Welcome to our School on Wheels Literacy Community Padlet. We will be adding writing prompts each week based on the theme of family for November, National Family Literacy Month. This week's prompt will be to create a short story about family using six words. Please see the links below for examples. We cannot wait to read your work!

https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/just-six-words/

https://imaginationsoup.net/six-word-memoirs/

The prompt for this week is to think about a special tradition your family has. It could be something you do for a holiday, a fun activity you enjoy together, or a special way your family celebrates important moments.

• What is your family tradition?

• Why is it important to you and your family?

• How does it make you feel when you get to take part in this tradition?

Write a short story about your favorite family tradition. You can even share what you would like your tradition to be if you could create one!

Have fun and we cannot wait to read your work!

Thank you!

The prompt for this week is to draw a picture of your family members as superheroes.

• what powers do they have?

• how do they help each other and work together as a team?

Show how each person's special "superpower" makes your family strong!

Have fun and we cannot wait to read your work!

Welcome to our School on Wheels Literacy Community Padlet!

For the rest of the month, we'll be focusing on creating different types of poetry! To get started, we're kicking off with some fun poetry inspiration. Check out the poetry slideshow "Fun Reading Poetry" to spark your creativity and help you think about how you can write your own fun poems!

In addition, there is a google document filled with age-appropriate examples of poems from famous musicians and poets. These examples (Poetry Links) will help spark ideas and help you dive deeper into different styles of poetry. After looking through these examples, we encourage you to create your own poetry inspired by what you see and read!

Feel free to use the links in the document, and let your creativity flow! We can't wait to see all the amazing poems you'll create!

Happy writing!

For the month of February, we'll be focusing on creating poetry to celebrate Black History Month, the incredible contributions of African Americans, and reflect on their impact on history and culture. But it's also a month where we can think about the important people in our own lives—the individuals who shape, inspire, and support us. This month, we invite you to use poetry to reflect on both: the incredible legacy of Black History and the special adults who make a difference in your life. You have two options:

1. Poetry Inspired by African American Poets:

   To honor Black History Month, you can choose to explore the work of African American poets. Whether it's themes of resilience or identity, you can take inspiration from their writing to create your own poem. If you're not sure where to start, check out the Poetry Article Link and the poems featured there. You can write a freestyle poem or try something more structured, like a haiku.

   
   

2. Write a Poem for a Special Adult in Your Life:

   Another option is to think about a special adult who has had a meaningful impact on you. This could be a parent, teacher, mentor, or anyone who has supported or guided you in some way. Use poetry to express your gratitude and appreciation for the role they play in your life. You can get inspiration from the Poetry Article Link (click on middle school PDF, pg. 6).

Once you've written your poem, feel free to share it with us here! We can't wait to see how you choose to honor Black History Month and the important adults in your life through your words.

Happy Writing!

For the month of March, we'll be focusing on creating poetry to celebrate Women's History Month, the influential women throughout history: their contributions and impact they've had on society. This month, we invite you to use poetry to reflect on the significant impact women have had on our world, as well as the special women in your life who have made a difference in your life. You have two options for your poetry.

1. Poetry Inspired By Influential Women in History:

   To honor Women's History Month, you can explore the stories of groundbreaking women from history and beyond. You can choose a famous historical figure or someone whose contributions have shaped society in some ways. Some people can include Harriet Tubman, Malala Yousafzai, Marie Curie, and Frida Kahlo. You can write a freestyle poem or you can try structured forms like a sonnet or free verse.

2. Write a Poem for a Special Woman in Your Life:

   Another option is to think about a special woman who has had a meaningful impact on you personally. This could be a mother, teacher, mentor, or any woman who has supported or guided you in some way. Use poetry as a way to express your gratitude and appreciation for the positive role she plays in your life. Consider how she has shaped your character, your values or your dreams.

Feel free to share your written work with us! We can't wait to see how you chose to honor Women's History Month and the incredible women—past and present— who have made a difference in your life!

Happy Writing!

For the month of April, in honor of National Poetry Month, we’re inviting you to unleash your creativity and dive into the world of poetry! This month, there are no limits—just pure poetic fun. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a first-time writer, we encourage you to experiment, explore, and have fun with words. You have two exciting options to choose from for your poem:

1. The “Anything Goes” Poetry Challenge:

   This is your chance to write about anything that inspires you! Whether it’s a feeling, an object, a place, or something completely wild, let your imagination run wild. Want to write a poem about a magical garden where unicorns roam? Go for it! Or how about a poem about a pizza that dreams of becoming a rocket ship? Why not! There are no rules here, just let your creativity guide you. Feel free to experiment with rhyme, rhythm, and structure—or throw them all out the window!

2. Poetry in Motion:

   Take poetry off the page and bring it to life! Write a poem inspired by something that moves you. This could be something literal, like the wind, a dancer, or a racing car. Or maybe something more abstract, like a feeling that keeps changing or an idea that keeps evolving. Try to make your poem feel like it’s moving—whether that’s through the use of vivid imagery, rapid pacing, or rhythm that makes your words flow. Bonus points if you want to perform your poem, record it, or even make a short video to share your poetry in motion!

