| |

Writing Prompts for Kids – 180 Ideas!

Writing Prompts for Kids: 180 Ideas for Students— Daily writing and reflection time can be beneficial to people of all ages, but it’s especially valuable for those school students who are still learning how to think about and express their places in the world.  When kids write regularly, they don’t just become better at constructing sentences and paragraphs—they also learn that what they have to say matters.  They learn that their thoughts and ideas are worth sharing and that their voices deserve to be heard.

Daily Writing Prompts for Students

With that in mind, we’ve developed a special list of 180 writing prompts for kids. This list was created with younger school students in mind yet may be used with kids of all ages.  These prompts are loosely divided into 20 per month from September through May so that there are enough writing activities to take you and your class through the entire school year.

Many of the topics on this list of writing prompts for kids are seasonal or thematic so that your students can stay engaged by reflecting on the things they’re learning and experiencing each month.

By the end of the school year, your students will have journals full of reflections and fun memories to look back on—and they’ll be eager to begin a whole new set of journal entry prompts and daily writing when they return to school next year!

Writing Prompts for Kids
180 Ideas for Students

  1. What are you looking forward to the most this school year?
  2. Set three goals for the coming school year—and write about how you will achieve them.
  3. Do your parents feel sad or excited at the beginning of a new school year? How do you feel?
  4. How do you feel being in __________ grade? Anxious?  Excited?  Grown up?  Write about your feelings.
  5. What extracurricular activities are you looking forward to this year?
  6. Do you have any friends in other grades or classes? What do you like to do when you see each other?
  7. How do you do your homework? Do you have a special place where you work on it?  A snack?  Write about your routine.
  8. Write about your daily schedule at school. Highlight your favorite and least favorite parts of the day.
  9. What is one thing our class could do to welcome everyone back to school?
  10. What is your favorite thing to do after school?
  11. Do you walk, ride the bus, or have your parents drive you to school? Do you like it?  Why or why not?
  12. Do you find it easy or difficult to pay attention in school? Why?
  13. Do you enjoy your time at school? Why or why not?
  14. If we could go anywhere on a field trip this year, where would you like to go?
  15. What is one thing you would like your classmates to know about you? Write about it and then share it with the class.
  16. What is your favorite way to show school spirit? Write about how and why you like our school.
  17. What can you do this year to help others who are less fortunate than you?
  18. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
  19. What is your favorite subject? Your least favorite subject?  Write about why you like and dislike each one.
  20. Do you prefer learning by reading, listening, watching, or doing? Why?
  21. Fall is the season of cooler weather, leaves falling, apple-picking, and pumpkin pie. What do you love most about fall?
  22. Describe a fall day using your five senses.
  23. Think of all the changes the trees and plants have been through over the past year since last fall. What kinds of changes have you been through?
  24. Autumn is a time of transition. Write about a time when you experienced an “in-between” period, or transition, in your own life.
  25. What is your favorite sight to see in the fall? Write about how it makes you feel.
  26. Write a story about a lonely leaf that couldn’t fall from its tree.
  27. How do you feel when you jump into a big pile of leaves? Use as much detail as possible.
  28. Write about your favorite family fall tradition.
  29. Write a magical Halloween spell. What would it include—and what would your spell do if it worked?
  30. Write a story about a pumpkin patch with a special pumpkin that couldn’t stop growing.
  31. What are you going to dress up as this Halloween? Write about your costume and why you chose it.
  32. What is your trick-or-treating strategy? Write about when and where you go and how you decide which houses to visit.
  33. What is the coolest Halloween costume you ever had? Why was it so special?
  34. What is your best Halloween memory? Use as much detail as you can to describe what happened.
  35. Would you ever choose a trick over a treat? Why or why not?
  36. Do you like going to haunted houses? Why or why not?
  37. Write a spooky story about a dark forest on a stormy night.
  38. What type of Halloween candy is the best? Why?
  39. Do you like to be a little scared on Halloween? Why or why not?
  40. Write about a time when you were really scared—and what happened afterward.
  41. Thanksgiving offers the perfect chance to reflect on our many blessings. What are you thankful for this year?
  42. What can you do to show people how much you appreciate them?
  43. What is a “hidden blessing” in your life—something you are grateful for but might not think about very often? Write about why you appreciate it.
    Journal Prompt Ideas for Students
  44. What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? Write about it in as much detail as possible.
  45. What Thanksgiving traditions does your family enjoy each year?
  46. Write a story about a pair of turkeys named Tom and Tina.
  47. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Why do you like it so much?
  48. Describe what you did last Thanksgiving using all five senses to create a vibrant picture.
  49. Who prepares Thanksgiving dinner in your family? How could you show him or her your appreciation this year?
  50. People naturally express their gratitude at Thanksgiving, but sometimes forget to do so during the rest of the year. What could you do to be more grateful all year long?

    🎉🎉🎉YAY!🎉🎉🎉  Keep on scrolling to see even MORE writing prompts for kids.

