Writing prompts can help stop summer slide with ease! Learn how to use them with your homeschoolers this year!
Whether your summer days tend to be the lazy kind with pajama parties at noon and pool trips until dusk or busy ones with travel baseball, dance competitions, youth group camps, and extended family reunions, one thing is likely, your focus on school changes.
Even if you’re a year-round homeschooler, the change in seasons probably has a big impact on the regularity of your school schedule.
Personally, I think a change is important from time to time. I believe we all need a break from the norm. We need to switch up the mundane.
Not only is it vital to jazz up life at crucial intervals, but doing so also lends itself to the perfect segue back into the peaceful and placid routine of a normal schedule at some point.
But dropping the normal routine for some extra summer fun does have some downsides too. And one of those would be the dreaded summer slide.
The best way to avoid the summer slide is to keep the kids working at least a little bit each day. And fortunately, there are loads of ways to get creative with what “working” looks like over the summer.
One of the tricks I did when I taught in the classroom and also used with my son when he was younger was to provide daily writing prompts. Kids often struggle to think of what to write about, so for the summer, you may want to consider removing that component.
Just tell your kids what to write about. Give them simple prompts. Some of them can be serious. Some of them can be silly. Some of them can be sweet. Some of them can even be nonsensical!
The point is to keep your kids expressing their thoughts, spelling words, using penmanship, practicing grammar rules, etc.
So, with that in mind, below, you will find a writing prompt for every day this summer (May, June, and July.) The vast majority are based on some sort of holiday, “national day of,” or an important birthday (with a few list-making days thrown into the mix too.) If you find it easier to have a printable version, you can print them here.
May Prompts
May 1 – It’s May Day!
Do a poll of your family and friends, asking them about their favorite flowers. Then write a few sentences about the results and maybe even show them in a simple graph.
May 2 – Make a List!
Today is the perfect day to make a list of fun things you want to do this summer.
May 3 – It’s International Wild Koala Day!
A koala is a special kind of mammal called a marsupial. Do you know what that means? Find out and explain what it means. And, then, also name four other marsupials.
May 4 – It’s Star Wars Day! (May the 4th Be with You!)
Pretend you could ask any Star Wars character three questions. Whom would you ask? And what would you ask him or her (or it?)
May 5 – It’s Cinco de Mayo!
Do you know any Spanish words? If so, write three sentences in Spanish and then translate them into English. If not, write down ten words in English and use an online English-Spanish dictionary to translate the words and write them down.
May 6 – It’s National Nurses Day!
Have you ever been tended to by a nurse that was gentle and kind when you were sick or injured? How did that make you feel?
May 7 – Make a List!
Make a list of life skills you want to work on this summer.
May 8 – It’s Harry Truman’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Truman and write an opinion piece on his most important contribution.
May 9 – It’s Lost Sock Memorial Day!
Really, that’s a thing! Ask your mom if socks disappear in your dryer. If so, write a hypothesis on where you think they go.
May 10 – It’s National Golf Day!
Have you ever played mini-golf? Write all about it. If you have never played, write what you think it would be like.
May 11 – It’s Minnesota’s Birthday!
Did you know that Minnesota’s nickname is Land of 10,000 Lakes? What is your state’s nickname? Find out what is and why and then write a few sentences all about it.
May 12 – It’s National Limerick Day!
Write a limerick poem. A limerick is a very short, humorous, nonsense poem. Within a limerick, there are five lines. The first two lines rhyme with the fifth line. And then, the third and fourth lines rhyme together.
May 13 – It’s Apple Pie Day!
With permission, find a recipe for an apple pie in a cookbook or online and write it out neatly. It’s great practice to focus on how to read and write measurements correctly, and maybe your mom will even help you make an apple pie this summer!
May 14 – It’s Mother’s Day!
Make a card for your mom and write several sentences or a sweet poem expressing what she means to you.
May 15 – Make a List!
Today is a great day to make a list of ten things you learned this year.
May 16 – It’s Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day!
