Let’s face it, we’ve all got a creative side! Some of us are artists, some of us play music, some of us come up with outstanding ideas for new video games, and some of us are writers.
But you don’t have to consider yourself a writer to write something that other people would want to read. In fact, you’re probably a better writer than you even realize.
Using This Guide
Our prompt lists are great because you can use them however you’d like to inspire your own writing or that of your students. As long as you’re writing, you’re on the right track.
But sometimes figuring out what to write can be tough—especially if you’re not a person who writes often.
If you need some help getting started, take a look at these ideas below:
- Challenge yourself to pick a prompt and write every day for a week.
- Scan the list and use the first prompt that catches your eye.
- Start with the prompt that seems least appealing to you. You may be surprised.
Time For Prompts!
- If you were given the ability to read the mind of one person, who would you choose? Why?
- Do you think your first name fits your personality? If you could pick a new name, would you? What would it be?
- Think about your grandparents. What qualities do you think you got from them?
- Do you have any bad habits? Which is the habit you’d most like to break? Why?
- What is your favorite book series? Why?
- Write a poem or story using the following words: fairy, scooter, chameleon, wonderful
- How can your school be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ students?
- If you could blink right now and travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do there?
- Who is your favorite streamer or content creator? Why?
- Write a poem about your favorite season.
- Do you enjoy watching musicals? Explain.
- Compare and contrast you and your best friend, and then write about the day you met.
- Write about the first concert or sporting event you attended.
- What is the most unique thing about your city?
- Have you ever been a victim of or witnessed sexism? How did it make you feel?
- What’s something you used to be afraid of but no longer are? What helped you get over your fear?
- Write an apology letter to someone you should’ve been nicer to.
- Write a story from the point of view of a giraffe.
- Write a step-by-step guide to something you are good at.
- Write a poem about your favorite sound.
- Describe your favorite color using your five senses.
- What is your favorite thing to do at the park or playground?
- What is your favorite animated movie? Why?
- Why do you think it’s important to review before learning new things?
- Write a story from the point of view of someone meeting you for the first time.
- Write a story about a zookeeper who accidentally left some cages unlocked last night.
- Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater? Why?
- What is the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
- Do you prefer lakes and rivers or the ocean? Why?
- Write a letter to your favorite author.
- If you won an award, what would it be for?
- You are given the ability to reread one book for the first time. Which do you pick? Why?
- What is your favorite holiday? Why? Does your family have special traditions for this holiday?
- Write a story from the point of view of your family’s washing machine.
- What is your dream job? Why?
- What is something that you enjoy but others think is childish?
- What is your favorite meal to prepare for yourself? When did you learn to make it?
- Do you have a favorite sports team? Why are they your favorite?
- Write a poem about your favorite person.
- If you could be any video game character, who would you be? Why?
- Write a story from the point of view of someone from 1952 who just woke up in 2022.
- Describe your favorite rollercoaster.
- Write about the craziest thing that has ever happened to you.
- Which Hogwarts House do you feel you’d be sorted into? Why?
- Write a story about a ghost who lives in your backpack.
- Would you rather be famous or respected? Why?
- You wake up to a text that says, “You broke the simulation. Congrats.” What happens next?
- Write a story or poem using the following words: banjo, lemon, skateboard, banana
- Who is your favorite Star Wars character? Why?
- You wake up to discover that it snowed 3ft last night—in July! What happens next?
- Write about the bravest thing you’ve ever done.
- Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
- What would it be like if you switched lives with your parents for a day?
- Write a story about why the chicken actually crossed the road.
- Write a letter to your role model.
- What is your favorite thing about school?
- Compare and contrast riding a bike vs riding a scooter. Which do you prefer?
- What is your favorite TV show? Summarize it.
- Describe your ideal ice cream sundae.
- Write a story about a scientist who discovers a new planet.
- Rewrite your favorite fairy tale, set in the present day.
- Write a story about a kid who gets locked in their school overnight.
- If you could change one major historical event, what would it be? Why?
- You come across a portal in the woods and step through. What happens next?
Want More Prompts?
We have a ton of writing prompts for all ages, grade levels, and interests—but if you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it, let us know.
We’d love to hear from you. We also have resources for parents and teachers to help writers master their skills and have fun in the process.