  51. Make a gratitude list. Include as many things as you possibly can that you are thankful to have.
  52. What does it mean to be grateful?
  53. Write a story about a Thanksgiving celebration that takes an unusual turn.
  54. What could you do to share your good fortune with someone in need this Thanksgiving?
  55. What do you think the first Thanksgiving was like? Write a short story or essay about what you imagine.
  56. Does your family ever go Black Friday shopping? Why or why not?
  57. Write a poem about what Thanksgiving means to you.
  58. Should stores open on Thanksgiving for their shoppers or stay closed so their employees can celebrate at home? Why?
  59. How would you explain the custom of Thanksgiving to someone from another country who had never heard of it?
  60. What is a talent or skill that you are thankful to have? Write about why you appreciate this part of yourself.
  61. If you had the chance to hibernate this winter, where would you go and how would you relax? Write about your dream hibernation spot.
  62. Imagine that you are living in a snow globe. What would the world look like?  What would happen if someone shook it up?
  63. What types of holidays does your family celebrate during the winter? Why are they special to you?
  64. What are the essential ingredients of a perfect hot chocolate? How should it be enjoyed?
  65. Write a story about a penguin who loves to surf.
  66. What is your favorite holiday activity? Why?
  67. Write about your favorite holiday memory. Try to use all five senses to describe it.
  68. What can you do to show your family and friends how much you care about them this holiday season?
  69. Do you like playing in the snow? Why or why not?
  70. What is the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?
  71. Would you rather give a bunch of presents or get a bunch of presents? Why?
  72. Write a story about a snowman who never melts.
  73. Would you rather spend the holidays in a cold, snowy place or a warm, tropical oasis? Why?
  74. Describe the perfect snow day from start to finish. Use as much detail as possible!
  75. Think about your family’s holiday traditions. Which ones would you like to continue when you have a family of your own someday?
  76. Write a story about a magical holiday cabin in the woods.
  77. People say that no two snowflakes are exactly alike. What is your “snowflake quality” that sets you apart from everyone else?
  78. Many people think of the holiday season as a magical time. What do you think makes it this way?
  79. Ask your friends about their holiday traditions. Write about one that sounds especially interesting or fun to you.
  80. What was the best thing you did this year? What made it so special?
  81. Did you receive any special holiday gifts this year? Write about what you received and who it was from.
  82. What was the best thing you did over winter break? Write about your experience in detail.
  83. What is your favorite thing to do outside in the winter? Why is it so fun?
  84. Would you rather have snow days and go to school for extra time at the end of the year, or have no snow days and get to begin summer earlier? Why?
  85. What is your New Year’s resolution? How do you plan to achieve it?
  86. Why do so many people have a hard time sticking to their New Year’s resolutions?
  87. Make a list of things you are looking forward to this year. Choose one and write about why you are excited about it.
  88. What types of qualities make something a good resolution? Explain how you should set a goal.
  89. Write about a time when you set—and then achieved—a goal. Explain how you did it.
  90. What did you enjoy most about the first half of the school year? Write about your favorite memory.
  91. What are you looking forward to the most in the second half of the school year? Why?
  92. How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve? Did you stay up until midnight?  Write about your experience.
  93. Write about a time when you felt really proud of yourself.
  94. The start of a new year is the perfect time for a new beginning. Write about a time when you tried something new.
  95. If you could start a new life in a different place, where would you go? What would you do?
  96. Imagine yourself as an adult. What do you think your life will be like?
  97. People ask kids what they want to be when they grow up—but not how they’ll get there. Think of what you would like to do someday and then write about what it might take to achieve it.
  98. Make a list of books you want to read this year. Which one are you most excited about—and why?
  99. Write about a memory you made last year that you hope you’ll never forget.
  100. Now that we’re a little ways into the New Year, how are your resolutions going? Write about your progress so far.

