100 Writing Prompts for Kids

Writing prompts are an effective way to nurture children’s literacy skills. They inspire young minds to think creatively, expand their vocabulary, and improve their writing fluency. By turning skill-building into an enjoyable activity, writing prompts encourage kids to see writing as a form of self-expression rather than just another assignment. These simple tools can transform learning into an engaging and playful experience.

How to use writing prompts with kids

Using prompts with kids is simple and flexible. Start by choosing a prompt suited to their age and interests. Encourage them to brainstorm ideas without worrying about mistakes. Set a time limit to keep the activity focused and fun. Most importantly, offer positive feedback to build their confidence and enthusiasm for writing.

Writing prompts for elementary students

These prompts are designed to be simple, engaging, and age-appropriate, helping young learners build basic writing skills.

1. One day, you open an old book and suddenly get transported to a jungle full of animals that start with the letter C. What are these animals? What adventures do you go on together, and how do you find your way back home?
2. I wish my teachers knew that …
3. Rewrite “Little Red Riding Hood” from the wolf’s perspective.
4. If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose? What would you do with it?
5. Describe a routine that you often or always do. For example, when you wake up in the morning or when you return home from school.
6. If you met an alien, what three questions would you ask them?
7. Imagine that cats take over the world. What do they make humans do?
8. Invent a new holiday. What is it called? When is it? What do people usually do on that day?
9. Do you think kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want? Why (not)?
10. Finish this sentence: “Once upon a time, in a land far, far away …”

Writing prompts for middle schoolers

Middle school writing prompts encourage kids to explore new ideas and think more deeply. They help students build confidence while developing their writing skills.

1. A friend from another country is going to swap schools with you. Write a letter telling them what to expect.
2. Imagine scientists have invented a way to record our dreams! When you wake up, you can watch your dreams like movies on a screen. What are the upsides? What are the downsides? Would you want to watch your own dreams?
3. Write a poem in iambic pentameter.
4. You’re the teacher for the day. What will you do in your lesson?
5. You wake up on a 16th-century pirate ship. What happens next?
6. Write a story about a character who hears strange noises in the middle of the night.
7. Use only dialogue and write a conversation between two characters trying to convince each other about something.
8. You fell asleep for 100 years. What does the world look like when you wake up?
9. You get to take one book, one food item, and one famous person (living or dead) to a deserted island. What and whom do you take? Why?
10. What food or flavor do you remember tasting for the very first time?

Writing prompts for high schoolers

High school writing prompts guide students in tackling more complex topics and refining their ideas. They provide a space for critical thinking and personal growth as writers.

1. Describe a day in the life of someone your age who lives in a faraway country.
2. Write about a place that is important to you.
3. What historical event do you wish you had witnessed, and why?
4. Write a story about a character who travels through time and encounters their future self.
5. Write a poem that uses personification.
6. Imagine if one important invention, like the telephone or the steam engine, had never happened. How would our world be different now?
7. Write about a time when you did something without thinking it through.
8. If you could meet any fictional character from a book, who would it be?
9. Why do people love watching animal videos so much?
10. Some of the words we use today were coined by famous authors. Which word will you introduce into the dictionary?

Fun writing prompts for kids

Fun writing prompts turn storytelling into a playful adventure. They help kids stretch their imaginations and enjoy the process of turning ideas into exciting tales.

1. Rewrite your favorite story or book as a poem.
2. Imagine that colors have personalities. Then, describe a day in the life of your favorite color.
3. What fictional characters do you wish were real? Why?
4. What means of transportation will people use in the future?
5. Imagine a day in the life of your pet. Narrate their thoughts and adventures.
6. Imagine you look out the window and it is raining cookies from the sky! Write a story about the experience.
7. You’re the world’s greatest detective. Describe the most unusual case you came across. Did you solve it, or is it still a mystery?
8. Aliens from outer space land on Earth, and they pick you to show them around. Where will you take them?
9. You bite a candy bar and become very small, about the size of an ant. How do you navigate the world?
10. You have a personal robot assistant. How does it change your life?

Creative writing prompts for kids

Creative writing prompts give kids a chance to dream up unique stories and explore new possibilities. They’re all about letting young writers bring their ideas to life in fresh and exciting ways.

1. Someone puts a large black box on your doorstep. A note on the front reads, “Caution: may bite.”
2. You wake up stuck in the last movie you watched. What is it, and what do you do?
3. Describe your best friend using rhyme.
4. You discover a hidden doorway behind the bookshelves at your home. Where does it lead?
5. Imagine you are the captain of a 17th-century pirate ship. Write a diary entry describing what your day was like.
6. Write a short story that includes the line “You’re welcome.”
7. The chicken finally tells you why it crossed the road. What is the secret?
8. If you were to start your own YouTube video channel, what would the videos on your channel be about?
9. While on a school trip, a group of friends gets lost and discovers a bridge that leads to another world.
10. Go back in time to the era of your choosing and describe how you live.

Picture writing prompts for kids

Picture writing prompts encourage students to use an image as a starting point, which can be particularly helpful for kids who find writing intimidating and need a little inspiration to get started.

1. Why is the teddy bear there? What are its thoughts and feelings?

2. Where is this? Where does the road go? How would you feel traveling here alone?

3. The person who dropped this ice cream was startled. What made them drop their ice cream? Describe the scene, their emotions, etc.

