creative writing topics for fifth grade

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100 Best Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade: Journal Prompts

• Prompts for Narrative Essays
• Prompts for Informative Essay Writing
• Prompts for Research Writing
• Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts
• Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing
• 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts
• Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders
• 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

As parents and teachers, we recognize the significance of writing as a fundamental skill that enables children to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. However, generating ideas and inspiration for writing can be challenging for many 5th-grade students. To aid students in this process, 5th grade writing prompts prove to be a valuable resource. Furthermore, Science Daily published an article that highlights the crucial connection between handwriting and brain activity. Writing can increase brain activity, leading to better memory retention and cognitive development. This is particularly important for students as it can positively impact their academic performance.

“Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

By using writing prompts, children can explore various topics, develop their imagination, and hone their writing skills. In this collection, we have compiled various writing prompts that are engaging, entertaining, and sure to inspire creativity in 5th grade students. This collection has something for everyone: Persuasive writing, descriptive essays, narrative stories, and imaginative writing. Fifth grade journal prompts can help inspire creativity and reflection in their writing. So, let’s get started and explore these exciting 5th Grade writing prompts.

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Explore 5th Grade educational resources !

10 Prompts for Narrative Essays

Writing Narrative Essays? Here Are Ten 5th grade narrative writing prompts:

“A great story can lead us to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.” – Neil Gaiman

• Write about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe what you would do?
• Create a narrative about a magical adventure.
• Write about a time when you learned something important.
• Think about the prospect of time travel. How would you react, and where would you go?
• Develop a narrative about a superhero you create.
• Describe a time when you overcame a fear.
• Imagine you can do whatever you want. Tell me what it would be and how you’d use it.
• Create a narrative about a day in the life of your pet.
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.

10 Prompts for Informative Essay Writing

A list of ten 5th grade writing prompts to get you started on an informative essay:

• Write an essay about a famous person who inspires you.
• Research and write an essay about a historical event that interests you.
• Write about the benefits of physical activity and exercise.
• Write an essay about the effects of technology on society.
• Research and write an essay about a country you would like to visit.
• Write about the importance of reading books .
• Write an essay about the positive and negative effects of social media.
• Research and write an essay about an animal species that is endangered.
• Write about the importance of recycling and conserving natural resources.
• Please write an essay about the role of education in shaping our future.

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Here are ten Research writing prompts for 5th grade:

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” -Zora Neale Hurston, author and anthropologist.

• Research and write about your favorite historical figure.
• Choose a famous landmark and research its history and significance.
• Investigate and write about an important event in history.
• Research and write about a unique and interesting animal species.
• Study and write about famous inventors and their inventions.
• Research and write about the culture and traditions of a country you are interested in.
• Explore and write about a current scientific discovery or innovation.
• Investigate and write about the effects of climate change on a particular region or ecosystem.
• Research and write about a famous artist and their artwork.
• Study and write about a significant moment in space exploration history.

10 Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade:

• Write a funny story about a talking animal.
• Imagine speaking to your pet and writing about what you would say.
• Write a comic dialog between two unlikely characters.
• Write a humorous story about a mischievous character getting into trouble.
• Create a funny story using three random objects.
• Write a funny kids’ poem . This can be about your favorite food.
• Imagine a world where everything is opposite, and develop a narrative about it.
• Develop a narrative about a silly superhero with extraordinary power.
• Create a funny dialog between a parent and a child.
• Develop a narrative about a funny and unexpected event that happened to you.

10 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts

The following are ten writing topics for 5th graders seeking poetry writing prompts:

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Imagine you are a raindrop falling from the sky. Write a poem describing your journey.
• Write a poem about a place that makes you happy.
• Choose an object in the room and write a poem about it.
• Write a poem about a dream you had.
• Create a poem that includes the words “whisper,” “twist,” and “moon.”
• Write a poem about a memorable moment with a friend.
• Describe a beautiful sunset in a poem.
• Write a poem about the ocean and all its wonders.
• Create a poem about your favorite animal.

