun foldable activities, and more.

I always say that time spent working on interactive notebooks is never wasted because these amazing little books serve as a year-long reference point.

Throughout the school year, my students’ notebooks become living, interactive textbooks.

Interactive Notebooks - Why I love them

Why I LOVE Interactive Notebooks

Interactive notebooks can be used for any subject, but I especially love using them during my social studies and writing classes.

Interactive notebooks allow my students to keep all of the “important stuff” together. No more loose papers crammed into a folder. Woohoo!

These notebooks provide the perfect place for my students to record their learning, take notes, glue foldable pieces, analyze vocabulary, and more.

Because (most of) my upper elementary students struggle with organization, we use their interactive notebooks as their ONE place to keep everything needed to be successful during class.

Working daily (or almost daily) in students’ notebooks helps to create a living document that encourages ownership and provides a year-long reference point. 

What is an interactive notebook?

What is an interactive notebook? 

Now that you know why I love using interactive notebooks, let’s talk about what you should look for before deciding on the notebooks you will use with students.

I highly recommend using composition notebooks with upper elementary students.

Composition notebooks are an excellent choice for students’ interactive notebooks because the pages are sewn in and a person really has to work to pull them out.

If you choose spiral notebooks for your students, they’ll give you a little more space per page but you’ll be battling lost pages all year.

We’ve used college ruled and wide ruled composition notebooks and both work just fine.

You can find composition notebooks at your local store or check out the ones linked here: Composition Notebooks

Setting up interactive notebooks

How to Set Up Interactive Notebooks

Table of contents & page numbers.

The very first thing we do when setting up our interactive notebooks is to create a table of contents.

I recommend using the first four pages of the notebook as the table of contents.

The table of contents is simple to set up. We make a chart with page numbers and what’s on each page. Check out the picture below to see an example.

We add a lot of assignments during the year, so we will need all of the first four pages.

If you don’t set up the table of contents first, students will quickly fill those pages with assignments and then they won’t have anywhere to list the contents of their notebooks.

Once we have a table of contents set up, I do have students number the first 25 pages or so just to get them started. They will learn to continue numbering the pages as we go throughout the year.

interactive notebook table of contents example

Establish Procedures for Adding to Interactive Notebooks

Think ahead to how you want students’ interactive notebooks to look and function.

Do you want to be more hands-on with students while they’re working in their notebooks or do you want them to work independently?

Establish those procedures at the very beginning of the school year.

During the first few years that I used interactive notebooks, I had students use glue sticks. Unfortunately, I soon found out that papers added using glue sticks fell out after a month or two.

You’ll find that liquid glue is a much better option for your students’ notebooks.

At first, students will try to use giant globs of glue in their notebooks. You must remind them that all of their pages will stick together and glue will ooze out if they use too much liquid glue.

I tell my students they may use two tiny dots of glue for a smaller foldable activity and four tiny dots of glue for a large foldable template.

Also, we have a chant that I do with students when they are starting to use too much glue. “A little bit of glue goes a long, long way!”

Envelopes for Extra Pieces

Sometimes we are working so diligently in our interactive notebooks and *poof,* we’re suddenly out of time.

It is so frustrating to run out of class time when working in interactive notebooks and collecting the unfinished foldable pieces to glue in next class takes too much time.

I found that these fantastic little envelopes save my sanity big time!

At the beginning of the school year, we add 6 inch by 9 inch envelopes (with clasps) to the backs of our notebooks. These envelopes fit perfectly and eliminate the frustration of losing pieces from one class period to the next.

interactive notebook envelope idea

Ideas for Using Interactive Notebooks

Truly, there are endless ideas for using interactive notebooks.

I’m so excited to share my favorite ideas with you!

Vocabulary Charts

Vocabulary charts are simple to add to notebooks and they give students a place to analyze and think about the new vocabulary word.

Divide one entire page into four sections.

