Winter Writing Ideas for Your Classroom
The start of a new year brings a fresh beginning for teachers and students. January is the perfect time to re-energize your classroom with creative and reflective writing activities that embrace winter’s magic, set meaningful goals, and sharpen writing skills.
Don’t let the post-holiday blahs drag you down. The gray winter days of January hold a magic all their own—you just need to look for it and show your students how to find it.
Are you wondering what to write or struggling to find the energy to plan out January?
Here are some awesome ideas for you to try! Whether it’s storytelling, journaling, or goal-setting, we designed these writing prompts to keep you and your students engaged while helping everyone transition back into routines after winter break.
Let’s dive into weekly themes that will inspire you and your students all month long!
Weekly Writing Themes for January
Week 1: Winter Weather Wonders
Winter weather offers endless inspiration for creative writing, crafts, poetry, and more.
• Ideas: Students can describe a magical snowstorm, write about the frost patterns on windows, or tell a story about the wildest snowday imaginable.
• Non-Fiction Writing: Research and write about unique weather phenomena like blizzards or ice storms to connect science with storytelling. Use these [Weather Resources] to
create a complete unit.
• Creative Writing Prompt: “Imagine you woke up and the world was covered in glittering ice. What happens next?”
Pro Tip: Try team writing with snowy prompts, or have students write about snow day fun!
Week 2: Building a Snowman (Real or Imaginary)
Bring a classic winter activity to life with writing!
• Non-Fiction Writing: Students can write step-by-step instructions for building the perfect snowman or create a fantastical story about a snowman that
comes to life. Check out this [How-To Resource].
• Creative Writing Prompt: “Your snowman comes to life and asks for an adventure. What do you do together?”
Take it up a notch by experimenting with graphic novels, with the snowman as the main character. Books like The Snowman or Crazy Monster Snow
Goons can help spark ideas!
Week 3: Mid-Year Goals and Reflection
January is the perfect time for students to reflect on their progress and set goals for the future.
• Non-Fiction Writing: Journaling can help students write about their proudest accomplishments and what they hope to improve. Start the year strong by introducing Morning
Mindset Journals as part of your routine, setting up mental and emotional success for the rest of the year.
• Journal Writing Prompt: “What’s one thing you want to achieve in 2024, and what steps will you take to make it happen?”
Week 4: Gratitude and Being Your Best Self
Foster kindness and self-awareness with gratitude journaling.
• Letter Writing: Students can write letters to someone they appreciate or brainstorm small acts of kindness for January. Build classroom community by encouraging students to
write letters to each other.
• Journal Writing Prompt: “What’s one thing you’re thankful for this week, and how can you show your gratitude?”
(Need more ideas for strengthening your learning community? Check out this [Resource].)
Why Writing Prompts Matter in January
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s a powerful tool to help students ease back into routines after winter break. When approached creatively, it can reignite their excitement for learning and make writing feel purposeful.
Benefits of January Writing Prompts:
- Help students ease into structured thinking and writing.
- Encourage self-expression and goal-setting.
- Offer a variety of writing tasks to keep lessons fresh and students motivated.
Pro Tip: Incorporate these prompts into morning routines or writing workshops. Schedule time for students to share their writing or reflect on what they’re proud of. Modeling writing alongside your students can inspire even the most reluctant writers!
Free Resource for Reflection and Goal-Setting
Help your students dive deeper into reflection with our FREE Writing Self-Assessment Survey. This easy-to-use tool encourages students to evaluate their growth and set meaningful writing goals for the rest of the school year.
👉 “Feeling overwhelmed with goal-setting? Grab this FREE survey to make the process simple and purposeful!”
Conclusion
January is a month full of opportunities for creativity and growth—for both you and your students. Incorporating these weekly writing themes and prompts into your classroom will inspire students to reflect, set goals, and embrace their writing journey as they continue to grow and develop into their best selves.
Don’t forget to download the FREE Writing Self-Assessment Survey to get started. Here’s to a January filled with creativity, reflection, and success in your classroom!
Winter Writing Activities you and your students will love:
Add these books to your classroom library or borrow from your school library so your students can enjoy:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons by Bill Watterson
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Winter Writing Resources:
Are you looking for something to transport your students to a whole new world?
Try Fairy Tales.
Read the blog: Teaching Fairy Tales to Fifth Graders
Fairy Tale Resources that will immerse your classroom and your students into the Realm of the Fairies:
Wishing you and your classes a month full of magic.
K