10 Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing

Opinion writing prompts 5th grade to help encourage critical thinking and self-expression in young students. Here are ten 5th grade writing prompt ideas to get them started:

• Create a story about a mysterious package that arrives in the mail.
• Develop a narrative about a person who can time travel.
• Create a story about a magic tree that grants wishes.
• Imagine being lost in the forest and creating a story about your adventure.
• Develop a narrative about a group of friends who discover a hidden treasure.
• Create a story about a person who can talk to animals.
• Create a narrative about a family vacation gone wrong.
• Imagine you could shrink to the size of an ant. Develop a narrative about your adventures.
• Create a story about a person who wakes up one day with superpowers.
• Develop a narrative about a group of people stranded on a deserted island.

10 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts

Here are ten writing ideas for 5th grade for animal-themed assignments:

• If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
• Create a narrative told from the point of view of a bear family as they emerge from their hibernation period.
• Describe the life of a whale in the deep sea.
• Write a persuasive essay on why zoos are important for conserving endangered animals.
• Describe the life of a squirrel gathering nuts for winter.
• Write a fictional story about a fox trying to outsmart a group of chickens.
• Describe the life of a butterfly from caterpillar to butterfly.
• Write a research paper on the migration patterns of birds.
• Describe the life of a lion in the savannah.
• Write a poem about the beauty of nature and the animals that live in it.

10 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for 5th grade writing prompts About Emotion:

• Describe a moment when you experienced a strong sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Describe a moment when you felt scared and how you overcame your fear.
• Create a narrative about a character who overcomes a difficult challenge.
• Describe a time when you felt happy for someone else.
• Write a letter to your future self about your dreams and aspirations.
• Describe a time when you felt angry and how you managed your anger.
• Develop a narrative about a character who learns the importance of forgiveness.
• Describe a moment when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write a poem about the different emotions that people feel.
• Describe when you felt sad and how you coped with your sadness.

10 Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

The following are ten suggestions for 5th grade journal prompts to use:

• Describe an instance where you successfully conquered a challenging obstacle.
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself and why.
• Write about a place that is special to you and why it is important.
• Describe a time when you helped someone else and how it made you feel.
• Write about your favorite book and what you learned from it.
• Describe an instance where you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
• Write about a person who inspires you and why.
• Describe a time when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write about your favorite hobby and why you enjoy it.
• Describe when you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.

When choosing 5th grade journal topics, consider selecting prompts that encourage students to explore their interests, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

10 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

Here are ten topics to consider when looking for descriptive writing prompts for 5th grade:

• Describe your favorite outdoor place and explain why it is special to you.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a delicious meal you recently enjoyed.
• Imagine you’re walking through a spooky forest. Describe what you see, hear, and feel.
• Describe the view from your bedroom window. What can you see in the distance?
• Write a paragraph describing a character from your favorite book. What do they look like, and what makes them interesting?
• Describe your dream bedroom. What colors would you use, and what kind of furniture would you have?
• Imagine you’re on a deserted island. Describe the island and the environment around you.
• Write a paragraph describing a memorable moment from a family vacation.
• Describe a special item you keep in your room. Why is it important to you?
• Imagine you’re in a bustling city. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells you experience.

Encourage Fifth Graders in Becoming Writers

Writing is a significant skill that is essential for communication, expression, and personal growth. As highlighted in an article published by UCONN , writing prompts play a crucial role in engaging students’ interest in a particular topic and encouraging them to write thoughtfully and creatively. While effective prompts should introduce and limit the writing topic, they should also provide clear instructions about the writing task. It is imperative to equip 5th graders with resources and guidance to help them develop their writing skills. 

Educators and parents can provide 5th grade journal prompts and creative exercises to assist students in exploring various forms of writing and finding their unique voice. Additionally, feedback and constructive criticism can help students improve their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, teaching 5th graders to write improves their academic and personal lives by promoting self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking.

Fifth Grade Writing Prompts for Developing Young Writers

5th-grade writing prompts can be a powerful tool for parents and teachers to help students develop their writing skills and creativity. By providing a starting point for writing, prompts can help students overcome writer’s block and find inspiration for their ideas. The prompts in this collection cover a wide range of topics and genres, encouraging students to explore their interests and experiences through writing.

