With traditional writing journals, students are usually required to copy a prompt from the board (which wastes valuable time), and they are limited to one prompt. (Ever have a kid spend his entire writing time just getting the prompt written, and then just get the creative juices flowing as time is up? Ugh-frustrating.  If students have no prior knowledge pertaining to this singular prompt, they may get stuck with the task before they've even started.  Having a variety of prompts available in a digital resource will give your students a choice in what they'd like to write about, and in turn will most likely increase student engagement.  Another reason I love digital writing journals is because it is easier to accommodate students that may struggle with getting their thoughts down on paper.  For example, a student that is unable (or struggles) with typing could use the Voice to Text tool in Google Docs, and then copy and paste the outcome into their Google Slide.

Does anyone even know what an encyclopedia is anymore, or how to use it for that matter?  The great thing about using digital journals within Google Slides is that research tools once found in the library are now just a click away!  You no longer have to spend precious time taking your entire class to the library so your students can try and find books related to their topics. By using the Explore tool available for Google Docs, kids can find related articles and images for their informational/explanatory writing prompts with just one click.

Check out this quick overview of Google's Explore Tool below.

Please note that Google has done away with the popular Research tool that helped students cite their information correctly and replaced it with Explore.  While the Explore tool is extremely handy, it can also be tempting for your kids to copy and paste information, or use copyrighted images. A quick refresher on plagiarism and copyright is advisable before introducing this feature.

For a quick visual reminder about these digital citizenship skills I like to print these posters four to a page, cut, and place on a metal ring to hang at each lab station.

Wanting to take back your weekends, and not spend them lugging around essays in the back of your car and waiting until Sunday night to tackle them?  Another great thing about using digital writing journals is that you can grade on the go (while kids are in center rotations, at P.E., or when you're at lunch), without having to drag papers around with you.  Students get feedback more quickly which is more beneficial to them because they can enhance their writing the same day while it's still fresh in their minds.   In Google Slides, teacher comments are found on the side of the page so your students don't see the dreaded red ink markings we all grew up with and dreaded.

How long does it typically take for your students to complete a writing project? One, two weeks depending if research is involved, and the rewrites are lengthy?  Quit wasting valuable class time having your students rewrite and rewrite countless pages just for a few revisions. Your kids will tire of the assignment and not have enough steam to finish strong. In Google Slides writing prompts, students can easily add details, subtract unclear sections, and enhance their projects with adjectives and adverbs in places that you've highlighted.  Your writing conferences will take a fraction of the time.  No eraser marks or hand cramps from rewriting required.  Bam, I just saved you at least two class periods! :)

Hate spending half your prep time standing in front of a broken down copy machine?  Been there, done that. Using digital journals will save you all that time because you won't be copying those graphic organizers and such.  In this Digital Writing Prompts resource I've included 5 graphic organizers for each genre of writing, as well as editing/revising checklists on every slide that are aligned to the standards.

Most of your students' organizational worries can be alleviated, because they don't have to rummage through their desks to find their notes.  Going paperless is also great for teachers because it means not having to carry one more teacher bag full of essays home to grade. Awesome!

So there you have it, my top five ways to maximize your ELA instructional time using digital writing prompts.  I'd love to hear what other ways you save time by enhancing your writing lessons with technology!