If you’ve visited my blog, you know that social studies is my first love. With that being said, I also enjoy teaching writing and I’m constantly looking for ways to combine writing and social studies.

I’ve created some fantastic journal prompts over the years that led to engaging discussions among my students. However, I often failed to write them down and I forgot them by the next year. So, this blog post was born.

I will add journal prompts to this post periodically, so be sure to check back. If you scroll to the end, you’ll be able to grab a pdf copy of my 50 favorite social studies journal prompts for free as my gift to you.

My goal for this blog post is to give you loads of social studies journal prompt ideas and maybe inspire you to create some journal prompts of your own!

So, how do I use these journal prompts in my classroom? I have my students do some sort of writing assignment each day. I use quick writes, like responses to questions or summaries of what they’ve learned about a topic.

I like to assign these journal prompts once or twice per week because they inspire kids to integrate social studies and writing. They also require some deeper thought!

Early American Settlements Journal Prompts

• As you know, the settlers living in the Lost Colony of Roanoke were described as missing. Describe and explain what you think may have happened to the lost colonists.

• European settlement in the New World proved disastrous for Native Americans. They had no immunity to diseases, like measles, flu, and smallpox, that were carried over by Europeans. Historians estimate that 90% of the Native American population in North America died due to disease. In your opinion, what can we/should we learn from this horrific loss of life?

• Wealthy men (gentlemen) who came to Jamestown on the first voyage did not plan to do any manual labor. In your opinion, was this a reasonable expectation for them to have? Explain your answer!

• When the Jamestown settlers and the Powhatan Indians began to interact, it was common for them to trade young boys between settlements. The boys would live with and learn the language and customs of the other group and later would be able to translate between the Powhatan and the settlers. What were the advantages and disadvantages of using this system? Explain!

• Many of the gentlemen who sailed to Jamestown on the first voyage came because they’d heard rumors that there were pieces of gold lying on the ground and free for the taking. Of course, we know now that this was a false rumor. Would you travel for months across the ocean on a small, crowded ship to an unknown, unsettled, dangerous wilderness if you thought you could find treasures? Explain your answer!

• The Starving Time in Jamestown was brutal and people did unthinkable things to stay alive. Do you look at these colonists with empathy or disgust? Explain your answer!

• The Puritans living in Massachusetts Bay were strict, principled, and unforgiving toward people who believed differently. Does this sort of approach to government and daily life make a better settlement? Why or why not? Explain!

• Separatists, later known as Pilgrims, fled England because they were being persecuted for their faith. They certainly didn’t have it easy in the New World. They had to construct their homes, buildings, establish farms, and etc. Do you think this type of life and hard labor would be worth it to have religious freedom? Explain your answer!

• The settlements of Plimoth (Plymouth) and Jamestown had very different relationships with the Native American groups living near them. Jamestown colonists had a turbulent, sometimes violent relationship with the Powhatan while Plimoth colonists enjoyed a long period of peace with the Wampanoag. Why do you think the settlements had such different experiences?

Colonial America Journal Prompts

• Before the stirrings of the American Revolution, colonists were more than happy to be British citizens. Why might being part of a large, powerful empire have been comforting for American colonists?

• As the population of Colonial America grew, the need for land increased. The Proclamation of 1763 was an attempt by King George III to protect Native American land and keep the colonists east of the Appalachian Mountains. Do you think the Proclamation of 1763 was fair or would you have made a different plan to protect Native American land?

• Georgia was founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe as a place for English debtors to work off their debts as an alternative to spending time in prison. Do you think that work colonies would be a better alternative than prisons today? Explain your answer fully!

• In your opinion, what were the three most challenging things about being a colonist in the New World? Explain!

• It is an unfortunate fact that women were second-class citizens in Colonial America. They weren’t allowed to vote, run for office, or in most cases, own property. How might colonial society have been different if women had been entitled to more rights?

• Before the American Revolution broke out, each colony operated as a separate country with its own identity, including printing their own unique money. There was Georgia money, Virginia money, Delaware money, and so on. Is that a better system than our standard monetary system today? Explain!

• Colonists who were in the farming business needed extra workers, so many of them hired indentured servants. A young man or woman in England who wanted to come to the New World would sign an indenture contract and work for 4-7 years for the person who purchased their contract. At the conclusion of the contract, the servant would be set free and receive items, like a mule, wagon, seeds, and etc. Do you think this was a good deal for a poor person with no other opportunities? Explain your answer fully!

• If you were magically transported back to the 18th Century, which of the following trades would you have chosen: Shoemaker, Blacksmith, Apothecary, or Merchant? Explain!

• Many colonial-era students stopped attending school once they could read and write in favor of starting an apprenticeship. Apprentices were young people who lived and worked with a master artisan for several years to slowly learn the trade that they would eventually practice on their own. Do you think we should bring back this system and make apprenticeships a valid option for students who don’t want to go to college? Explain!

• Many 18th Century schools were one-room school houses while most schools today are separated into grade levels. In your opinion, which system provides a better educational environment? Explain!

• One of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, often shared his wisdom with others in the form of short, wise quotes. For example: Well done is better than well said. Create two original, short quotes to share your own wisdom. Be sure to explain the meanings behind your quotes fully!

American Revolution Journal Prompts

• Many of our well-known historical figures are considered American heroes. Their mistakes and shortcomings are often glossed over and ignored. Should we be more realistic, honest, and open about the positives and negatives of our historical heroes? Why or why not?