Feel free to share your written (or performed!) works with us. We can’t wait to see what exciting, unique poems you’ll come up with this month. Let your words take you on an adventure!

Happy Writing (and Moving)!

For the month of May, we’re celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want you to get creative and think about how we can all take care of our minds and feelings! Just like we take care of our bodies, it’s important to take care of our thoughts and emotions too. This month, we’re inviting you to share your feelings and use your imagination to explore how to keep our minds healthy and happy. Here are two fun ways you can participate:

1. "Feelings Poem" Challenge:

   Poetry is a great way to talk about how we feel! This challenge is all about writing a poem about your emotions. How do you feel today? Maybe you're happy, excited, or feeling calm. Or maybe you feel a little sad or worried—those feelings are okay too! You can write a short poem about a time you felt a certain way, or make up a fun poem about how different feelings look or sound.

   Don’t worry about making it perfect—just let your imagination flow and have fun with it! You could even add rhyming words if you like!

2. "Happy and Calm" Poetry Challenge:

   Sometimes, when we need to feel better or relax, we think about happy things! For this challenge, write a poem that helps you feel calm and happy. Maybe your poem could be about a peaceful place you love to go to, a favorite thing that makes you smile, or a silly thought that cheers you up. You can use words that make you feel peaceful, like “gentle,” “soft,” or “sweet,” or you could even make a poem about your favorite animal, game, or moment in nature. Let your words bring you joy and make your mind feel calm!

Bonus Fun: If you’d like, you can share your poem with us by reading it aloud or even making a fun video of you performing your poem!

We can't wait to see the creative poems you come up with! Remember, your feelings are important, and poetry is a fun way to express them. Let's celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by using our words to feel good!

Happy Writing!

Summer is here, and that means sunshine, adventure, and fun writing, too! This month, we’re inviting you to try some exciting summer-themed writing activities with your tutor. Here are a few fun ways you can join in:

1. Summer Writing Bingo: Let’s turn writing into a game! Use the Summer Writing Bingo board to pick different writing challenges like writing a postcard, creating a comic strip, or imagining a day as a popsicle! How many boxes can you complete this summer? Try one with your tutor each week!

2. Summer Story Starters: Need help getting started? Use a summer writing prompt to inspire your imagination! You could write about:

   • A trip to an underwater city

   • Your pet going on summer vacation

   • A magical lemonade stand

There’s no limit to what your story can be—just have fun and let your creativity shine!

3. Kindergarten Corner: Summer Prompts for Little Writers: Younger students can join in, too! Practice writing simple sentences or draw pictures with labels. Prompts like “My favorite summer snack is…” or “If I had a pet dolphin…” are great ways to get started. Don’t forget to color your story when you’re done!

Check Out These Links for Further Details and Ideas

• Summer Writing Bingo

• Summer Writing Prompts to Get Kinders Writing

• 40 Best Summer Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages

• Write. Read. Feel. with Mychal Threets

• Write with Pride: An LGBTQIA+ Writing Workshop

We can’t wait to see your sunny stories and sizzling summer ideas! Remember, writing is a wonderful way to explore your imagination and keep your mind active all summer long.

Happy Writing, and have a joyful June!

Can you believe it’s already August? Time really flies! Whether you’re getting ready for school or just soaking up the last lazy days of summer, it’s a great time to reflect and get creative with writing.

This month, we’ve got a few fun and thoughtful ways for you and your tutor to write together:

August Reflections

Take a few minutes to think about your summer—what were some of your favorite moments? Did you try anything new? What made you laugh, feel proud, or just feel good?

You can write a journal entry, a poem, or even a letter to your future self. Try one of these starters if you need a little help:

• “This summer, I loved…”

• “One thing I learned about myself this summer was…”

• “If I could relive one day from this summer, it would be…”

Looking Ahead Writing Prompts

August is also a time for fresh starts. A new school year, a new routine, maybe even new goals. What are you excited (or nervous!) about?

Here are a few ideas to write about:

• “On my first day of school, I hope…”

• “This year, I want to get better at…”

• “If I could design the perfect school day, it would include…”

Your writing can be silly or serious—just make it you. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Writing—and enjoy the rest of your summer! 🌻

Can you believe it’s already September? 🍂 September is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and use writing to capture all the changes this new season brings.

This month, here are some fun and thoughtful ways to get creative with your writing:

September Reflections
Think about what September means to you. Is it the excitement (or nerves!) of being back in school? The little changes in the weather? Or maybe just the feeling of starting something new?

Try one of these prompts:

• “One thing I’ve noticed about September is…”

• “This school year, I’m looking forward to…”

• “When I think of fall, I imagine…”

Seasonal Writing Prompts
September is full of fresh starts and cozy vibes. Use your imagination to write something playful, creative, or even a little dreamy.

