PREVIOUS : Writing for MENTAL HEALTH (#3)

SITE :“550 Prompts for Narrative & Personal Writing”

REMINDER : You do NOT have to answer every Q. each time you write. It will depend on how much time you have & if you’re very tired or stressed. You can do them in groups, or if short on time – pick one from each of the following 3 ‘books’ & only write the first thing that comes to mind. Use these Qs for your benefit, not as obligation. Do NOT let the WIC get overwhelmed.

Writing PROPMPTSPractical = for Planning, ASK :
What am I going to do? How am I going to do it?
What tools or resources do I need?
Who can I ask for help / advice?
What would be the first steps?
Personal  = for Self-awareness & deeper reflection, ASK :
What made me who I are today, & why / how?
What have been the most memorable events of my life, & why?
What have been the happiest moments of my life, & why?
What would my ideal life look like?
Why are my major fears?
Why do I keep worrying / obsessing about _____ ?  & Why am I hanging on?

Writing IDEAS for CHILDREN
🌼 Nature Journals – these can be used to keep track of the flora & fauna they see in nature, especially the species that interest them most

🌕 Daily Prompt – responding to a variety of prompts will give children a good open-ended opportunity to write about a new topic every day

❄️ Emotions Journal – when writing about their feelings, children can learn new vocabulary, identifying & recognizing emotions in themselves & others.

🚌 Vacation Journal – this fun version can be a good bonding opportunity for the whole family (or classroom). All the child needs to do is add pictures, memories, souvenirs, & anything else that reminds them of their vacation (Morin, 2018)Journaling benefits to children 
📗 Enhance their reading skills, which helps with communication (written & verbal)
📝 Improve writing skills, including grammar, sentence structure, spelling & vocabulary

🔎 List pros & cons of something when needing to make a decision
🔎  See the positives as well as negatives in any situation
🔎 Gain insight into their own motives (for actions) & other’s motives
🔎 Plan out & practice tough conversations in advance
🔎 Reflect on their thoughts about something after the fact

💗 Opportunity to explore & identify all their emotions 
💗 Take advantage of an outlet for things that are hard to express or uncomfortable to share
💗 Help them deal with “big feelings” in practical & safe ways
💗 Give them permission to feel “taboo” emotions like loneliness, sadness, anger..… & for some – relaxation, relief & enjoyment! 

NEXT : Types of Readers, #1