50 Fall Writing Prompts for Your Elementary or Middle School Child
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Help your child become a confident writer with fabulous writing prompts!
I love “quick writes.” This is a term I made up years ago.
I gave a writing prompt to my students and started the clock for 10 or 15 minutes.
They just had to keep writing, that was the only rule.
This is a time to allow your child to let their mind wander, their creative juices to flow, and for them to get comfortable with writing.
Will writing prompts help my child become a better writer?
Absolutely.
Confidence is everything. During a quick write, your child is not concerned with grammar, spelling, complete sentences, or even complete ideas.
They are just getting their thoughts onto paper.
A prompt helps focus them and gives them an idea to write about.
Your child becomes more and more comfortable with the actual process of writing, gaining confidence, which in turn will help them become a better writer.
What if my child does not want a prompt?
There are many children who use writing as an outlet for their emotions or to work out various issues they are having difficulty with; these kiddos may not need the prompt.
It is fine if your child wants to write without a prompt.
However, if your end goal is to create a “formal” piece of writing every 6 pieces or so, you may need to give them some direction.
If you are using the free writes as a supplemental activity and not your child’s main writing instruction, I recommend every month creating a formal writing.
What is the difference between a formal writing a free write?
The free write is where the ideas just flow. No rules.
A formal writing is when your child chooses, as an example, one of those writings they just love and they want to develop into something “more.”
When the piece becomes “more” it will have a beginning and an ending, or if it is more informative, an introduction and conclusion.
It will have complete sentences, correct spelling, and your child will check for grammatical errors.
The formal writing is where your child will practice their Language Arts “rules”. The free write is where they fall in love with writing.
Fall Writing Prompt Suggestions:
If you are interested in prompts specific to Halloween go here!
- In a world where fortune cookies actually determine your destiny, you receive a particularly cryptic or mysterious message.
Will you follow its guidance or defy fate? What happens? - You stumble upon a secret dessert society that only admits those with exceptional taste buds.
To join, you must impress them with a unique dessert creation of your own. Describe your dessert creation. - While attending a costume party, you accidentally invoke the spirit of a legendary pirate.
Now you must complete a series of pirate-themed challenges to set the spirit free and restore order. - You discover a magical herb that, when eaten, grants you the ability to communicate with plants.
How does this newfound connection with nature impact your choices in life and how you view the world? - You’ve just bought a brand new car and it’s time to give it a name.
What do you choose and why?
Write a short story about the adventures you and your named car embark on together. - Do you remember the ipod? This was before smartphones had our music.
Create a world where there are no “i” type of devices. No tablets, to smart phones, no personal digital devices.
How do we function? What does daily life look like? - In a small, isolated town, a mysterious legend claims that once every century, on a particular night, people can transform into wolves and howl at the moon. Write a story about a group of friends who discover the truth behind this legend and experience the exhilarating and transformative power of the moonlit night.
- In a not-so-distant future, humanity celebrates “Internet Day” to honor the invention that revolutionized communication and knowledge sharing.
Write a futuristic story where people gather in virtual reality spaces to commemorate the day and reflect on the impact of the internet on society, exploring both its positive and negative aspects.
- In a world where fortune cookies actually determine your destiny, you receive a particularly cryptic or mysterious message.
- Imagine a cemetery filled with tombstones, each bearing an epitaph that tells a unique and intriguing story about the person buried there.
Choose one tombstone and write the story behind the epitaph, delving into the life, accomplishments, and struggles of the individual who lies beneath. Explore the legacy they left behind and the impact they had on the world
(homeschoolers can tie this in with Day of the Dead celebrated Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, 2023) - Imagine a world where kindness is the currency of success.
- Imagine a futuristic world where plants have evolved to communicate with humans.
Write a conversation between a plant and a curious scientist eager to unravel their secrets. - Write a persuasive essay discussing the health benefits of honey and why it should be a staple in everyone’s pantry.
- Imagine you are a wildlife photographer who encounters a curious koala while on an adventure.
Describe the encounter and the emotions it evokes. - Write a diary entry from the perspective of a pampered house cat, detailing their daily routine, observations, and opinions about their human family.
- Write an opinion piece arguing that saying “bless you” (or another of our polite expressions) after someone sneezes has lost its significance and should be replaced with a different gesture or phrase.
- Write a heartfelt poem, from the dog’s perspective, expressing the unconditional love and companionship that the dog brings to our lives.
- Imagine a cookie exchange in a parallel universe where cookies are the main currency.
Write a humorous dialogue between two characters negotiating cookie trades to get their desired treats. - Write a story about a group of friends who throw a surprise party for their introverted friend in the most unexpected and unlikely place, such as a library or a laundromat.