  • Write the word at the top of the page.
  • In one box, write the dictionary or textbook definition of the word.
  • In another box, students will write a definition using their own words.
  • In the next box, students will write the word in an original sentence and write one or two synonyms for the word.
  • Finally, students will use the remaining box to create a sketch showing the meaning of the word.

Taking Notes

As upper elementary teachers, we should be guiding students’ notes.

It’s not fair to lecture 5th graders and expect them to take notes on important points.

Interactive notebooks are the perfect place to guide your students’ notes.

I project my interactive notebook on the technology board using a document camera. Then, we write notes together on important events, concepts, historical people, and etc.

Doing the notes together ensures that the information will always be in their notebooks for reference.

interactive notebook envelope idea

Foldable Templates

Foldable activities are so much fun!

These templates allow students to fill in information, cut/fold in a fun way, and glue into their notebooks for future reference. 

The vast majority of my social studies resources include interactive notebook foldable templates, like this one: Lost Colony of Roanoke – Interactive Notebook Lesson

interactive notebook foldable example

Journal Entries

I ask students to use a page in their interactive notebooks to write about what they’ve learned during the week.

Students enjoy this weekly habit because they can look back throughout the year to see how much they’ve learned and grown.

Planning Projects

Interactive notebooks provide a great place for students to plan projects.

In addition to thinking and planning in their notebooks, students can refer to previous pages as an informational reference.

They’ll have their plans conveniently with them while completing projects.

Managing interactive notebooks

Management and Grading of Interactive Notebooks

I rarely, if ever, let students take interactive notebooks home.

They end up not bringing them back or dogs/siblings destroy them.

The notebooks are valuable, so we keep them at school.

I have one bookshelf per class and a couple of kids pass out the notebooks out at beginning of class.

This process takes less than two minutes because I’ve already established the procedure of turning in notebooks by table/row.

Grading interactive notebooks can take over your life if you let it.

DON’T take notebooks home – It’s too much to carry and pieces fall out.

Besides, I want you to go home on time and enjoy your well-deserved evenings without worrying about grading notebooks!

Here’s what I do to grade students’ interactive notebooks:

I walk around while students are working to monitor and look at their work.

I usually do more formal grading once per quarter – but even then, it’s more of an overview.

I don’t check every page because I’ve been monitoring as we go.

I use a half-page rubric to grade and I’d love to share it with you.

Students glue this rubric into their notebooks along with a self-reflection on their work.

This rubric is editable in PowerPoint format. Simply enter your first name and email address to have the editable rubric sent to you right away!

interactive notebooks ideas and management

If you’d like to keep this blog post for later, simply save this image to your teacher Pinterest board!

* Please note that  Thrive in Grade Five (Jenifer Bazzit)  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. *

Need help planning and implementing your social studies content? I can help!

teaching social studies

12 Comments

I’ve used interactive notebooks for the last two years, and the biggest struggle I have is getting new students to set up their notebooks when they arrive. We have spiraling standards, so we often look back in our notebooks at past notes, and new kids never have those. Any advice for how to help new students transition into these notebooks?

Yes, Emily, that is such a struggle! I have new students just start their notebooks from where we are when they join the class. I hope this helps!

If you are spiraling back to previous notes, Do you write in your own book to model the note-taking? If you do, would it be possible for you to copy the necessary pages from your book and tape into the proper areas of the student book? Then they can pick up from where you are currently using the INB. I f you are not keeping a book of your own, could you choose the book of a responsible student to make the copies from for the new student?

Hi! I do show my notebook on the smartboard while I write in it and place foldables. I could definitely copy the pages, especially text-heavy ones, and tape them into students’ notebooks. I do like using responsible students’ notebooks as examples for students who missed.

Thank you. I love reading what you have to say, and I have learned so much from you!