Here are a few ideas:

• Write a short story about a character’s first day back at school.

• Create a poem inspired by fall—maybe about changing leaves, cooler evenings, or the smell of sharpened pencils.

• Imagine September as a person—what would they be like? How would they talk, dress, or spend their day?

Your writing can be silly, serious, or somewhere in between—just make it yours.

Happy Writing!

Happy October! As we celebrate this fun month of activities, we wanted to share the following links below with creative, spooky writing prompts for this month. Please feel free to explore and upload your submissions for our literacy community to read and enjoy!

Happy Writing!

Links for Halloween and Fall Creative Writing Prompts

• October Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

• Free Halloween Creative Prompts For Young Learners

• 35 Fun Halloween Writing Prompts & Ideas

Happy November! This month, we celebrate the season of gratitude. A special time to pause, reflect, and write about the people, places, and moments that make us thankful.

Writing about gratitude helps us recognize the good around us and share positivity with others. Look below for fun writing ideas to inspire your creativity during this celebratory month! Whether it’s a thank-you note, a poem, a short story, or a reflection, your words matter.

Remember to upload your work so our entire Literacy Community can read, celebrate, and enjoy your writing together!

Happy Writing!

Links for Gratitude-Themed Writing Ideas

• Fun and Thoughtful Gratitude Journal Prompts for Students

• Free Thankful Writing Prompts

• Gratitude Letter for Students

Happy January! As we welcome the New Year and a fresh start, we wanted to share the following links below with creative, winter- and New Year–inspired writing prompts for this month. These prompts are perfect for reflecting, imagining, and starting the year with creativity. Please feel free to explore and upload your submissions for our literacy community to read and enjoy!

Happy Writing!

Links

• January Calendar Writing Prompt

• January Writing Prompt

  
  

Happy February! This month is all about love, history, and health, especially as we recognize Valentine's Day, Black History Month, and American Heart Month.

For this month's writing, we invite you to choose to write one or more of the following prompts:

• Write about love (romantic, family, friendships, self-love, or love for your community) and how it is in your life or the world around you. This can be in a story, poetry, and other formats; It's really up to you!

• Reflect on a person, moment, or story from history that inspires you and why it matters.

• Write about health (physical, emotional, or mental) and what it means to care for yourself and others.

You can also draw inspiration from Presidents' Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, or Leap Day or answer questoins like what kindness looks like.

Feel free to explore these prompts and upload your submissions for our literacy community to read and enjoy!

Happy Writing!

Happy March! March is known for representing growth, renewal, and new beginnings as it is the month of spring and moments like Women’s History Month, St. Patrick’s Day, and the changing of the seasons.

For this month’s writing, we invite you to write a response to one or more of the following prompts:

Write about growth: This could be personal growth, learning something new, or how people and communities grow over time. You can share a story, poem, or reflection, basically any format you like!

Celebrate someone inspiring: In honor of Women’s History Month, write about a woman who inspires you, someone from your life, history, or even a fictional character, and why they are meaningful to you.

Reflect on new beginnings: Spring is a season of fresh starts! Write about a time you started something new, a goal you have, or what a fresh start means to you.

You can also draw inspiration from themes like luck, resilience, friendship, or the beauty of nature.

Have fun and feel free to explore these prompts and upload your submissions for our literacy community to read and enjoy!

Happy Writing! 🌼

Happy Writing!

• 826digital.com- writing and poetry activities and games.

• Weareteachers.com- 35 inspiring poetry games and activities for the classroom.

• Poetry Worksheet Bundle- Free printable poetry worksheets.

• teacherspayteachers.com- Free Spring-themed poetry and writing activities.

• colorincolorado.org- Poetry for ELL (English Language Learner) students.

Think about:

• The new things you learned this year.

• Challenges you overcame.

• Friends, teachers, and classmates who supported you.

• Special moments at school that you will always remember.

These memories and accomplishments are part of your journey, and they are worth celebrating!

Check out the links below for helpful end-of-year reflection activities and writing prompts to get you started.

Once you’ve written your reflection and completed your end-of-year activity, don’t forget to upload your post to our Padlet so our writing community can read, enjoy, and celebrate your work!

We can’t wait to see your thoughts, memories, and growth shared here. Happy Writing!

* Check out these fun end-of-year memory book activities for younger students here.

* Check out these meaningful end-of-year reflection activity ideas for older students here.

Most importantly, don’t forget to post your work so we can all enjoy and celebrate your creativity on our Padlet!

Happy Summer Writing and Creating!

For students in K-5th grade, check out the following link for fun, summer writing activities: click here.

For all grades K-12th, check out this fun activity to 'make a book craft activity': click here. You can draw and write your own stories using this activity.

For middle school students, check out the following link for fun, drawing prompts that students can choose from to draw and then write about!: click here.

For high school students, check out the following link for fun, drawing prompts that students can choose from to draw and then write about!: click here.

* Explore this additional fun writing activity where students can learn how to create their own blackout poetry! Click here.