“A well-crafted writing prompt can spark creativity and lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.” – Laura Robb

Parents and teachers can inspire students to develop regular writing habits and enhance their skills by utilizing 5th grade journal prompts. According to an article published by the Journal of Instructional Research , both approaches of writing i.e. direct and indirect, have positive effects on students’ writing abilities. This article dived into exploring these approaches for promoting writing. The direct approach focuses on teaching writing skills explicitly and providing feedback on children writing. The indirect approach, on the other hand, emphasizes creating a supportive environment that encourages writing.

We can motivate students to write on a variety of topics, experiment with different writing styles, and share their work with others. By nurturing a passion for writing, we can help our students become confident, creative, and effective communicators. Why not give these prompts a try and see where they take you? Let’s encourage our young writers to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these prompts suitable for all 5th class students.

These 5th grade writing prompts are designed to be accessible to most students, but they may need to be modified or adapted for students with special needs or English language learners.

How can I implement these ideas into my lesson plans?

Creative writing prompts 5th grade to use it for anything from journal entries to class discussions. Teachers can also have their students use these as a springboard for creative thinking and topic development.

Can these prompts be used for other grade levels?

Yes, many of these prompts can be adapted for other grade levels depending on the level of complexity and difficulty. Teachers can also modify the prompts better to fit the interests and abilities of their students.

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50 Exclusive 5th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• February 28, 2024

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Types of prompt writing for 5th graders, 1. creativity boost, 2. encourages critical thinking, 3. confidence unlocked, 5. helps develop writing skills, 6. frees your writing, imaginative & creative writing prompts, narrative & storytelling writing prompts, descriptive & explanatory writing prompts, reflective & analytical writing prompts, collaborative & interactive writing prompts, for teachers, for students, faqs on 50 exclusive 5th grade writing prompts, we also recommend.

5th grade writing prompts can be incredibly helpful for elementary teachers looking for creative and engaging ways to encourage their students to write. Not only do writing prompts help students develop their creativity and imagination, they also help them learn the fundamentals of good writing, such as grammar and structure.

These prompts are designed to inspire your students to think outside the box and flex their creative muscles. Whether it’s a narrative, persuasive, or informative writing task, these prompts cover a wide range of topics that will challenge and excite your students. Say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to endless creative possibilities with these 5th grade writing prompts!

Are you searching for engaging and thought-provoking 5th grade writing prompts to ignite your student’s imaginations? Look no further! We have compiled a list of 50 exclusive prompts that are printable for free, each carefully crafted to spark creativity and provide hours of engaging writing adventures.

Imaginative & Creative:

• What-if scenarios: What if animals could talk? What if you woke up with superpowers?
• Fantasy and adventure: Invent a magical creature. Create a secret world hidden within your school.
• Humor and silliness: Write a funny commercial for a strange product. Tell a story from the perspective of your pet.

Narrative & Storytelling:

• Historical fiction: Imagine being a child living in a different historical period.
• Mystery and suspense: Unravel a hidden clue in your house. Write a detective story where the culprit is unexpected.
• Personal narratives: Describe your most embarrassing moment (turned into a triumph!). Write a letter to your future self.

Descriptive & Explanatory:

• Sensory details: Describe a place using all five senses. Write a poem about a specific emotion.
• Process writing: Explain how to build a fort, cook your favorite dish, or train your pet.
• Informative writing: Research and write about a fascinating animal, historical figure, or invention.

Reflective & Analytical:

• Character analysis: Create a diary entry from the perspective of a literary character.
• Compare and contrast: Compare two historical events or fictional characters.
• Persuasive writing: Convince your parents to get a pet or let you stay up later.

READ ALSO: Best Fantasy Writing Prompts in 2024: 200+ Ideas to Create Magic

Collaborative & Interactive:

• Chain stories: Start a story and pass it around the class for each student to add a sentence.
• Comic strip creation: Work in pairs to write and draw a funny comic strip.
• Debate prompts: Take a side on a current event or fictional conflict and argue your case.

