writing experiences!
(The complete directions for each of the writing experiences are found by clicking the links at the end of each description.)
What is great about the place you call home? To support the Nike City Connect campaign this summer, the Cubs will recognize seven community leaders and highlight the neighborhoods they serve or represent. As part of this effort, we want to hear what you have to say about the neighborhood you live in. Tell us about your neighborhood and how it has shaped you. Also, let us know what you think it means to be a good member of a community. Read the full prompt.
Should Roberto Clemente’s number be retired across all of Major League Baseball? A lot of numbers have been retired by individual teams, but there is only one number across MLB that has been retired so far: #42, worn by Jackie Robinson. What would it mean to have another number retired by every team? Would retiring Roberto Clemente’s number help to recognize the contributions of LatinX people in the U.S.? Read the full prompt.
How Could Jackie Robinson’s Values Guide Me? He broke the color barrier in baseball and went on to fight for equality and justice beyond the field. His life and career exemplify nine values that can guide us all to live well and make a difference in the world: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, excellence. How do these values guide you? Read the full prompt.
International Women’s Day: This prompt is an invitation to show your commitment to challenging gender inequality and helping forge an inclusive world. Read the full prompt.
A Black History Month Tribute: Black History Month presents an opportunity to honor the many contributions of African-Americans, to reflect on and deepen our understanding of our nation’s complicated history, and to recognize the persistent struggle for equality in the United States. Read the full prompt.
Tip Your Cap to the Negro League: In June 29, 2020, four former United States presidents tipped their caps to the great players of the Negro Leagues, an unprecedented salute to the men and women denied the chance to play in the Major Leagues. This was in celebration — and commemoration — of the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Negro Leagues. The Players’ Journal would like our contributors also to give a “Tip of the Cap” by writing a tribute to one of these Negro League legends. Read the full prompt.
more Writing Experiences
A Season without sports: Our love of sports is why we play. The games, the teamwork, the friendships and the life lessons are all ways we benefit from participating in sports. When something we love is taken away from us so quickly, it is disorienting, troubling and angering. Writing about how you’re feeling for an audience that appreciates where you’re coming from could help you feel better. You’re not in this alone and your words might help someone else. Read the full prompt.
You’ve got to do this! Share about an activity you’re passionate about and convince your reader to give it a try. Hobby that you love? Binge-watching a show? A new app that changed your life? Tell us why we gotta try this! Read the full prompt.
Who is this special person? Write a tribute for a special person (someone you know personally or not) and explain what they mean to you. Write it in the context of the event where it would be delivered. Read the full prompt.
Why am I so angry and what can I do about it? Write about an issue that gets you fired up and offer an idea for what you could do about it. Read the full prompt.
How do I…? Explain how to do something that you are an expert at. Throw a curve ball, bake a cake, or braid your hair. Let your expertise shine! Read the full prompt.
If I knew then what I know now. Write an advice letter to your former self. Is there something you’ve learned to appreciate? Do you have a better perspective than in the past? What does your younger self need to know? Read the full prompt.
Impossible Arguments: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Is Michael or LeBron the GOAT? Some arguments are impossible to solve because the truth is likely somewhere in the middle. Let’s get a new debate started! Read the full prompt.
Where do we get our topics?
The writing experiences for The Players’ Journal have been adapted from The Writer’s Practice: Building Confidence In Your Non-Fiction Writing by John Warner (2019). We’ve chosen a handful of these experiences for our blog topics. These topics are really diverse and you’ll be able to write about almost anything that interests you. We also routinely add topics based on current events in the world that inspire our contributors. However, if you can’t fit your ideas into one of these topics, just pitch us a new one!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is there a minimum or maximum length requirement?
There are no length requirements. Seriously! However, we recommend you shoot for somewhere between 500 and 1000 words. We would like some consistency for Players’ Journal posts.
What if I want to write about a topic not listed in the suggested prompts?
Please contact the journal moderators to get approval for your topic. Email the moderators at info@playersjournal.blog. Use the subject line “Players Journal Prompt Idea.”
Can I comment on other students’ posts?
Yes. Comments will be reviewed by a moderator from Educational Endeavors before being published.
Can I post more than one piece of writing?
Yes!