Writing Prompts to Support Thinking and Learning

This year, one of our focus areas in the goal area of Academic Core is to increase the amount of reading and writing in all subject areas. 

Writing to learn is a great way to support students in engaging with and thinking about the key concepts in any and all subject areas. Building classroom routines that provide time for students to explore ideas through writing in a low-stakes environment builds stamina, confidence, and increases the quality of understanding. 

Today's blog includes some writing prompts for elementary, middle grades, and high school.  Prompts are a great starting point, and these prompts encourage students to write creatively, persuasively, informatively, or share an opinion.  After writing, students can share with partners or a small group.  Some pieces of writing may become a future artifact of evidence of learning. 

These prompts have been curated from the following sources:

Todd Finley, We Are Teachers, TeachThought, Scholastic, Birmingham City Schools, College Transitions, The New York Times, Monte Syrie, Texthelp, and PBS Above the Noise

ELEMENTARY PROMPTS

MIDDLE LEVEL PROMPTS

HIGH SCHOOL PROMPTS

Writing isn’t just a tool for language arts—it’s a vehicle for critical thinking, self-expression, and deep comprehension across all disciplines. From science to math, social studies to the arts, incorporating writing into daily practice helps students process information more effectively, develop their voice, and engage in higher-order thinking.  By incorporating writing into our regular practice, we can support our students to not only become better writers, but also deeper thinkers.

Teaching and Learning: October Newsletter

The Teaching & Learning Team will be sending out a combined newsletter this year. In each month's issue you will find information and strategies you can use within your classroom. Our goal is to feature topics every month that spark conversations, build capacity, and celebrate student learning. 

Click on the links in the newsletter or click on the link below to view the October Teaching & Learning Newsletter.

October Teaching & Learning Newsletter

If you would like additional information or support, please reach out to a Teaching & Learning Team member. 

Thank you for all you do to ensure ALL students learn at high levels!

Southeast Polk's Teaching & Learning Team

Election Teaching and Learning Guidelines

We all recognize the importance of teaching about the elections as it meets an aspect of our district vision--Success for college, career, and civic life.  We also understand that navigating teaching during an election season can be challenging as we strive to address political differences within an inclusive learning environment. We value the thought teachers engage in as they prepare to teach this important topic.  Below are some additional guidelines to support your work in designing respectful and educational discussions. 

• One way to create a balanced school environment is by not expressing personal political opinions or biases. 

• Instead, focus on teaching students how to critically analyze information and form their own opinions.

• Offer a range of perspectives on political issues and avoid endorsing any particular stance.

• Reinforce the importance of respectful communication, particularly when discussing contentious issues. Establish ground rules for discussions, such as listening actively, not interrupting, and being open to differing viewpoints.

• Engage in political discussions authentically within the standards and subject areas where the content is addressed.

• Use this election season as an authentic example to teach about the democratic process, the importance of voting, and the role of different branches of government.

• Create opportunities for integration of lessons on critical thinking as well as standards that support the difference between fact and opinion and supporting claims with evidence

• For younger students, focus on general concepts of government and citizenship without delving into divisive issues. Use stories and age-appropriate activities that encourage participation and understanding of basic democratic principles.

• For older students, provide more detailed explorations of issues and encourage critical thinking without pushing them toward any particular political stance.

• Design instructional tasks where students can explore diverse perspectives. This can include role-playing, debates, or research assignments where students examine the viewpoints of others with differing opinions.

• Focus on building empathy and understanding, even in cases of strong disagreement.

• As staff members, be mindful of board policies regarding political engagement and align with established guidelines. 

We appreciate your commitment to thoughtful teaching and the development of the skills necessary to live a civic life.