Create a simple card for your neighbor with a kind message and maybe a promise of something helpful in the future, like taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, or walking their dog. But be sure to talk to your parents about this idea first.
May 17 – Make a List!
Make a list of five questions you would like to ask your parents about how they met.
May 18 – It’s International Museum Day!
Only with permission and assistance find about three or four images in a book or online of famous art pieces. Compare and contrast the pieces and explain what you like and dislike the most about each one and why.
May 19 – It’s National Pizza Party Day!
Do a poll of your family and friends, asking them about their favorite pizza topping. Then write a few sentences about the results and maybe even show them in a simple graph.
May 20 – It’s World Bee Day!
Do you know why bees are so important to people? (Hint: It rhymes with smollination!) Learn more about it and write a paragraph explaining how bees are so valuable and why we need to protect them.
May 21 – It’s Talk Like Yoda Day!
In honor of Yoda, throw the traditional grammar rules out the window and write a few sentences the way he talks. Instead of writing, “the sky is blue,” you would write, “blue, the sky is.” Or, instead of “I am hungry,” it would be, “hungry, I am.”
May 22 – It’s National Vanilla Pudding Day!
With permission, find a recipe for vanilla pudding in a cookbook or online and write it out neatly. It’s great practice to focus on how to read and write measurements correctly, and maybe your mom will even help you make vanilla pudding this summer!
May 23 – It’s World Turtle Day!
Do you know the differences between a turtle and a tortoise? Find out and write a paragraph as if you were explaining it to somebody else.
May 24 – It’s National Brother’s Day!
Do you have a brother? If so, write a few sentences explaining what you enjoy most about him. If you don’t have a brother, explain whether you wish you did or are glad you don’t.
May 25 – Make a List!
Make a list of ten jobs you think might be interesting to have when you grow up.
May 26 – It’s Rhode Island’s Birthday!
Did you know that Rhode Island is only 1,545 square miles and is the smallest state in the country? How big is your state? Find out and write several sentences about how your state compares to other states.
May 27 – It’s Sunscreen Day!
Do you know why wearing sunscreen is important? Do a bit of research on the topic and then write a paragraph explaining the importance of sunscreen.
May 28 – It’s National Hamburger Day!
Write a paragraph explaining the process of making a hamburger. Be sure to put things in the correct order of how you like your burger.
May 29 – It’s John F. Kennedy’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Kennedy and write an opinion piece on his most important contribution.
May 30 – Make a List!
Make a list of your ten favorite things you have done so far this summer.
May 31 – It’s Speak in Complete Sentences Day!
Yes, that’s a real thing! So, how about you just write five simple sentences about whatever you want. Just make sure they are complete!
June Prompts
June 1 – It’s National Pen Pal Day!
If you have a pen pal, be sure to write them a letter today. If you don’t and you would like one, ask your parents if they would be willing to help you find one.
June 2 – It’s National First Ladies Day!
We all know who our Presidents of course, but do you know about our First Ladies too? Do a little research and write a paragraph about one of the most interesting first ladies you read about.
June 3 – It’s National Repeat Day! It’s National Repeat Day! It’s National Repeat Day!
Find a meaningful quote or your favorite Bible verse and write it repeatedly in a notebook or journal.
June 4 – It’s National Shopping Cart Day!
Did you know that when the shopping cart was first released, customers did not like it, so they hired models to use the carts? Eventually, this inspired people to use the carts, and the trend caught on. Write a paragraph explaining how your family would shop for a week of food without using a shopping cart.
June 5 – Make a List!
Make a list of five specific academic skills you would like to work on this summer that you know will help make next school year easier. Times tables? Cursive? State capitals?
June 6 – It’s National Drive-in Movie Day!
Drive-in movies used to be very popular, even after regular sit-down theaters were commonplace. Why do you think people enjoyed going to the movie in their cars? And why do you think they have all but disappeared? Write all about it!
June 7 – It’s National VCR Day!
