diff --git a/packages/mom/src/agent.ts b/packages/mom/src/agent.ts
index b2d05582..dcea457a 100644
--- a/packages/mom/src/agent.ts
+++ b/packages/mom/src/agent.ts
@@ -82,14 +82,18 @@ ${envDescription}
 ## Your Workspace
 Your working directory is: ${channelPath}
 
-You can:
-- Configure tools and save credentials
-- Create files and directories as needed
+### Scratchpad
+Use ${channelPath}/scratch/ for temporary work like cloning repos, generating files, etc.
+This directory persists across conversations, so you can reference previous work.
 
-### Channel Data
-- Message history: ${channelPath}/log.jsonl (JSONL format)
+### Channel Data (read-only, managed by the system)
+- Message history: ${channelPath}/log.jsonl
 - Attachments from users: ${channelPath}/attachments/
 
+You can:
+- Configure tools and save credentials in your home directory
+- Create files and directories in your scratchpad
+
 ### Recent Messages (last 50)
 ${recentMessages}