Writing Prompts for Kids

What Do Your Students Want to Write?

Even at the elementary level, asking a child what they want to write about may be the easiest solution. If they have trouble coming up with an idea, ask them about their interests; i.e., what they like to do, where they like to go, what they want to be when they grow up. You never know what might spark their interest.

How Can I Encourage Kids to Write?

If you need an extra boost, here are some ideas to get their minds working:

• If I Were a Superhero: This one's easy. Every child, at one point, has thought about what it would be like to have superpowers. With the amount of comic book movies that come out every year, it isn't hard to imagine boys and girls envisioning themselves on the big screen.
• When I Grow Up: Another simple one. In the back of their minds, every kid has an idea of the career they want at a young age. Fortunately for them, this makes for a great writing exercise, and they will have fun comparing answers.
• What Are You Afraid Of: For the brave souls in the classroom, this prompt will let kids discuss their biggest fears, which might include monsters in the closet or ghosts.

What Other Tips Can I Use?

Study.com's Middle School Language Arts Course contains a number of engaging lessons focused on writing prompts for kids. You can explore these and the entire library of online lessons for a small monthly subscription fee.