What are Writing Prompts? A Helpful Guide for Teachers

So you might be asking yourself, “What are writing prompts?” A writing prompt introduces a topic and encourages the student to write in a certain way. It provides an idea or starting point by using words or an image. Writing prompts are also helpful to engage students and help them generate ideas more quickly.

The Importance of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are beneficial because they can be used with various grade levels and across multiple subject areas. This valuable writing tool helps all types of writers from struggling to advanced. Plus prompts increase students’ confidence, creativity, and writing skills.

The possibilities are endless. Writing prompts can be used for morning work, classwork, centers, homework, and assessments. They are also easily differentiated based on grade level or student ability. Responses can vary by length or kids can respond verbally if needed.

Writing Prompt Benefits:

• Applicable to any grade level and subject area
• Easily differentiated to meet individual needs
• Ideal for both print and digital resources
• Helps generate ideas
• Builds student’s confidence
• Increases engagement and motivation
• Promotes creative writing
• Boosts writing skills

Different Types of Writing Prompts

There are many different writing prompts that can be used in the classroom. Let’s break it down into categories to learn more about each option. It’s helpful to try a variety of the examples below to engage students and build their writing skills.

Generic Writing Prompts

Generic prompts are the most versatile and can be used throughout the year. These can be assigned daily, weekly, or monthly. Some ideas include seasons, holidays, and classroom themes.

Seasons Examples:

• Apple season has begun. Write a story about an apple that escapes from the farm.
• What would it be like to live in a snow globe?

Holiday Examples:

• How would you convince a friend to give you all of their Halloween candy?
• If you could have one famous person over at your house for the holidays, who would it be and why?

Class Theme Examples:

• What are some ways you can help another kid if they are being bullied? (Anti-bullying)
• If you could become a character in any story, which book would you choose and why? (Read Across America)

Genre Writing Prompts

Genre-based writing prompts are related to a specific writing unit. Some examples include narrative, personal narrative, informational, and opinion writing. These prompts are also helpful because they are aligned with the Common Core Standards. Check out some examples for each genre below.

Narrative Examples:

• What if you were given 3 wishes but couldn’t use them on yourself. Tell a story about what you would wish for and why.
• I was taking my friend’s picture in front of the volcano when all of a sudden . . .  

Personal Narrative Examples:

• Write a story about a time you felt your heart race. What happened and how were you feeling at the end?
• Have you ever been so proud of yourself for learning something new?  Write a story about a time this happened.

Informational Examples:

• Explain the ways someone can be a good friend. Be sure to include character traits and how they should act.
• Imagine someone has never played your favorite game.  Explain the steps so they can learn how to play.

Opinion Examples:

• Would you rather live somewhere that’s extremely hot or extremely cold?
• Should kids get money for doing chores or should they just do it to help out at home?

Content Area Writing Prompts

Content area prompts are based on a specific subject such as reading, math, science, or social studies. Prompts can be based on a unit of study for that content area. It’s a similar idea to genre prompts, except those are based on writing units of study.

*Since prompts will be based on the subject area that you teach, here are some topic ideas instead of actual prompts.

Conclusion

There are a variety of writing prompts to choose from that will engage and motivate students. With so many options, teachers will be able to easily incorporate these ideas into their classrooms. Choose from generic, genre-based, or content area prompts depending on your needs.

Don’t forget to grab your Free Writing Prompt Guide. This valuable resource will give you everything you need to know about writing prompts. They are ideal for morning work, writing time, centers, and homework. Click the link to get started.

Writing Resources

Related Articles:

• How to Use Writing Prompts Daily
• 6 Important Writing Prompt Examples for the Classroom
• Monthly Writing Prompts to Engage Students and Make Writing Fun
• Narrative Writing That Sparks Creativity
• Opinion Writing That Motivates Kids
• Information Writing That Empowers Students