Friendship Journal Writing FREEBIE for BIG KIDS

Each school year brings new students, new enthusiasm for learning, and unfortunately at times, new issues and problems that students need considerable help navigating. One area I feel is a work in progress each year is helping my almost middle school girls and boys work through their frustrations, aggravations, and complete annoyance with one another. Often it starts outside of school, but quickly it becomes a huge issue that impacts learning because my students are so worked up. One day these arguing students are “besties,” and the next, dream of ripping the others’ hair out. Ok, maybe not that severe, but I will share that I have broken up a few of these in my 15 years. That is worst case scenario, of course. My goal is always to catch things before they get out of hand, so the situation doesn’t go even more beyond where it has already gotten.

In addition, I have found that I can talk until I am blue in the face, but what ALWAYS needs to happen is the chance to let my students get their thoughts out and then we can work through the remaining concerns and worries. Sometimes tempers are so high and feelings are so hurt that talking will get us nowhere because it will simply lead to a yelling match. So I created these prompts. They are not to be used in every situation, but perhaps getting your students to reflect is the best way to make some changes and see improved relationships.

I am not a counselor, I just play one a few days a week. Instead of beating my head against a wall when I am faced with the same struggles with student friendships, I created these journal prompts as a positive way to make some encouraging changes in students that are struggling with their friendships with others. Please use as you see fit.

Ideas for Use:
1. Make copies of prompts.
2. Use in a writing center, with a whole class, small group, or individual.
3. Utilize as a conflict management tool or for high-interest response writing.
4. Allow students time to reflect and write.
5. Share responses as you deem appropriate.
6. Encourage positive friendship characteristics daily.


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For more of my Writing and Word Work Resources:

• Draw, Write, and Share! Problem-Based Journal Prompts for Reluctant Writers

• Journal of the Week for Middle Grades to Middle School

• Sentence of the Day: CCSS Editing Toolkit

• Word of the Day CCSS Word Work for Middle School

• Writing Rules! Lessons, Prompts, and Rubrics for ALL CCSS for Grades 4-6

• Summertime Journal Prompts

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I would love your feedback on this product. Also, feel free to FOLLOW me so that you have the chance to find out about any new novel units, reader's theaters, or other language arts materials for the middle grades I create as soon as they are posted.