Narrative writing is a great way to help students take a break from more structured, academic writing, in order to reflect on their own thoughts or on things they’ve learned and experienced over time.
Below, you’ll find a list of narrative writing prompts to encourage your sixth graders to open up and write about things they typically might not.
Using This Guide
When it comes to reflective journaling, students often participate more when they aren’t being graded or judged based on what they write.
Consider keeping these prompts handy for downtime between activities, quiet time, or when it seems like a student needs a little extra nudge.
Here are some ways you can use this list in your classroom:
- Print prompts on strips of paper, and have students pick their assignments randomly.
- Include a copy of these prompts in your start-of-year paperwork for students to keep handy when they need them.
- Consider letting students keep a separate, ungraded journal for more personal prompts and writing activities.
The Writing Prompts
- Write about a time when you struggled with your self-esteem.
- What is your favorite elementary school memory?
- Who is someone you see as a role model? Why do they inspire you?
- What would you do with your free time if you had less access to technology?
- Write about a time when you felt afraid. What happened to make you feel better?
- Have you ever been in a fight with your best friend? Write about your fight and how it was resolved.
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Why?
- Write 10 things you have in common with someone from your class with whom you aren’t friends.
- What would you do if you woke up tomorrow with wings?
- What sort of books would make you more interested in the required reading for class? Why?
- Have you ever been a victim of racism? How did it feel?
- Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? What did you do?
- What is one thing you wish you could change about your community to make it more inclusive?
- Which video game character do you relate to most? Why?
- Which book character do you relate to most? Why?
- Which superhero do you relate to most? Why?
- Write about a time when you felt betrayed. What happened next?
- What is your favorite holiday memory?
- Write about the last time someone surprised you. How did you react?
- Would you rather spend the summer at a camp on a lake or in a condo on the beach? Why?
- Do you have a secret you’ve never told anyone? Write about it here, with as little or as much detail as you’d like.
- What are three careers you would like to have in the future? Why do these things interest you?
- If you could live in the world of any video game, which would you choose? Why?
- Do you think kids and teens spend too much time using technology? Explain your answer.
- Do you think that students should have mandatory homework? Why or why not?
- Write about someone in your family who you look up to.
- Does your family have any holiday traditions? What are they?
- Write the schedule of your typical day.
- Do you have a particular teacher who has affected your life in a positive way? Write a letter to them.
- If your best friend was a color, what color would they be? Explain.
- If you woke up tomorrow and learned that you could talk to your pet, what would you talk to them about?
- What is something that you’re afraid of? What do you think you could do to overcome this fear?
- Which do you prefer: online learning or school in the classroom? Explain your answer.
- What is your favorite restaurant? What do you like to order there?
- Who is someone you can always depend on? Write about what makes them dependable.
- What does it mean to be an ally?
- What do you think it means to be a feminist?
- When you are sick, what are some things that make you feel better?
- Write about a time when you were excited about something.
- What is your favorite type of weather? Why?
- Which holiday is your favorite? Why?
- Make a list of ten ways you can help the environment.
- Compare and contrast yourself with a friend or sibling.
Looking For More?
Our site is home to a ton of great teacher, parent, and guardian resources that can be used in the classroom or at home. If you’re looking for something specific and can’t find it here, let us know. We’d love to help you out.