Benefits Of Using 5th Grade Writing Prompts

Here are a few benefits of using writing prompts in 5th grade:

Prompts unlock imaginative worlds, letting students experiment with storytelling and voices. Analyzing prompts and crafting responses strengthens their ability to think logically and solve problems.

Many writing prompts require students to think critically and solve problems. They may be asked to imagine themselves in a challenging situation or analyze a complex issue. By engaging in these types of writing exercises, students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in various academic and real-life situations.

SEE ALSO: 50 Exclusive 3rd Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

Writing prompts offer an opportunity for students to practice and refine their writing skills. Through regular writing exercises, students can improve their grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. They can experiment with different writing styles, such as descriptive, persuasive, or narrative writing, and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of writing.

Writing prompts offer an opportunity for 5th graders the opportunity to practice and refine their writing skills. Through regular writing exercises, students can improve their grammar, punctuation, sentence structure , and vocabulary. They can experiment with different writing styles, such as descriptive, persuasive, or narrative writing , and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of writing.

Writing prompts encourage free writing without self-edits. Sometimes that inner editor squashes the best ideas, metaphors, plot twists, and creativity. Regular free writing teaches us how to bind the inner editor, if for only a moment, and it permits our imaginations to fly. The resulting creativity is the very thing agents and editors are looking for in fresh manuscripts .

50 Exclusive 5th Grade Writing Prompts

• You discover a hidden portal in your attic that leads to another world. Describe what you find there.
• Your favorite toy comes to life for one day. What kind of adventure do you have together?
• Invent a board game so unique and fun, that everyone begs to play it. Explain the rules and why it’s awesome.
• If you could design your own school mascot, what would it be and what special powers would it have?
• Write a song from the perspective of a raindrop, a leaf, or a grain of sand.
• Imagine you shrink to the size of an ant. Describe your journey through your house and the dangers you face.
• Create a new holiday and explain its traditions, celebrations, and why it’s important.
• Your class gets superpowers based on your personality. What’s yours, and how do you use it to help others?
• Design a crazy contraption that solves a common problem in a wacky way. Draw a picture and explain how it works.
• Write a poem about what makes you unique and special, using metaphors and similes to paint a vivid picture.

READ ALSO: 50 Creative Narrative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

• You find a dusty journal in the attic with clues to a hidden treasure. Follow the clues and write the exciting adventure you go on.
• Create a time capsule containing objects that represent your life right now. Write a letter to someone who finds it in the future.
• Your dog runs away on a stormy night. Write the suspenseful story of your search and the emotional reunion.
• Imagine you travel back in time to meet your great-grandparents. What do you learn about their lives and how might it change your understanding of your family history?
• Write a ghost story set in your school, incorporating details that make it creepy and believable.
• You wake up to find the world frozen in time, everyone except you. Describe your journey through this silent, motionless world.
• Create a fable with talking animals that teaches a valuable lesson about friendship, kindness, or perseverance.
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of a historical figure experiencing a pivotal moment in their life.
• Your dream pet arrives, but it’s not what you expected. Describe the hilarious chaos and challenges you face together.
• Turn a boring everyday event into a thrilling adventure story by adding unexpected twists and turns.

READ ALSO: 50 Exclusive First Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

• Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing on a beach. Use vivid sensory details to describe what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste.
• Write a step-by-step guide on how to create the perfect sandwich, complete with your secret ingredients and why it’s the best ever.
• Choose an emotion (joy, fear, anger, etc.) and write a poem using figurative language to capture its essence.
• Imagine you’re a scientist explaining a recent discovery to a group of children. Make it clear, and engaging, and use analogies they can understand.
• Research a fascinating invention and write a report explaining how it works, its impact on society, and its possible future developments.
• Take a walk in nature and observe the details of the plants, animals, and landscape. Write a descriptive essay sharing your experience and reflections.
• Interview a family member or community member about their life and experiences. Write a profile capturing their personality and insights.
• Compare and contrast two different cultures, highlighting their unique customs, traditions, and perspectives.
• Choose an object you cherish and write a descriptive essay explaining its significance and the memories it holds.
• Create a “how-to” guide on a skill you’ve mastered, like skateboarding, playing an instrument, or drawing realistic animals.
• Choose a character from a book or movie you admire or dislike. Analyze their motivations, actions, and choices, explaining why you see them the way you do.
• Imagine you’re a news reporter covering a fictional event. Write a news article presenting the event from different perspectives and analyzing its potential impact.
• Read two poems about the same theme (e.g., nature, friendship, loss) and compare their styles, language choices, and how they convey the theme differently.
• Observe a social issue in your community (e.g., bullying, environmental concerns) and write a persuasive essay urging others to take action.
• Reflect on a challenging experience you faced. Analyze what you learned from it, how it changed you, and how you can overcome similar challenges in the future.
• Imagine you’re a scientist analyzing a fictional creature’s unique abilities. Explain its anatomy, behavior, and how it adapts to its environment.
• Choose a historical event and analyze its causes, key figures, and long-term consequences. Debate the different perspectives and interpretations of the event.
• Read a speech by a famous historical figure and analyze its rhetorical devices, persuasive techniques, and its impact on the audience.
• Imagine you’re a detective analyzing clues from a fictional crime scene. Deduce the culprit’s motive, opportunity, and methods, piecing together the evidence to solve the mystery.
• Reflect on a personal goal you’re working towards. Analyze the challenges you face, the strategies you’re using, and how you can measure your progress and stay motivated.
• Chain Story Relay: Start a story with a sentence and pass it around the class, each student adding a sentence to continue the plot. See where the story leads you!
• Comic Strip Creation: Partner up and write a funny comic strip together, dividing the writing and drawing tasks. Share your finished stories with the class.
• Debate Time: Choose a current event or fictional conflict (e.g., robots vs. humans in the future). Divide the class into opposing teams and have a lively debate, researching and presenting arguments to defend your side.
• World Building Workshop: Work in small groups to create a fantasy world together. Decide on the setting, inhabitants, magic system, and unique features. Share your world with other groups and combine elements to build a larger shared universe.
• Mystery Box Challenge: Each group receives a box containing mysterious objects (toys, props, photos). Use your creativity and collaboration to write a short story that incorporates all the objects in a suspenseful narrative.
• Mad Libs Story: Create a silly story template with blank spaces for different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives). Take turns filling in the blanks, leading to unexpected and hilarious results.
• Collaborative Poem: Start a poem together, each student adding a line based on the previous one. Focus on a specific theme or image and see where the collective creativity takes you.
• Interactive Play Script: Write a short play script together, assigning roles and deciding on the plot, dialogue, and stage directions. Perform your play for other students or teachers.
• News Flash! Collaborative News Report: Imagine a breaking news event has happened at your school. Divide into newsgroups and write a collaborative news report with interviews, eyewitness accounts, and different perspectives.
• Story Map Challenge: Work together to create a visual map of a story you’re writing. Include locations, characters, plot points, and connections between them. Use your map to guide your writing and revise your story collaboratively.

How To Use 5th Grade Writing Prompts In The Classroom

Utilizing writing prompts in educational settings can enhance students’ writing abilities, foster creative thinking, and stimulate project ideas. This versatile tool proves effective for both individual and group assignments, enabling students to delve into diverse subjects and refine various writing styles.

Furthermore, prompts serve as catalysts for discussions on significant subjects, enabling students to grasp the material better and refine their communication aptitude. Integrating writing prompts into classroom activities empowers educators to craft compelling and lasting learning opportunities, contributing to students’ long-term development.

Here are some ideas on ways teachers and students can use writing prompts in the classroom:

Related Post: 107+ Creative Writing Prompts For Middle School Students

Before Using Prompts:

• Gather a toolbox of prompts: Compile a diverse set of prompts catering to different themes, difficulty levels, and writing skills. Choose prompts that ignite student interests and align with learning objectives.
• Plan engaging pre-writing activities: Design brainstorming exercises, mind maps, or visualization prompts to prepare students for writing.
• Set clear expectations and rubrics: Define what you expect from the writing tasks, outlining length, structure, and assessment criteria. Communicate these expectations clearly to students.
• Model the writing process: Demonstrate your own approach to prompts, share strategies for tackling challenges, and showcase good writing examples.
• Prepare differentiation strategies: Tailor the prompts or provide varying levels of support to cater to different learning needs and abilities.

