21 Clever Writing Prompts That Will Unleash Your Students' Creativity
Kickstart that school year.
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These are intended for elementary-aged students, but plenty can be adapted for older kids (and open-minded grown-ups) as well!
1. Use the building blocks of language.
2. Summon the power of song.
3. Get curmudgeonly.
4. REALLY curmudgeonly.
dailyteachingtools.com
Find tons more daily journaling ideas here.
5. Or rhyme-y.
seussville.com
Find more great Seuss-themed prompts here.
6. Or conspiracy theory-y.
firstgradeblueskies.blogspot.ca
Get the free printable here.
7. Walk in someone else's shoe.
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Or, you know, your own.
8. Imagine a terrible, wonderful future.
9. And help beyond your wildest dreams.
John Spencer / photoprompts.tumblr.com / Via writingprompts.tumblr.com
10. Use this incredible book as a jumping-off point.
hmhbooks.com
Each page features a mysterious drawing and single sentence description; from there, the possibilities for stories to tell are limitless. Borrow a copy from the library or buy one here.
11. React to something in your environment.
teachwithme.com
Get the free printable here.
12. Induce fear.
13. Lend a hand.
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14. Create a new world.
15. (Or a new person.)
16. Report on the world around you.
lauracandler.com
Get the free printable here.
17. Imagine yourself in new situations.
18. Grade yourself.
19. Make a game of it.
applestoapplique.com
Each white "kernel" is a setting, while each yellow one is a character. Pick two at random, and you're off and running.
20. Slow things down or speed 'em up.
21. Argue about life's big questions.
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Find many more persuasive writing prompts here.
Writing Prompts features a ton of rad ideas, and check out Teachers Pay Teachers for a treasure trove of teacher-generated resources.
And if you have any prompts that have worked well for you in the past (either as a student or a teacher), feel free to add them in the comments!