Thank you for this kind comment, Sarah! I’m so glad I was able to help 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this great post! I am going into my 3rd year of teaching Social Studies. The teacher before me did a great job implementing interactive notebooks, and I am still struggling to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

The last couple of years I have switched between guided notes and interactive foldable pieces in notebooks. I’m finding this can be overwhelming when it comes to studying because of there being so many different sources of information to keep track of. I believe the notebooks would streamline this.

I think one of my first big questions that always makes me hesitant to do the notebooks is time. Do you assign the cutting for homework? (pieces might get lost) Do you just use class time to do so? If so, typically how long does it take for the pieces to be cut and glued? Would pre-set up be worthwhile – such as taking a day and cutting and gluing the lesson/chapter/unit pieces down first before instruction begins?

That turned into many questions! Thank you for any insight you have and are willing to share 🙂

Hi Meredith! I get to where we are much faster at cutting and pasting. We work on improving our cutting procedures and processes. It takes only a minute or two once we get into the year and students learn my procedures. I think that a pre-set up time period would be awesome. I’ve never done that but that’s an awesome idea!

Love the envelope in the back idea!!! Brilliant and simple!! Another GENIUS idea I saw a while ago was to have the left side of the open notebook be the TEACH side – where teacher models and gives explicit info/facts/ strategies/short text …whatever! and on the right side the students do some APPLY/PRACTICE/RESPOND type work… this promotes interacting with the notes from the Teacher side, not just copying what the teacher did!!!! (I have seen it where the sides are the opposite but makes more sense for the teacher side to be on the left and the student side be on the right since we read/write in that L to R direction!) HELP! I have tried doing a Table of Contents…Any suggestions besides page by page??? It always starts out right then gets frustrating for everyone especially me!

Thank you for sharing that idea, Marie! I love it! The table of contents seems to get hairy as we go through the year. What I do is to reserve the first five pages of the notebooks for the table of contents.

Hi! First year teacher here! Starting in Fifth grade. Love the idea of interactive notebooks. Do your students have more than one interactive notebook? You said you like using them for SS and writing – do your students have two separate notebooks? Would you recommend having possibly 3 – math, reading/writing, social studies? Thanks!

Hi Cristina! Great question 🙂 Yes, my students have separate interactive notebooks for both social studies and writing. They are able to stay MUCH more organized when we only have one notebook per subject! I hope this helps!

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Double-Entry Journals

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What Is It?

Students can use a double-entry journal to help them study concepts or vocabulary, express opinions, justify an opinion using text, and understand or respond to the text they are reading. The double-entry journal is a two-column journal. In the left column, students write a piece of information from the text, such as a quotation or a concept, which students want to expand upon, understand better, or question. In the right column, students relate to or analyze the information that is written in the left column. For example, the student could title the left column "Quotes" and the right column "Reflections." In this instance, the student would copy quotes from the text in the left column and reflect upon what they mean in the right column.

Below is an example of how a language arts teacher who is teaching Walden , by Henry David Thoreau, could use a double-entry journal.

Why Is It Important?

Double-entry journals give students a way to interact personally with the text, by reflecting on and writing about their understanding of the material they are reading. Students can use the text to form an opinion and then use pieces of text to support their opinions. Students process the information and relate to the text, increasing reading comprehension.

Research by Marzano (1988) emphasizes the importance of metacognition and student learning. By writing about what they are thinking, students show their thinking process as they read, allowing teachers to redirect or encourage students to be more effective readers.

How Can You Make It Happen?

Double-entry journals can be used effectively for expression or for more concrete purposes. For example, if students are reading material in class that they can personally react to, then they can use the double-entry journal to express their feelings and opinions about the material. On the other hand, students may need to learn specific information such as new vocabulary words or historical events. In this instance, students can use the double-entry journal as a study guide.

Distribute a blank double-entry journal to students or show them how to create one in their notebooks. Have students draw a line down the center of a piece of paper to make two columns. Model the use of a double-entry journal with the class by displaying one on the board. First, show students how to use the double-entry journal in an expressive way. Think about a topic you are currently teaching that students can respond to personally or ask questions about. For example, if you are teaching a unit on abolition and the Civil War, in the left column write some interesting quotes or the names of some of the significant people who lived during that time. Brainstorm with students thoughts or reflections they have about the quotes or the people, and write students' comments in the right column. Discuss their thoughts and explain how reflecting in writing can help them consider the material more thoroughly.