If you don’t know what a VCR is, ask your parents or grandparents. Once you know, write a sentence or two trying to explain what this means in terms of a VCR, “Be kind. Rewind.”
June 8 – It’s National Best Friends Day!
Write three sentences about how you and your best friend are similar. Then write three sentences about how you are different from one another.
June 9 – Make a List!
Make a list of ten new things you want to try this month.
June 10 – It’s National Ballpoint Pen Day
Today, write with a ballpoint pen for a change. If you normally write with a ballpoint pen, choose something else to write with.
June 11 – Add to Your List!
Now, add to the list from the other day by brainstorming creative and fun ways to work on those academic skills.
June 12 – It’s George H.W. Bush’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Bush and write a paragraph explaining his most important contribution in your opinion.
June 13 – It’s World Softball Day!
Write a few sentences explaining the differences between baseball and softball.
June 14 – It’s Donald Trump’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Trump and write a paragraph explaining his most important contribution in your opinion.
June 15 – It’s Smile Power Day!
Make an effort to smile at more people today and then write about their reactions. Be sure to also include how their reactions made you feel.
June 16 – It’s World Sea Turtle Day!
Compare and contrast land turtles to sea turtles.
June 17 – It’s World Croc Day! (The animal, not the shoe!)
Do you know the differences between crocodiles and alligators? If not, find out and then write about them.
June 18 – It’s Father’s Day!
Make a card for your dad and write several sentences or a sweet poem expressing what he means to you.
June 19 – Make a List!
Make a list of ten new things you want to try this summer.
June 20 – It’s West Virginia’s Birthday!
Did you know that West Virginia’s state bird is the Northern Cardinal? What is your state’s bird? Find out what it is and write a few sentences all about it.
June 21 – It’s the Summer Solstice!
Does that mean it will be the longest or shortest day of the year? Find out and then write about what you will do with your extra hours of light or darkness.
June 22 – It’s National Onion Ring Day!
Do you prefer French fries or onion rings? Explain.
June 23 – It’s National Pink Day!
Make a list of all the ways you can think of to say the color pink. Start by looking at a box of crayons.
June 24 – It’s Upcycling Day!
Make a list of five things you could upcycle to use as something else.
June 25 – It’s Virginia’s Birthday!
Did you know that Virginia was the 10th state to join the Union? When did your state become a state? Find out and write about it.
June 26 – It’s Forgiveness Day!
Is there somebody you need to forgive? Write a note to them explaining that you want to forgive them. Or, you could write a note to somebody asking them to forgive you for something you did.
June 27 – It’s National Onion Day!
Do you like onions? Raw? Grilled? Chopped? As rings? In salsa? On burgers? Not at all? Write all about how you feel about onions.
June 28 – Make a List!
June is almost over! Make a quick list of three things you want to accomplish before July starts, and then get them done.
June 29 – It’s National Camera Day!
Ask your parents and/or grandparents about how they used to have to wait for pictures to be developed before they could see what images their cameras had captured. Then write about how far the technology of photography has come.
June 30 – It’s National Meteor Day!
Go outside tonight and watch the night sky for at least 15 minutes. Then come back in and write about what you did (or didn’t) see.
July Prompts
July 1 – It’s International Joke Day!
Write one new joke and then try it out on a sibling or friend. If it doesn’t get a good laugh, write another one and try again!
July 2 – It’s Made in the U.S.A. Day!
Go through your home and find ten things that were made in the U.S.A. and make a list of them in a notebook.
July 3 – It’s Idaho’s Birthday!
Did you know that Idaho grows more potatoes than any other state? In honor of Idaho, write three sentences explaining your three favorite ways to eat potatoes.
July 4 – It’s Independence Day!
Take the day off from writing!
July 5 – It’s Mechanical Pencil Day!
Today, write with a mechanical pencil for a change. If you normally write with a mechanical pencil, choose something else to write with.
July 6 – It’s George W. Bush’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Bush and write a paragraph explaining his most important contribution in your opinion.