While Using Prompts:

• Create a supportive and encouraging environment: Reassure students that experimentation and exploration are valued and that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
• Facilitate mini-lessons: Teach specific writing skills relevant to the prompts, like using vivid language, building characters, or crafting strong plots.
• Guide peer review sessions: Encourage constructive feedback and discussions that help students revise and improve their work.
• Offer technology integration: Incorporate digital tools like writing platforms, presentations, or research websites to enhance the writing experience.
• Connect to real-world contexts: Let students choose prompts related to their interests, current events, or community projects for meaningful engagement.

After Using Prompts:

• Conduct class discussions: Share student work and facilitate discussions about diverse approaches, ideas, and writing techniques used.
• Celebrate individual achievements: Recognize and reward students’ effort, creativity, and progress in improving their writing skills.
• Build on existing work: Use completed pieces as stepping stones for further learning activities, projects, or cross-curricular connections.

Before Writing:

• Read the prompt carefully: Understand what the prompt asks you to do. Identify keywords and visualize scenarios or ideas they suggest.
• Brainstorm and gather ideas: Use mind maps, lists, or freewriting to explore different possibilities and generate unique content.
• Plan your writing: Organize your thoughts by outlining key points, characters, or events you want to include.
• Ask questions if you’re unsure: Seek clarification from your teacher if any part of the prompt is unclear.

While Writing:

• Draft freely: Don’t worry about perfection initially. Focus on getting your ideas and stories down on paper.
• Show, don’t tell: Use vivid language, descriptions, and sensory details to make your writing come alive.
• Develop your characters: Create believable personalities with unique voices, thoughts, and actions.
• Craft a strong plot: Structure your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, engaging the reader throughout.
• Read and revise: Take the time to proofread your work, edit for clarity, and improve your writing.

After Writing:

• Share your work: Read your writing to classmates, participate in peer review sessions, and learn from others’ feedback.
• Ask for help if needed: Seek guidance from your teacher if you encounter challenges or have questions about your writing.
• Celebrate your achievement: Acknowledge your progress in writing and be proud of your completed work.

5th-grade writing prompts are creative and thought-provoking topics or questions designed to inspire and encourage fifth-grade students to express themselves through writing.

Writing prompts are essential for 5th graders as they stimulate imagination, enhance writing skills, and provide a structured way for students to explore different genres and styles of writing.

Teachers can incorporate these prompts into daily writing exercises, use them for journal entries, or integrate them into specific lessons to engage students in various writing activities.

Using writing prompts is an excellent method to inspire students to express creativity and produce significant content. These prompts offer the necessary framework for students to concentrate on organizing their thoughts and ideas while preserving the freedom to explore their imaginative side. When employed effectively, writing prompts can contribute to the meaningful development of students’ writing abilities and enhance their learning experience. By employing a suitable approach and presenting captivating topics, educators can effortlessly leverage writing prompts to instill enthusiasm for writing and learning among their students.

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55 Writing Prompts For 5th-Graders That Are Enjoyable to Write

The fifth grade is a year of incredible change and growth for students.

For many, it is the last year of elementary school, and for some, it is the beginning of middle school.

The writing prompts for 5th-grade students below will not only be a fertile playground for curious minds but will be a way for learners to develop their own voices and ideas that will help shape their foundational skills.

Descriptive Writing Prompts

Narrative writing prompts.

These are 5th-grade writing prompts that tell a fictional or personal narrative.

Expository Writing Prompts

These expository essays are written with a set purpose and a voice that fits an audience in mind.

Problem and Solution Prompts

Cause and effect prompts, how-to prompts, compare and contrast writing prompts.

Here are some prompts your students can discuss:

Persuasive Writing Prompts

These are writing prompts for 5th-grade students that attempt to convince an audience to take a specific point of view or action.

Bonus: Funny Writing Prompts

Asking students to check their work.