Encourage students to work independently using the double-entry journal. To do this, consider some concrete information students need to know that relates to the material you are teaching. For example, write down some vocabulary words students need to know, some dates that are important, or some concepts or rules students need to master. Have students copy the terms in the left column. Break students into pairs, and have them define the concepts or terms using the column on the right. If time allows, have pairs join together into groups of four to compare their double-entry journals and discuss each other's reflections about the text. Instruct students to use their double-entry journals as study guides for an upcoming test or quiz.

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  6. ഉറപ്പായും പഠിക്കണം ഈ Journal Entries|MOST IMPORTANT JOURNAL ENTRIES|PLUS ONE ACCOUNTANCY IMPROVEMENT

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  1. 72 Fantastic and Free 5th Grade Journal Prompts

    Fifth-Grade Journal Prompts and Writing Ideas. Journaling helps students work out problems on paper, create new ideas, and work through strong feelings and emotions in a constructive way. It also provides an outlet for students to experiment creatively with their writing style and to develop a process of healthy, daily reflections.

  2. 5 Ways to Write a Journal Entry

    Write in stream of consciousness. 3. Use "I" to write your journal in the first person. You're writing about your thoughts, experiences, and reflections, so don't worry about putting them in third person. It's okay to write your journal entries using the pronoun "I" unless you just prefer not to do so.

  3. 35 Awesome 5th Grade Writing Prompts

    Yes! Our 5th grade writing prompts get your kids interested in the topics and ideas they are being asked to write about in their journals or assignments. So, whether your students write one journal entry or 100 journal entries, the practice of daily writing can and will have a positive impact on their lives.

  4. 5th Grade Journal Prompts • Crafting a Green World

    Unlock your 5th grader's creativity and thought process with our specially curated journal prompts. Encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and writing skills in a fun, interactive way. Perfect for both classroom and home use. Writing can be a powerful tool in sparking the imaginative minds of 5th graders.

  5. How to Write a Journal Entry Lesson Plan » JournalBuddies.com

    Write a quick journal entry on the board and show them how an illustration can accompany a journal entry. Guided Practice (10 Minutes) Pass out the journal writing worksheets to the students. Pass out the list of prompts. Remind students to choose their favorite prompt and to draw an illustration to accompany the journal entry.

  6. Journal Writing

    3rd Grade-5th Grade. Read Diary of a Worm (Cronin, 2003) aloud. Diary of a Worm is a fictional daily journal of a personified worm, revealing some of the good news and bad news about being a worm. The good news is he never has to take a bath. The bad news is he can never do the hokey pokey. The book models journal writing with humor.

  7. PDF Lesson Plan -How to Write a Journal Entry

    Closing (5 Minutes) In conclusion, provide the students with several extra journal sheets that they can take home. Encourage them to complete at least 2-3 journal entries at home using the list of prompts provided. They should return those completed journal entries back to school within a week in order to receive full credit for the assignment.

  8. Journal Writing Examples + 10 Bonus Prompts

    Journal writing exercises by grade; How to Write a Journal Entry Lesson Plan; One of the benefits of journaling is helping students develop a love of writing. The process of journal writing is deeply therapeutic and, most importantly, fun! From elementary to high school, we have prompts to inspire all students and encourage a regular journaling ...

  9. 45 5th Grade Journal Prompts

    Journaling is a way for 5th graders to write down their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. By writing in a journal on a regular basis, students can explore their emotions, reflect on what they have learned, plan ahead for the future, and practice creative problem-solving skills. Writing can also be an effective tool to help manage stress and ...

