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Classroom · Writing · Kindergarten to 5th grade
Writing prompts worksheets
Ten writing prompts for each grade, from kindergarten to 5th grade, as cards to cut out or a list to keep. Use one a day as a warm-up or for a journal.
Watch it solved
33 sec · with voice and captionsA pencil works one example of each activity, so you can see how the worksheet goes before you print it. Tap a step to jump to it. The rest of the sheet is left for your child to finish.
Read what the video says
- 0:00 Let's practice writing prompts, step by step.
- 0:03 Each grade has ten prompts. Pick one, like: My favorite toy is... Draw a picture, then write about it.
- 0:10 Older children pick a prompt and write for 10 minutes. For example: Write a story that begins: "The door creaked open..."
- 0:19 Before writing, talk about the prompt with a partner for a few minutes. Talking first gives you the words to start with.
- 0:27 Great job! Now print the free worksheet, and finish the rest on your own.
Prompts by grade
Kindergarten
- My favorite toy is...
- I like to eat...
- My family likes to...
- At the park I...
- I am happy when...
- My best friend is...
- If I were an animal, I would be a...
- I can help at home by...
- On a rainy day I...
- My favorite color is... because...
1st grade
- Tell about your best day ever.
- What would you do with a magic pencil?
- Describe your favorite animal.
- What do you want to learn about?
- Tell how to make a sandwich.
- What makes a good friend?
- Write about a time you were brave.
- If you could fly, where would you go?
- What is your favorite season? Why?
- Tell about something you are good at.
2nd grade
- Write about a time you helped someone.
- What would you do if you were the teacher for a day?
- Describe a place you love to visit.
- Should kids get to pick what is for lunch? Why?
- Write a story about a talking backpack.
- Explain how to play your favorite game.
- What is the best invention ever? Why?
- Write about something that made you laugh.
- If you found a treasure map, what would you do?
- Tell about a goal you want to reach.
3rd grade
- Write a story that begins: "The door creaked open..."
- Should every class have a pet? Give reasons.
- Teach someone how to ride a bike.
- Describe the perfect weekend.
- Write about a time you changed your mind.
- What would you invent to help your school?
- Write a letter to your future self.
- Explain why sleep is important.
- Write a story about an animal that solves a problem.
- Which is better, the city or the country? Why?
4th grade
- Write a story about a day when gravity stopped working.
- Should students wear uniforms? Explain your opinion.
- Explain how a plant grows from a seed.
- Describe a challenge you overcame.
- Write about the most interesting place you have read about.
- If you could meet any animal and talk to it, which would you choose?
- Should video games be allowed on school days? Why or why not?
- Teach a younger student a skill you are good at.
- Write a story told by an object in your classroom.
- What is one change that would make your town better?
5th grade
- Write a mystery that begins with a missing key.
- Should kids your age have a phone? Support your opinion.
- Explain the water cycle to a younger student.
- Write about a time you learned from a mistake.
- What makes someone a good leader? Use examples.
- Write a story set 100 years in the future.
- Should zoos exist? Give reasons and examples.
- Compare two books or stories you have read.
- Describe a tradition in your family.
- If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?
Teaching tip
Teaching tipGive children a few minutes to talk about the prompt with a partner before they write. Talking first gives them words to start with.
Watch for
Watch forWaiting for the perfect first sentence. Tell children that a first draft is supposed to be messy and they can fix it later.
What the worksheets look like
Writing paper
Primary lines for K-2 and lined paper for 3rd to 5th grade.
Common questions
How do you teach writing prompts?
Ten writing prompts for each grade, from kindergarten to 5th grade, as cards to cut out or a list to keep. Use one a day as a warm-up or for a journal. Give children a few minutes to talk about the prompt with a partner before they write. Talking first gives them words to start with.
What grade learns writing prompts?
Usually Kindergarten to 5th grade. In the Common Core it is part of W.K.1-3 to W.5.1-3.
What is the most common mistake?
Waiting for the perfect first sentence. Tell children that a first draft is supposed to be messy and they can fix it later.