July 7 – It’s Strawberry Sundae Day AND It’s also World Chocolate Day!
Write a few sentences explaining which one you believe is a better treat!
July 8 – It’s National Blueberry Day!
Make a list of all the ways you can use blueberries to cook and bake with.
July 9 – Make a List!
Make a list of ten things you want to help your mom with this summer.
July 10 – It’s National Clerihew Day!
Write a Clerihew poem. The main conventions of a clerihew are that it is only four lines and has an AABB rhyme scheme. It mainly talks about a single subject, such as a person or a non-human being, and focuses on a key fact about the subject. It is always humorous, which makes it amusing for its readers.
July 11 – It’s Blueberry Muffin Day!
With permission, find a recipe for blueberry muffins in a cookbook or online and write it out neatly. It’s great practice to focus on how to read and write measurements correctly, and maybe your mom will even help you make blueberry muffins this summer!
July 12 – It’s World Paper Bag Day!
Write about whatever you want but write ON a paper bag!
July 13 – It’s French Fry Day!
List three types of French fries and then explain which one is your favorite and why.
July 14 – It’s Gerald Ford’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on President Ford and write a paragraph explaining his most important contribution in your opinion.
July 15 – It’s National Pet Fire Safety Day!
If you have pets, write out an escape plan for each pet just in case of a fire emergency.
July 16 – It’s World Snake Day AND Guinea Pig Appreciation Day!
Which do you prefer? Snakes or guinea pigs? Explain.
July 17 – Make a List!
Make a list of ten things you want to get done before summer comes to an end.
July 18 – It’s World Listening Day!
Spend ten minutes just sitting and listening. It could be anywhere. As long as you are not talking or interacting, just listening. What did you hear? Write it all down.
July 19 – Make a List!
Make a list of books you want to read during the next few months. Ask your parents for help to see if the library has them.
July 20 – It’s National Fortune Cookie Day!
Create 10-15 fortunes that you could put inside fortune cookies.
July 21 – It’s Take a Monkey to Lunch Day!
Seriously, that’s a thing. So, imagine if you could take a monkey to lunch. Where would you take it, and what would you feed it? Write it all down.
July 22 – Make a List!
Make a list of five new things you have learned this summer.
July 23 – It’s Vanilla Ice Cream Day AND Sprinkles Day AND Peanut Butter with Chocolate Day!
So, between those three things, create the best dessert. Write it all out.
July 24 – It’s National Cousins Day!
If you have a cousin, write him or her a letter today.
July 25 – It’s Amelia Earhart’s Birthday!
Do a bit of research on this remarkable woman and write five sentences explaining what you found to be the most interesting.
July 26 – It’s New York’s Birthday!
Did you know that New York is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes? What is unique about your state? Do some research and then write about it.
July 27 – Make a list!
Make a list of school supplies you need to buy before school starts.
July 28 – It’s National Waterpark Day!
Have you ever been to a waterpark? Did you enjoy it? What was your favorite part? Did any of the slides scare you? Do you want to go back?
July 29 – It’s Rain Day!
Write down all of the fun things you can do in the rain.
July 30 – Make a List!
Make a list of your favorite ten things you did this summer.
July 31 – It’s Jump for Jellybeans Day!
Make a list of as many jelly bean flavors as you can think of, and then explain which ones you like and which you do not like.
Phew! That was a load of writing prompts! But remember – they don’t need to do all of the above! We just want to keep them working a wee bit so they don’t totally slide into the abyss of summer mushiness. I always believed that 30-60 minutes of reading, a wee bit of writing, and a math game made for a lovely summer’s day of “work.
You might also want to combine these writing prompts with the Daily Informational Reading Passages with Comprehension Questions. They are based on big holidays, silly celebratory days, important birthdays, and other fun events and serve as an excellent way to work on non-fiction reading passages, but with interesting and entertaining topics that kids love.
And, no matter what, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the summer. Your kids deserve a break, and so do you!