    Oh yeah… there are 80 more writing prompts for kids for you yet to discover! 💜

  101. Write a poem about someone you love. What is the most interesting thing about him or her?
  102. When was the last time you told someone how much you loved them? Write about the memory in detail.
  103. What does love mean? How is it different from liking someone or being nice to them?
  104. What is your favorite love story or fairy tale with a happy ending? What do you like best about the story?
  105. How will you show love for your parents this Valentine’s Day? Write about something special you could do for them.
  106. What do you love most about yourself?
  107. Do you believe animals can show love? Why or why not?
  108. What would you do if you found out you had a secret admirer?
  109. Without naming names—write about the first time you had a crush on someone. How did it feel?
  110. Write about a time when someone did something that made you feel especially loved.
  111. Why is it important for people to celebrate things like Black History Month?
  112. Write about a famous Black person you admire. What do you respect the most about them?
  113. Why should Black History be taught? Why do we need to focus specifically on it?
  114. Write a poem in honor of a famous Black person.
  115. What are some ways in which our world could have greater equality for people of all races?
  116. Why is it important to recognize and celebrate diversity?
  117. What would the world look like if no one were racist? Describe the things that would be different.
  118. Research Barack Obama and write about what you learned. What was most notable about his presidency?
  119. Make a list of movies or shows that have more than one Black character. Why is representation in the media important?
  120. Write about one thing you learned during Black History Month that you didn’t know before.
  121. What is the earliest sign of spring you typically see each year?
  122. Use all five senses to describe a beautiful spring afternoon.
  123. Write a rhyming poem about the first day of spring.
  124. If you could spend your spring break anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
  125. If Spring Fever were a real disease, what would the symptoms be? How would you cure it?
  126. Write a story about a group of flowers that are fighting together to bloom in time for spring.
  127. What do you and your friends like to do outside in the spring?
  128. Imagine that you are going to do some spring cleaning and eliminate one negative thing from your life. What needs to go?
  129. Make a list of things that make you think about spring. Choose your favorite and describe what you like about it.
  130. Write a descriptive story about your favorite spring break memory.
  131. Why do we have Women’s History Month—but no Men’s History Month?
  132. Write about a woman in your life who has accomplished many things. What do you admire about her?
  133. Why do some people believe that men are superior to women? How would you change their minds?
  134. Do women and girls today still need feminism? Why or why not?
  135. Do you ever notice the girls and boys in your class receiving different treatment? Describe what you’ve seen.
  136. What can you do to promote gender equality amongst your peers?
  137. Should sports teams be segregated by sex or co-ed? Why?
  138. What are some challenges that women face in today’s world that women of previous generations did not face?
  139. Can men be feminists? Why or why not?
  140. Write about one thing you learned during Women’s History Month that you didn’t know before.
  141. School will be over before you know it! How do you plan to end the year on a strong note?
  142. It’s April Fool’s Day! What pranks do you plan to play this year?
  143. Imagine that rain was made of something other than water. What would you love to see coming from the sky?  What would it be like?
  144. Write a story about a lonely storm cloud that is sad because people always just want to see the sun.
  145. What would you do if you walked outside one day to see a money tree had sprouted in your yard overnight?
  146. What is the best book you’ve read this school year? What did you like most about it?
  147. Do you enjoy taking photos? Why or why not?
  148. What animal makes the ideal pet? Why?
  149. What time do you have to go to bed each night? Do you get to stay up later in the summer?
  150. What part of being an adult are you looking forward to the most? Why?

    Hooray! 🙌 You’re on the final stretch of this wonderful list of writing prompts for kids. 

  151. At what age do you consider someone to be “old”? Why?
  152. Do your parents allow you to use a cell phone or computer by yourself? Why or why not?
  153. What is your favorite thing to do online? What do you like most about it?
  154. If you were in charge of the world for a day, what is the first thing you would do?
  155. Write about the craziest dream you ever had, using as much detail as possible to describe what happened.
  156. Would you rather be a talented singer or a talented dancer? Why?
  157. Write a story about a school fundraiser that is trying to raise money for a very strange goal.
  158. Do you believe that aliens could exist? Why or why not?
  159. Write about a time when you said something that you wished afterward you hadn’t said.
  160. Write about the best party you ever went to. Try to describe it well enough that a reader would feel like they were there.
  161. What is your favorite memory from this school year?
  162. What has been the best part of being in __________ grade this year? Why?
  163. What part of __________ grade are you most looking forward to next year? Why?
  164. Do you think homework should be allowed during the last month of school? Why or why not?
  165. Write a love poem (or an “ode”) about the joys of summer vacation.
  166. What was the most interesting thing you learned this year? What was the most surprising thing?
  167. Are you proud of what you accomplished this school year? Why or why not?
  168. Do you have any goals for next school year? What would you like to achieve?  Why?
  169. What is the most important thing on your to-do list this summer?
  170. Should summer vacation only be spent doing fun things or is it also a time for productivity? Why?
  171. Choose five words to describe this school year. Then, explain why you chose each one.
  172. What did you learn about yourself this school year?
  173. Write about a time when you helped someone else this year. How did they react toward you?
  174. Write a story about a surprising summer vacation where it snows the entire time.
  175. What is the coolest place you’ve ever visited? How would you describe it to someone who has never been there?
  176. Do you get to spend a lot of time with your friends over the summer? Why or why not?
  177. If you could go to a summer camp, what type of camp would you choose? What would you hope to do there?
  178. Describe a perfect day of summer vacation from start to finish. Use as much detail as possible.
  179. What is your favorite summer treat? Could you enjoy it every day without getting tired of it?  Why or why not?
  180. Write a story about a group of kids that build an elaborate sandcastle at the beach.

Whoa! What a wonderful list of writing prompts for kids. I hope you enjoy them and use them throughout the school year.

More Writing Prompt Ideas for Kids to Keep Them Writing All Year

Until next time, write on…

If you enjoyed this list of Writing Prompts for Kids,
I appreciate it!

creator and curator

Journal Ideas and Writing Prompts for Kids