4. Write a story about the picture above.

5. Write a story about a day at the beach.

6. Who lives here, and what’s their story?

7. Who/What is it? Where is it? What is it thinking? What would it do if it came alive?

8. Describe what is happening using all five senses.

9. Write a fantasy story based on this image. Imagine: Who lives there? What does their everyday life look like?

10. Write a poem based on the scene depicted.

Journal writing prompts for kids

Journaling gives kids a safe space to express their feelings and reflect on their experiences. It’s a simple way to help them understand their emotions and grow.

1. Describe your ideal life 15 years from now. What is something you can do every day to reach that goal?
2. Who is one person that you look up to and why?
3. Write about a time you felt particularly proud of yourself.
4. What makes a good friend?
5. If you could tell your family one thing that’s been on your mind lately, what would you say?
6. What do you do when you’re feeling angry? Write three things that can help you feel calm.
7. How can you cheer up a friend who is feeling sad?
8. What’s the best way to spend a rainy day?
9. Have you ever had a weird dream? What happened in the dream? What do you think it means?
10. Write a letter to your future self at age 45.

Seasonal writing prompts for kids

Seasonal writing prompts take advantage of the changing calendar to inspire children’s writing. These timely topics connect classroom activities to the world outside, making writing relevant and engaging as students explore holidays, weather changes, and seasonal traditions through their words.

Christmas writing prompts for kids

These festive prompts invite kids to explore the magic, traditions, and joy of the Christmas season. Students can exercise their creativity by imagining North Pole adventures, reflecting on holiday memories, or dreaming up new Christmas customs.

1. Imagine you are one of Santa’s elves. Write about a day in your life.
2. Create a new holiday tradition for your family. Describe what you would do.
3. If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
4. How do you prepare a house for the holidays?
5. Write a thank you letter to someone who gave you a gift last Christmas.
6. Write a story about a Christmas dinner from the perspective of the family of mice that lives in the fireplace.
7. Santa needs a vacation. Where should he go, and what should he do?
8. What is the best Christmas gift you have received? What made it special?
9. Imagine celebrating Christmas in summer! Or if you live where Christmas is hot, imagine what it’s like when it’s cold.
10. Describe what you think Christmas is like at the North Pole.

Halloween writing prompts for kids

Halloween offers endless opportunities for imaginative writing through magical elements and creative character development. These prompts encourage kids to explore the fun, spooky side of storytelling while building descriptive language skills.

1. Pretend you’re making a potion in a cauldron. What do you put in it? What does the potion do?
2. Give five facts and five opinions about candy.
3. You get to interview a witch or wizard. Make a list of 10 questions to ask them. How do you imagine they would answer? (Or have a sibling/friend answer them!)
4. Write a Halloween story mentioning as many common Halloween costumes as you can.
5. You find an injured bat on Halloween night.
6. Write a spooky Halloween menu for a restaurant.
7. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw …”
8. Write a story about a jack-o’-lantern that comes to life on Halloween.
9. Write a story including as many onomatopoeias (like “hiss” or “meow”) as you can.
10.  Create an advertisement to sell a haunted house.

Thanksgiving writing prompts for kids

Thanksgiving prompts help students reflect on gratitude, family traditions, and the meaning behind this important holiday. These writing exercises encourage kids to consider what they’re thankful for while developing their ability to express appreciation through words.

1. Explain Thanksgiving to someone from another country who has never heard of it.
2. What are some things you are thankful for?
3. If I could invite one famous person to Thanksgiving dinner, I would choose …
4. Why is it important to have a day of thanks?
5. Write an acrostic poem with the word “Thanksgiving.”
6. Choose a person in your life, such as a family member or friend, to write a Happy Thanksgiving message.
7. A favorite Thanksgiving memory is …
8. How could I help someone less fortunate on Thanksgiving?
9. Favorite Thanksgiving pie.
10. How would Thanksgiving be different if celebrated in August instead of November?

Frequently asked questions about writing prompts for kids

What are some winter writing prompts for kids?

Below are some winter writing prompts for kids:

• You’re visiting the North Pole! Write a postcard describing what it’s like when the sun doesn’t rise all winter. What animals did you see? How cold is it? What are you wearing to stay warm?
• Write step-by-step instructions on how to build a snowman for someone who has never seen snow before.
• The best/worst thing about winter is …
• When I look out the window during winter, I see …
• Write about what it would be like to live in an igloo.

What are some daily writing prompts for kids?

Here are some ideas for daily writing prompts for kids:

1. Describe what you look for in a friend.
2. What TV or movie characters do you wish were real? Why?
3. Write a poem about your family. What are some words to describe your loved ones?
4. I wish my teachers knew that …
5. It started out as just an ordinary day, but then …
6. Write about a family member who has an interesting story to tell.
7. Imagine you wake up one morning and you can suddenly speak to animals.

What are some funny writing prompts for kids?

Some funny writing prompts for kids include:

• You can breathe underwater and swim like a fish. What will you do with your new power?
• Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?
• What is the funniest-sounding word? Write a poem about it.
• Write about something funny your brother, sister, or best friend did recently. Did they mean for it to be funny? What made the moment so humorous?
• Create a story where fairy tale characters meet in unexpected ways! What happens when Snow White encounters the Three Bears or when another favorite character enters a different fairy tale world?