- Write a dialogue between two children who are debating whether Mother Goose’s nursery rhymes are based on true stories or purely fictional.
- Write a scene in which two ambitious individuals compete to outdo each other in acts of kindness to gain an advantage
- Write a letter from a character in a classic video game to the game developer, expressing their gratitude for the impact the game has had on their life.
- In a world where freedom is restricted, write a story about a group of individuals who discover a hidden enclave where they can truly be free.
(Which freedoms were restricted? How do they know they are now free?)
- Difference between being lazy and being relaxed:
Imagine two friends with contrasting personalities—one who is often labeled as lazy and the other as relaxed.
Write a dialogue where they discuss their perspectives on life and productivity. - Write a short story about a video game character who becomes self-aware and starts questioning their existence within the game world.
- Poo-Poo paper, it’s a thing! Write about elephants and the advantages and disadvantages to elephant dung paper.
- Write a humorous dialogue between a frog and a fly, as they discuss their unique perspectives on life and their ongoing chase.
- Imagine a futuristic world where virtual tourism is the norm.
Write a diary entry of a person’s virtual travel experience, detailing the sights, sounds, and emotions they encounter.
What do you think of “virtually” traveling somewhere instead of actually going? - Imagine a friendly ghost who longs to be noticed and make a connection with the living.
Write a scene where the ghost attempts to communicate with a skeptical but open-minded person. - Write a persuasive essay advocating for the health benefits of apples and why they should be a part of everyone’s diet.
(Why do they say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away)? - Tell a story, from the perspective of a bat.
What is it like navigating the night?
What is its diet?
How does it feel about being the “mascot” of vampires?
- Write a short story from the perspective of a black cat, exploring the superstitions and stereotypes associated with their fur color and how it affects their life.
- Write a story about a bullied teenager who discovers a unique way to stand up to their tormentors.
- Imagine a futuristic society where trained raptors are used for search and rescue missions.
Describe a daring rescue operation. - Imagine a world where tweens are in charge of their own town. Describe the way they create rules and solve problems unique to their age group.
- Imagine a future where humans have established colonies on other planets.
Write a letter from a colonist on Mars to a loved one back on Earth, detailing their experiences and the unique aspects of living on another planet. - Imagine a hidden civilization within the rainforest.
Write a story about a young explorer who stumbles upon it and discovers a remarkable secret. - Imagine a world where magic is real but only a select few possess the ability.
Write a letter from a non-magical person requesting assistance from a magical being to solve a personal problem. - Write a personal essay reflecting on the concept of guardian angels and how belief in them can provide comfort and guidance in challenging times.
- Imagine a world where pandas possess magical abilities.
Write a story about a panda who uses its powers to protect its habitat from destruction. - Write a reflective essay discussing the significance of legends in shaping cultural identity and passing down values and lessons through generations.
- Create a superhero, however, create a silly superhero for example, The Invisible Giggler, BubbleGum Blaster, Super Sneezer, etc.
Then describe the superhero and tell of one of their escapades. - Imagine a world where everyone has the power to make one significant change.
Describe the change you would make and its ripple effects on society. - Write a poem that captures the atmosphere of Halloween, evoking the sense of mystery, excitement, and anticipation that surrounds the holiday.
- Write a heartwarming story about a turkey who befriends a group of farm animals and together they find a way to escape Thanksgiving fate.
- Write a personal reflection piece on a cherished family tradition from your own life, delving into the memories, emotions, and values associated with it.
- Write a children’s story about a young polar bear who sets out on a journey to find their family after getting separated in a snowstorm.
- Write a story about a city dweller who inherits a rundown farm and must navigate the challenges of learning to farm while rediscovering their roots.
- Write a picture book type of children’s story about a group of friends who embark on an imaginative adventure while playing outside, discovering the magic and wonders of nature, your goal is to encourage young children to love to play outside.
- Write a short story or poem that explores the symbolism of light overcoming darkness, emphasizing the themes of hope, resilience, and the power of positivity.
- The Dalmatian dog is known as the fire engine dog.
Think of another profession. Assign it a type of dog. Why this one? - You are having a lovely day at the beach. A bottle washes up on shore with a message in it.
What does it say? Who is it from? What action do you take? - Create a character who is an avid hat collector.
Describe their extensive hat collection and the stories behind each hat.
Write about the unique adventures or memories associated with acquiring each hat, and how they have shaped the collector’s life.
do you want these 50 fall writing prompts printed? Click here!
I would love feedback. Which of these writing prompts did your child find were easiest to start writing from? Which ones made them think the most? Which ones did they just love the most?
I am wishing you happy and fun times in your writing adventures!