What if your students actually looked forward to writing time?  What if they all cheered instead of moaning and groaning when you announce it’s time for writing? I’ll bet that sounds like music to your teacher ears!    I continue to hear from many of you that getting your students excited to write  is still one of your greatest challenges. That’s why today I’m going to share ways to improve student writing skills AND improve their motivation to write. Writing doesn’t have to be bland. It doesn’t have to take a ton of prep either. Push play to hear my favorite engaging writing strategies, and check out the next episode for part two of this topic!   In this episode I share: -The important connection between reading and writing -Super simple and creative ways to make writing FUN -How to encourage daily journaling + examples of writing prompts -Ideas to strengthen creative writing skills by writing short stories   SHOW NOTES: theliteracydive.com/podcast-episode45   Related Resources: -Creative Writing Boggle Boards -Creative Writing Activities -Scholastic Story Starters    Connect with me: -Check out my TpT Store -Subscribe to my E-mail list -Instagram Posts -Blog Posts -Facebook Posts -Watch my YouTube channel    If you are enjoying The Literacy Dive Podcast, please subscribe, leave a rating, and a helpful review! It is much appreciated and thank you for listening!