Jump In : Complement your 5th graders’ reading skills with reading comprehension activities to further motivate their creativity. Read my blog here — 11 Enjoyable 5th-Grade Reading Comprehension Activities That Smash Learning Goals .

Related Questions

How can i help students with writer’s block, how can i help students who struggle to finish writing on time.

Use a visible timer in class so students can manage their time while writing.

What can I do to help students who struggle to write the introduction or conclusion of their essays?

How long should a writing activity take.

I suggest giving students ample time to write, about 30 minutes to one hour at the minimum.

How can I bring out and enhance the creative skills of my students?

Final thoughts.

And finally, remember to only choose prompts and writing assignments that align with your learning objectives.

Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Emily

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It’s important to challenge children throughout their education. Fifth grade is a fun year, but it’s also the time when children must expand their minds and improve their writing and reading skills. You want to boost your students’ writing skills and unlock their imaginations. It’s also important for them to be able to argue points. So, it’s time to give your fifth-grade students a few writing prompts to unlock their writing skills .

Top Examples of Creative Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

• Give three examples of why it’s important to stick to your word. 
• Should you break a promise to a friend? Give three reasons why you should break a promise.
• What do you think honesty means? Give one example of honesty. 
• Why do you believe everyone should be equal? Give three examples of why equality is important.
• Where is your favorite quiet place, and why is it special to you?
• Should fifth graders be allowed to babysit? 
• What three things do you do to get ready in the morning for school?
• Why everyone should be treated with respect.
• What makes a good leader?
• If you won a lot of money, how would you spend the money?
• Is luck more important than skill?
• How do you show your family you love them? Give 10 examples of how you show your love.
• What is your favorite book, and why?
• Do you prefer animated or live-action movies?
• Is money more important than friends, and which would you choose to have?
• Who do you call a hero, and why?
• Who encourages you to do well? Give examples of how they encourage you to succeed.
• What are your biggest fears?
• Why should everyone recycle?
• Is it necessary to learn science, and what is it used for?
• Why should everyone learn basic math skills?
• Describe a family vacation that was special to you and give examples of why it meant so much to you.
• Why shouldn’t you quit when things get too difficult?
• If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be?
• How would you make a new student welcome to the class?
• Do you believe fourth and fifth graders should have time limits to use social media?
• There are many food festivals throughout the year. If you could choose just one festival to attend, which would it be, and why?
• Do you truly understand what it means to not judge a book by its cover? Explain in detail.
• Describe yourself in detail, from your appearance to your personality.
• What three things do you most worry about while attending middle school?
• Would you intervene if you saw someone being bullied?
• What would you do if you saw a crime being committed?
• Who do you aspire to be like and why?
• Who is your favorite celebrity, and why do you look up to them?
• What is the one thing you would like to try but never have?
• Describe a terrible nightmare you have had in the past.
• Does climate change impact everyone directly or indirectly?
• If you could be principal for 24 hours, what rules would you incorporate at school?
• What would your dream job be?
• Describe the type of vacation you would like to go on.
• Describe the members of your immediate family and name one characteristic about them.
• Create a story about getting lost in a big city. 
• Write a story about what makes you mad and what makes you laugh.
• If you were a TV host, which literary author would you like to interview and why?
• What three questions would you ask the founders of the country?
• Do you think there are such things as monsters, and why do you share that opinion?
• Talk about your favorite place in the world. 
• Describe your perfect day.
• Do you think social media needs to be curbed to stop harmful messages from being broadcast?
• Can the internet help improve the world or make it worse? Explain your arguments for and against. 

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Writing Prompts for 5th Grade

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By fifth grade, students are developing basic fluency as writers. In order to hone their skills, fifth graders should practice supporting claims with factual information, conveying information clearly, and writing narratives in a logical order. The following fifth-grade writing prompts encourage students to develop their skills through topics that are meaningful to them.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on a student’s personal experience. They encourage students to use descriptive writing to reflect on their experiences, explain them in a logical manner, and draw conclusions from them.