• There are countless men and women who sacrificed so much to help our nation gain independence. Unfortunately, many of their names and personal stories are lost to history. How can we honor these people: A special day? A monument? Be creative!

• Historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich said, “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” How does this quote apply to the women involved in the American Revolution?

• As you know, news traveled throughout the colonies at a snail’s pace. Do you think the American Revolution would have broken out sooner if colonists were able to communicate faster and more efficiently?

• In the discussion of Patriots vs. Loyalists, colonists who were neutral are often overlooked. Why might a colonist have chosen to remain neutral while people around him/her were choosing the Loyalist or Patriot point of view? Explain!

• The first camera was invented many years after the conclusion of the American Revolution. We must rely on primary sources to learn about this historical period. How might photographs have changed our understanding of the people, places, and events of the American Revolution?

• The words of the Declaration of Independence are powerful. How do you feel about phrases like “all men are created equal” knowing that the signers of the Declaration of Independence excluded the enslaved population? Explain!

• In the midst of the American Revolution, Abigail Adams wrote a letter to her husband, John Adams, encouraging him and the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies.” She wanted the men debating and voting in the Continental Congress to be more fair and generous to the ladies than in generations past. Keeping in mind the non-existent rights of women in the 18th Century, what two things could the Continental Congress have done to improve life for women? Explain!

• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Women were the real heroes of the American Revolution because they held down homes and businesses while their husbands and fathers were away at war. Explain your answer!

• We know that Taxation without Representation was one of the major issues that led to the American Revolution. Colonists were refused a seat in Parliament and thus had no representation. Imagine for a moment that colonists HAD been given representation in Parliament. Do you think the American Revolution would have happened at all?

• The American Revolution lasted a long time and cost thousands of lives. Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter in 1783 that there was never a good war or a bad peace. What does this quote mean to you? Explain your answer fully!

Early American Government Journal Prompts

• The Articles of Confederation failed because the central government was too weak. Colonists didn’t want another king, so most of the government’s power was divided among the states. How might our lives be different today if our founding fathers had never created a new form of government, the Constitution?

• While framing the Constitution, our founding fathers knew that slavery needed to be addressed but decided to leave that burden to future generations. Was it fair for our founding fathers to ignore the horrors of slavery and leave the issue to be dealt with later? Explain!

• When our founding fathers wrote the Constitution, they divided the power of the federal government into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. How might our nation be different today if they’d only created one all-powerful branch of government?

• As you know, the Bill of Rights is comprised of the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Do you think the rights that Americans are granted in the Bill of Rights are sufficient for today’s world? Should we add rights, remove rights, or leave them as is? Explain!

• When Ben Franklin exited the Constitutional Convention, he was asked what type of government was created by the delegates. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Are Americans doing everything they can to keep our republic running strong? Explain!

• Once George Washington completed his second term as President, he stepped down and returned to civilian life as a farmer, setting a precedent for future Presidents. How do you think American history would have changed if President Washington refused to give up the power of the presidency?

• The Supreme Court is the most powerful court in our nation. Their word is the final word. There are thousands of files submitted to the Supreme Court each year by people hoping that the justices will listen to their cases. The Supreme Court is choosy and only listens to cases that affect public policy or set precedents. Do you think this is fair? Should the court listen to all cases submitted? Explain!

• The House of Representatives is said to “hold the purse strings” for the United States. This means that the House is responsible for taxing and spending taxpayers’ money. Why do you think the system was set up like this? Explain!

Modern America Journal Prompts

• In the 21st Century, we have vaccines, technology, and instant communication. How have these advancements changed American history?

• Nearly every step we take in public places is recorded by a surveillance camera. Do these cameras violate our right to privacy? Explain!

• As Americans, we have religious freedom. However, some religious groups in our nation are ridiculed, mocked, or even outright bullied. Should we allow this to continue? If you have the freedom to practice your religion, should others have that right as well? Explain your answer!

• Diversity is defined as “the inclusion of different types of people.” Why is diversity important in school, our neighborhoods, the workplace, and American society? Explain!

• There has been much discussion in our country about whose responsibility it is to teach children discipline and manners. What do you think? Who should be responsible for this important task?

• There are more than 100 uncontacted tribes around the globe. Should Americans, or any people group for that matter, have the right to visit these tribes for cultural or religious reasons? Explain!

• We know that history often repeats itself. Describe one thing from history that you hope will repeat and describe one thing that you hope will never be repeated.

• There is no shortage of criticism about our current president. Nearly every president in American history has been criticized at one time or another. What do you think it takes to be a good president? There will always be people who disagree, but what could a president do to be beloved by most Americans? Explain!

• List three reasons why our nation is a great place to live. Explain each reason fully!

• Statistically speaking, Americans are safer today than we’ve ever been. However, it doesn’t feel that way because we are constantly bombarded with tragic, terrifying stories from across the world due to social media. Does social media make Americans more fearful? Explain your answer!

• There are numerous debates and disagreements in the American spotlight right now. Describe one “hot button issue” facing our nation today and explain your stance on the issue.

Thank you for visiting my blog post! If you have a fantastic journal prompt you’d like to see added to this post for other teachers, please email me at jenifer@thriveingradefive.com and I will be sure to credit you in the post 🙂