Break the Block: Why Free Writing Is the Back-to-School Strategy You Might Be Overlooking
We’ve all seen it…
You give students a blank writing journal on day one, and within seconds someone’s already asking:
“Do I have to write?”
Or the classic:
“I don’t know what to say.”
Back-to-school season is full of excitement, but it’s also full of nerves — especially when it comes to writing. For many students, putting words on paper after a summer off feels intimidating. And for some, the fear of “messing up” stops them before they even start.
But here’s the truth: The best way to get students writing… is to let them write.
Why Free Writing Should Be Part of Your First Week Plan
Free writing is more than a time-filler — it’s a confidence booster. When we remove the pressure of perfect spelling, grammar, and structure, students can finally focus on the fun part of writing: telling stories, expressing thoughts, and finding their voice.
Here’s what I’ve found free writing does early in the year:
✅ Breaks down writing anxiety — especially for students who struggle with structure or are afraid of getting things “wrong.”
✅ Builds writing stamina — those first few paragraphs are the hardest, but once they’re in the flow, they’ll surprise you with how much they have to say.
✅ Reveals student interests and voice — which helps you tailor future prompts and lessons to keep them engaged.
✅ Encourages creative risk-taking — with no grade attached and no pressure, students can explore their imagination freely.
How to Make Free Writing Work in Your Classroom
It’s as simple as giving your students 10–15 minutes to write. That’s it. You can start with:
A completely open-ended prompt (“Write about anything!”), or
A fun, engaging sentence starter to help them dive in.
Want a quick way to actually get them excited?
💫 Try a Finish-the-Story Prompt — something with just enough structure to spark imagination, but enough flexibility to let students take the story wherever they want.
Try This with Your Hesitant Writers…
One of my favorite back-to-school tools for overcoming writer’s block is my Magical Adventure Narrative Writing Prompt.
It’s a fun, creative “finish the story” adventure that gets kids’ imaginations going without the pressure of coming up with a plot from scratch. Whether they imagine secret doors, enchanted forests, or potions gone wrong — they start writing, and that’s what matters.
Even my most reluctant writers feel like real authors once they dive in.
✨ And right now, it’s only $1 during the final week of my Dollar Deals Sale — available now through August 29th, 2025!
👉 Click here to grab the Magical Adventure Prompt before the sale ends!
Let Them Write Without Limits
Whether you use a silly prompt, a journal entry, or a magical adventure, remember: the goal isn’t perfect writing — it’s getting them to write at all.
Once they start, the rest comes more easily. And you’ll be setting the tone for a writing classroom that encourages voice, creativity, and confidence.
Here’s to a year full of student stories just waiting to be told. 💛
