Prompt students to get into writing during the first few weeks of school using these engaging back-to-school writing activities.
As teachers, we understand the importance of spending time explaining rules, routines, and procedures during the first days of school.
However, it’s important to start teaching during those first weeks also.
One way to transition gently is by assigning back-to-school writing activities that motivate students to share their personal experiences plus knowledge.
Here you will find a collection of writing tasks that help start the school year off on a good note.
Back-to-School Writing Activities
Following you will find a variety of back-to-school assignments that engage even the most reluctant students.
1. Complete a First Day of School Graphic Organizer.
Have students fill in a graphic organizer in response to a back-to-school read-aloud book.
The graphic organizer that you choose depends on the type of book that you read or the skill that you’re targeting.
Some general graphic organizers that you may consider include writing a summary, sequencing, story elements, and main idea.
2. Draft a “Summer Highlights” Essay.
Ask students to write about their summer vacation highlights. It could be a personal narrative, a descriptive essay, or even a creative piece of writing.
3. Respond to Back-to-School Writing Prompts.
Story starters kickstart students’ writing so that they don’t have to generate ideas from scratch.
Use them as morning work or as warm-ups.
Back-to-school story starter ideas…
- This year, I hope to learn…
- The Top 10 things that make me feel good…
- Five years from now…
- The place I want to visit on a field trip this school year is …because…
- If I had a robot, here’s what I would make it do…
- My favorite way to spend indoor recess…
- As I approached my classroom on the first day, I noticed…
- What I want my teacher to know about me…
- The perfect school day looks and feels like this…
- During my summer break, I…
Related Content: Back-to-School Writing Prompts
4. Interview a Classmate.
This back-to-school writing activity is great for getting students acquainted with one another.
First, pair students, and give each an student interview worksheet.
Each will ask the other the questions with the receiver recording the partner’s responses.
Suggested questions:
- What’s your favorite game or sport?
- Do you have siblings?
- When is your birthday?
- What’s your least favorite food?
- Do you play any musical instruments?
- What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
- Which was your favorite activity from last school year?
- Do you own any pets? If so, what kinds?
After some time, rotate partners so that students have an opportunity to interview several classmates.
5. Write New School Year Resolutions.
Encourage students to write about their resolutions for the new school year. They can include academic, personal, or social goals.
This is a good opportunity to work on drafting SMART goals.
6. Do An “All About Me” Activity.
Have each student create a personal poster that includes essential information about themselves.
They may also include photos or drawings that represent their interests and personalities.
Alternatively, provide students with an All About Me Template to complete. Afterward, each child shares his worksheet with the class.
7. Design Back-to-School Bookmarks.
Give students bookmark templates.
With a Back to School theme, students write a positive message or quote on each bookmark and then decorate them.
Considering laminating or covering with contact paper to keep bookmarks sturdy.
8. Complete the “I Am Unique Fingerprint” Writing Activity.
With this activity, students will show how wonderful and unique they are.
Using one of the fingerprint templates, students will write about themselves. Prompts are included to help students generate ideas.
Grab the I Am Unique Fingerprint activity here.
9. Invent a New School Subject.
Have students imagine they could create a new subject to be taught in school.
They should write about what the subject would be, why it’s essential, and what students would learn from it.
10. Draft a Letter to the Teacher.
Instruct students to write a letter to their new teacher, sharing a bit about themselves, their interests, and what they hope to learn during the school year.
11. Write An Autobiography in Five Chapters.
This is a good back-to-school writing activity for middle schoolers.
Introduce the concept of the “Autobiography in Five Chapters” by Portia Nelson.
Have students write their own version of this poem, focusing on their experiences and growth throughout their school years.
Final Thoughts
Start the year off well using these fun back-to-school writing activities that strengthen writing skills and motivate students to share their experiences.
These tasks make transitioning into back-to-school mode productive and fun.