Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to practice creative writing with your homeschooler. Early elementary students, grades K-2, are often excited to create a journal to express their thoughts. Try including an option for illustration as well, and don't stress over the spelling. This is an opportunity for you to create interest in the writing process, so positive encouragement is key.

If you have a child who cannot yet write, feel free to write in the journal for them, and they can dictate their ideas. Be sure to keep it simple, just a few sentences. Go over the sentences with your child, orally reviewing simple sentence structure. Some parents choose to write the sentences in traceble form, or have their child copy them from paper to their journal. The wonderful thing about a journal is that your child can learn to love expression through writing and illustration too.

The journal idea works well if you are homeschooling a special needs child also. Many school supply stores sell journals premade with a large space for an illustration. Your child might choose to write in this area as well. Many parents wonder how many sentences their child should write. This is completely individual. Some kindergarteners write 3-5 sentences, while there may be a second grader who cannnot complete one sentence. Evaluate your students with an open mind. Some teachers like to use a grade/sentence rule, meaning write one sentence for the grade you are in. So, a second grader would be expected to write two sentences.

Here are thirty writing prompts to start you off for a month of journal ideas:

1. If you could be an animal what would you be? Why?
2. What is your favorite book character? Why?
3. What sport would you like to play in the future? Why does it look fun?
4. If you could make a cake what kind would it be?
5. Write about your best friend and why he or she is so special.
6. What is your favorite toy? Why?
7. What is your favorite season? Why?
8. Why is it important to brush your teeth?
9. What are your three favorite colors? Why?
10. If you could make one wish what would it be?
11. What do you do when it rains?
12. Who is your favorite cartoon character? Why?
13. If you could play any instrument what would it be, and why?
14. List five sounds you can hear right now. Do you like the sounds?
15. If you were an explorer where would you go to explore?
16. If your pet or favorite stuffed animal could talk, what would it say?
17. List three games that are fun to play. How often do you like to play them? Who do you play them with?
18. What do you think the moon is made of? Would you want to go there?
19. If you could be any cookie what would you be? Why?
20. When was the last time you helped someone? What was it? Who did you help?
21. Which animal is the fastest? Why do you think so?
22. What activities do you do in the Summer?
23. Have you ever been to a movie theater? If so, what did you see? If not, what would you like to go and see?
24. If you could be President, what law would you make?
25. What is the softest thing you own? The furriest? The smoothest? The prickliest? The hardest?
26. List the ingredients to make the perfect sandwich.
27. Describe where you do your schoolwork at home.
28. Would you rather fly on an airplane or a hot air balloon? Why?
29. Would you rather have two or four legs? Why?
30. Why is a calendar important? Do you have a calendar?

Hopefully there are several prompts that suit your homeschool class. Happy writing!