The holidays are always a festive time for kids. There are many fun ways to incorporate the spirit of the season into writing. Capture students’ excitement and have them use this energy to get their creative ideas down on paper. A writing prompt list or choice board is a great way to engage students and promote writing. Writing prompts give an idea or starting point to help generate ideas more quickly.
Check out the difference between a writing prompt list and choice board below. This example has the same prompts shown in different formats. Both ways can be helpful for kids depending on their needs.
Topics for Writing Prompts
Here is a list of writing prompts for each holiday. The pictures include prompts in a choice board format. Prompts can be assigned by the teacher or chosen by the student. Try these out for morning work, writing time, centers, or even homework. There are 5 prompts listed for each holiday. Click the picture to grab all 20!
Writing Prompts for Halloween
- How would you convince a friend to give you all of their Halloween candy?
- Would you rather be able to cast spells or make magical potions?
- It was a dark and stormy night. I stepped into the haunted house and saw . . .
- Kids say trick-or-treat when they go up to someone’s door and ask for candy. What would be a better thing to say and why?
- You have been asked to plan a Halloween party for your class. Describe your ideas including food, activities, and decorations.
Writing Prompts for Thanksgiving
- Imagine you could invite anyone in the world to your Thanksgiving feast. Who would it be and why?
- Write a story called, “The Thanksgiving Without Turkey.”
- If you could interview a Pilgrim, what questions would you ask?
- What if there was a contest to have the Thanksgiving Day Parade in your town. Tell why your place is the best.
- Convince someone to give up eating turkey on Thanksgiving.
Writing Prompts for Christmas
- Would you rather have a real or fake Christmas tree? Explain why.
- What if you had to leave out something else besides milk and cookies for Santa Claus. What would you choose?
- Finish this story: The elves were busy making toys in Santa’s workshop when all of a sudden . .
- If you could start a new holiday tradition what would it be and why?
- What do you think is the best job at the North Pole? Explain why.
Writing Prompts for Valentine’s Day
- Write a letter to Cupid asking him to visit your school.
- Do you think it’s better to give or receive a valentine?
- What would it be like to live in a world where people could only be nice and kind?
- Write a story called, “Cupid’s First Day.”
- Would you rather get candy, flowers, or cards on Valentine’s Day?
Writing Prompts for St. Patrick’s Day
- Finish this story: I found a rainbow and followed it to the other side . . .
- Write the steps to create the best leprechaun trap.
- What if you woke up and everything in the world looked green? Write a story about what life would be like.
- What is the best trick you have ever played on someone?
- Do you think four-leaf clovers are lucky? Explain your answer.
Writing Prompts for Easter
- Would you rather do an indoor or outdoor egg hunt? Explain why.
- Write a story called, “The Easter Without Any Eggs.”
- You have been chosen to create a new jelly bean flavor. Describe what it looks like and tastes like.
- Write the steps to teach someone how to dye eggs.
- Oh no! The Easter Bunny is away on vacation. What is another animal that could do the job?
Holiday Writing Prompt List
A writing prompt list or choice board can be so beneficial for students. It helps generate ideas and get thoughts down on paper. These lists can be projected on the board, attached to students’ notebooks, or laminated for a writing center. Try out these ideas for each holiday to build students’ engagement and skills. Happy Writing!
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1 Comment
Good post.