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23 Free, Fun, and Fabulous Writing Prompts and Activities

May 22, 2023 //  by Lauren Du Plessis

Free writing activities provide students with the freedom to express themselves, explore their imaginations, and develop their writing skills. These activities are designed to ignite creativity, improve writing fluency, and foster a love for self-expression through the written word. Whether your students are in elementary, middle, or high school, these activities offer a variety of prompts and approaches to cater to students of all ages and interests. Prepare to have your learners write livelier pieces than ever! 

1. Story Starter Surprise

Provide students with a box filled with various objects. They can then randomly select an object and use it as a story starter to write a creative narrative.

Learn More: Journal Buddies

2. Picture Perfect

Display a captivating image or series of images and have your learners write a story or descriptive paragraph based on what they see. Compare the pieces at the end and marvel at how unique each piece is!

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

3. Time Capsule

Time Capsule Transition Writing Frame

Ask students to write a letter to their future selves; capturing their current thoughts, aspirations, and goals. They can seal it in an envelope and open it at a designated time in the future.

Learn More: Twinkl

4. Dear Diary

Inspire some writing fun for your children with these dear diary journaling pages for kids!

Encourage students to keep a personal journal where they can freely express their thoughts, experiences, and reflections. Not only is this a lovely way of fostering a connection to self, but your learners will also better their writing skills in the process!

Learn More: Pk 1 Kids

5. Collaborative Storytelling

Collaborative Writing Activities - The Secondary English Coffee Shop

Divide students into small groups and have them take turns adding a sentence or paragraph to create a collaborative story. They can pass their stories around the group for each addition.

Learn More: Secondary English Coffee Shop

6. Real-Life Reflection

Invite your class to write a reflection piece on a real-life experience, such as a field trip, a community service project, or a personal achievement. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and lessons learned.

Learn More: Pinterest

7. Flash Fiction

50+ Flash Fiction Prompts To Inspire You 🖊️ | Imagine Forest

Challenge students to write a complete story in just a few paragraphs or a single page. They should be encouraged to focus on concise storytelling; using descriptive language and engaging plot twists.

Learn More: Imagine Forest

8. Recipe for Success

Recipe for Success - ESL worksheet by amandardunn@yahoo.com

Have students write a “recipe” for achieving success in a particular area. Whether they choose to focus on academics, friendship, or personal growth, this activity is a surefire way of promoting personal development!

Learn More: ESL Printables

9. Character Sketch Gallery

Character Sketch (Writer Worksheet Wednesday) - creative writing blog

Provide a selection of character prompts (e.g., a mysterious detective, or a courageous astronaut) and ask students to choose one. They can then get to work developing a detailed character sketch! They should be prompted to include a background story as well as details regarding physical attributes and personality traits.

Learn More: Eadeverell

10. Alternative Endings

Writing an Alternative Ending to a Traditional Tale (Little Red Riding Hood) Differentiated Worksheet

Put a twist on traditional with this cool writing prompt! Select a familiar story and ask students to write an alternative ending; exploring different possibilities and diverging from the original plot.

Learn More: Twinkl

11. Dialogue Dazzle

62 Inspiring Dialogue Story Writing Prompts #138-199 - atinydreamer

Challenge learners to write a dialogue-only story or scene. They should focus on capturing the essence of the characters through their conversation.

Learn More: A Tiny Dreamer

12. Imaginary Worlds

The Writers' Greenhouse: Free creative writing resources

Encourage students to create special imaginary worlds, complete with unique characters, settings, and adventures. After their brainstorming process is complete, they can craft their descriptive piece set in their imagined realm.

Learn More: The Writers Green House

13. News Reporting

Assign students different news topics (e.g., sports, entertainment, science) and have them write newspaper-style articles or scripts for a news broadcast. The perfect activity for budding journalists!

Learn More: Pinterest

14. Letter Exchange

15 Unique Friendly Letter Writing Prompts for Kids - Literacy In Focus

Pair students up and have them engage in a letter-writing exchange; sharing their thoughts, experiences, and ideas through the art of letter-writing.

Learn More: Lit In Focus

15. Diary of a Superhero

Save the Day with These Super Hero Writing Prompts - Walking by the Way

Celebrate your students’ unique talents with this creative activity! Have them imagine themselves as superheroes and write diary entries chronicling their heroic deeds, challenges, and personal growth.

Learn More: Walking by the Way

16. Invention Creation

Inventions Narrative Writing Prompts - Middle & Upper Primary :: Teacher  Resources and Classroom Games :: Teach This

Encourage students to invent a new gadget and write a persuasive piece explaining its features, benefits, and potential impact.

Learn More: Teach This

17. Cultural Exploration

Have students choose a country or culture they are interested in and research its traditions, customs, and celebrations. They can then write a descriptive essay or a travelogue, sharing their discoveries and insights.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

18. The Interview

Students can imagine themselves as interviewers and choose a famous person, a fictional character, or someone they admire. They will then prepare a set of questions and write a transcript of their imaginary interview; showcasing their interviewing skills and creativity.

Learn More: Family Tree Magazine

19. Personal Reflection

Encourage students to reflect on a significant event, a memorable experience, or a life lesson. They can write a personal reflection piece in which they reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and lessons learned.

Learn More: The Blissful Mind

20. Future Forecast

Ask students to envision their lives in the future- whether it’s five years or twenty years from now. They can then engage in the letter-writing process where they craft a letter to their future selves;  describing their goals, aspirations, and visions for the future.

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

21. What If?

Prompt students with a “what if” question, such as “What if animals could talk?” or “What if you could travel back in time?” Have them write a story or essay exploring the possibilities and consequences of the hypothetical scenario.

Learn More: Journal Buddies

22. Character Creation

Ask students to create a fictional character and write a short story or character sketch describing their appearance, personality, and background. Encourage them to make their character come to life through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

Learn More: Eadeverell

23. Poem in Your Pocket

Introduce students to different types of poetry, such as haiku, limericks, or free verse. Have them then write their own poem in their chosen style; focusing on imagery, rhythm, and emotions.

Learn More: Pinterest

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