Journal prompts for kids

Layout
Up to 40 prompts in the list.
More options
Replaces the prompt bank, for example with prompts from your curriculum.
Paper

List of 25 journal writing prompts for 3rd grade · 2 pages

Writing25 Journal Prompts for 3rd gradePick a prompt, check it off, and write in a notebook or journal.1.If you could have dinner with a character from a book, who would you choose?2.Write about something you are looking forward to.3.What would you put in a time capsule to show what your life is like?4.What is a goal you reached? How did it feel?5.If you could change one thing about your school day, what would it be?6.What is a hobby you love? How did you get started?7.What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?8.If you could learn any skill right away, what would it be?9.Describe a time you laughed so hard you couldn’t stop.10.What do you think about when you can’t fall asleep?11.What is your favorite family recipe or meal? Why is it special?12.What would you like to learn more about, and why?13.Describe a place where you feel safe and happy.14.What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?15.Write about a person in your neighborhood you are glad to know.16.What is your favorite thing about yourself?17.What does it mean to be a good friend?18.If you could spend a day with any person, who would it be and why?19.What helps you feel calm when you are upset?20.Describe your perfect weekend from morning to night.21.What is something you want to get better at this year? How will you practice?22.If you had a free afternoon, how would you spend it?23.What three words describe you best? Explain each one.edulist.com/worksheets/writing-prompts/journalFree printables, plus learning programs scholarships can pay for · Page 1 of 2

Explore journal programs

See all writing programs →

Compare listed prices and grade ranges. Save favorites on this device; directory inclusion does not imply funding approval. Confirm current prices and availability with the provider.

Night Zookeeper

Night Zookeeper

Gr. K–6 · App

$14.99/mo

Brave Writer

Brave Writer

Gr. K–12 · Curriculum · Course

$247

The Good and the Beautiful

The Good and the Beautiful

Gr. Pre-K–12 · Curriculum · Books

$69.97

A printable list of 25 journal prompts for kids, set to 3rd grade: what helps you feel calm when you're upset, describe your perfect weekend from morning to night, what would you put in a time capsule, what does it mean to be a good friend. Change the grade for younger prompts with sentence starters ("I feel happy when…") or reflective prompts for 4th and 5th graders ("What does courage look like in everyday life?").

Journaling builds writing fluency because there's no wrong answer. Kids write to think, not to perform. Tape the list inside a notebook and let your child pick a prompt each day, or switch Layout to Full page to print journal pages with lines (and a drawing box for K–1). For structured assignments, try narrative or opinion prompts.

Tips for using it

  • Don't correct journal entries. Respond to what your child said instead.
  • Write in your own journal at the same time. Kids copy what adults do.
  • Five to ten minutes a day beats one long session a week.

Variations

All writing prompts for kids

Questions

What are good journal prompts for kids?

Prompts that invite reflection on feelings, goals, friendships and favorite things, plus a few what-if questions. They should be open-ended enough to write about for several minutes.

How do I get my child to journal every day?

Make it a routine at the same time each day, keep it short, let your child choose from a list, and never grade it. Some kids like to draw first and write second.

Get future opening updates.

Openings and deadlines for your state, plus new products. Free.