  10. Grade 5

    Hi Class! In this video we look at what a journal entry is. I read the journal example in lesson 9 of your Student book and explain the questions you need to...

  11. Demonstrating Comprehension Through Journal Writing

    5. Gather the class together and model a journal entry for Chapter 1. Write a class journal entry by combining input from students and your own prepared model. Make sure that the entry uses complete sentences to answer the comprehension and personal response questions posed. A sample response for question #1 is included below.

  12. 5th Grade Journal Prompts

    Much of what fifth graders journal about will be nonfiction, based on reality, knowledge and real experiences. These prompts will get your students going on their nonfiction journal entries. Write ...

  13. 10 Great Tips on How to Write a Journal for Kids

    Tip #10 - Keep it Fun and Fulfilling. If it's not fun and fulfilling, chances are you'll quit writing. Jazz up your journal by giving yourself permission to try new journaling techniques. AND keep it fulfilling by focusing on a wide range of topics (not just sad or bad ones, but happy and exhilarating ones as well).

  14. 5th Grade Writing Prompts pdf (Free) » JournalBuddies.com

    Printable 5th grade writing prompts pdf free download includes 72 ideas + free writing worksheet printables are here (and more!). Newly updated with a bonus list of writing prompts. Enjoy! That's right, below I share with you 72 ideas in our free 5th grade writing prompts pdf. But first, I have a few thoughts to share with you on why writing ...

  15. Journaling: Advice & Tips for Teachers (Grades K-12)

    Journaling is the practice of recording on paper a collection of thoughts, understandings, and explanations about ideas or concepts, usually in a bound notebook. Teachers ask students to keep journals, with the understanding that students will share their journal with the teacher. Teachers can use journaling as a kind of window into how ...

  16. 52 Journal Prompts for Kids to Practice Writing

    Keeping a journal can have many benefits for your child, whether they keep it by themselves or with your help. In addition to practicing writing, journaling can give children a way to capture their thoughts and memories. Plus, journaling can boost your child's mood and mental well-being because it teaches mindfulness.[1]

  17. Journal Writing Example for Students

    Writing a journal is a private and personal way to express your feelings, and they help many people to work through their emotions in a positive way. However, it can be hard to know where to start when you're putting the pen to paper writing a journal entry. This handy Journal Writing Example for Students serves as a practical guide for students to get started writing their own journal entries ...

  18. Big List of Social Studies Journal Prompts

    Early American Settlements Journal Prompts. As you know, the settlers living in the Lost Colony of Roanoke were described as missing. Describe and explain what you think may have happened to the lost colonists. European settlement in the New World proved disastrous for Native Americans. They had no immunity to diseases, like measles, flu, and ...

  19. Interactive Notebooks

    The very first thing we do when setting up our interactive notebooks is to create a table of contents. I recommend using the first four pages of the notebook as the table of contents. The table of contents is simple to set up. We make a chart with page numbers and what's on each page. Check out the picture below to see an example.

  20. How to Journal: Writing Tips, Journal Topics, and More!

    Writing in a journal is a great way to destress, but starting one can be daunting. In this video, we'll show you some of our favorite tips on how to journal....

  21. Double-Entry Journals

    Students can use a double-entry journal to help them study concepts or vocabulary, express opinions, justify an opinion using text, and understand or respond to the text they are reading. The double-entry journal is a two-column journal. In the left column, students write a piece of information from the text, such as a quotation or a concept ...

  22. How to Teach Journal Writing in K-2

    Journal writing is an important part of children's education and a skill that requires daily practice. With today's technology and available games, children are not given the opportunity to draw and write during play-time that often, so it is crucial for teachers to make the most out of writing lessons. ...

  23. Results for journal writing 5th grade

    Created by. Patti Mihalides. This journal was created for students in 3rd through 5th grade. There are 63 pages, each with a different, engaging prompt for students to write about. Teachers can print the entire book and give a copy to each child or hand out a page or two a week. It also works nicely as a literacy station or as morning work.

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