• New Beginnings . This is your last year of elementary school. What are you most excited or most nervous about when you think of starting middle school ?
• Betwixt . Students in 5th grade are often referred to as “tweens,” meaning that they are between the young child and the teen years. What is the hardest thing about being a tween in today’s society?
• Besties . What is the best book you’ve ever read? What made it so special?
• Reflections . Do you remember your first-ever day of school ? Describe one vivid memory from that day.
• Bullies . Have you ever witnessed someone bullying another student? What happened and how did it make you feel?
• Man’s Best Friend . Do you share a bond with your dog or other pet? Describe your pet, and explain what makes your relationship unique.
• Families . A family isn’t always a mom, a dad, and their children. Write about the ways your family is the same as and different from other types of families and what makes your bonds so strong.
• Holiday Memories . Think about one of your favorite holiday-related memories. Write an essay describing it and tell why it is so unforgettable.
• Guilty . Think about a time you did something that made you feel guilty. Describe what happened.
• The Ultimate Field Trip . If you could choose anywhere in the world to go on a field trip , where would you choose and why?
• Family Game Night . Do you enjoy playing games with your family? Describe your favorite family game or activity.
• Tasty Treats . What is your favorite food? Describe it as if you were introducing it to someone who has never seen or tasted it.
• Someday . Have you thought about what you want to be when you grow up? Write an essay explaining why you think you’d like that career.

Persuasive Essay Writing Prompts

Persuasive essays are those written to convince another person to agree with the writer or take action. These persuasive essay prompts inspire 5th graders to share their passions with an audience.

• Pets Day . You’ve just gone to work with your parent for “bring your child to work day.” Write an essay convincing your school to have a “bring your pet to school” day.
• Yuck . What is your least-favorite cafeteria food? Give three compelling reasons why your school should quit serving it.
• Let’s Trade . Your friend’s lunches from home always look better than yours. Write an essay convincing your buddy that you should start swapping meals every day. Be sure to highlight the benefits of the food you bring!
• Home Alone . Write an essay convincing your parents that you are old enough and responsible enough to stay at home alone.
• Sunny Day . The weather outside is beautiful for the first time in weeks. Persuade your teacher not to assign any homework so that you’ll have time to go out to play.
• The Sequel . The long-awaited sequel to your favorite book or video game is now available. Convince your brother or sister to do your chores this week so that you have plenty of time for reading or gaming.
• Seating Chart . Because of your teacher’s seating chart, you’re not going to be able to sit next to your friend all year! Persuade your teacher to let students choose their seats.
• Birth Order . Are you an only child, the oldest sibling, the youngest, or the middle? What makes your birth order the best?
• The Ultimate Game . What is the best video game on the planet? Explain why it’s better than similar games.
• Life Lessons . What are the three most important lessons parents should teach their children and why?
• Test Time . Do you think standardized tests  are helpful or harmful? Explain your answer.
• Tunes . Some studies have shown that listening to music can help students concentrate. Should students be allowed to listen to music using headphones during independent work times at school? Persuade the reader of your answer.
• Catch-22 . You’re not a big fan of writing. Write an essay  convincing your teacher that you shouldn’t have to write any more essays this year.

Expository Essay Writing Prompts

Expository essays are often called how-to essays. They usually teach the reader something or provide facts about a particular topic.

• Let’s Play . Your family frequently attends community theater productions, but your friend has never seen one. Write an essay describing what he or she can expect during the evening.
• Band . You're graduating elementary school, and a younger student is taking your spot in the school band. Explain to him or her how to clean and care for your  musical instrument .
• Lessons Learned . Write an essay to a younger sibling explaining two or three key strategies for having a positive 5th-grade experience.
• Class Pet . You’ve cared for your class pet this week, but now it’s another classmate’s turn. Explain how to feed and care for the pet properly.
• Upgrade Ahead . You have an idea to improve your school. Explain it.
• Safety Zone . Explain three of the best steps kids can take to be safe online.
• Family Traditions . Does your family have any customs or traditions that might be unfamiliar to a classmate? Describe them.
• Pen Pal . Describe for your pen pal who lives in another state an animal native to your area, including its physical characteristics, behaviors, and any sounds that it makes.
• Creepy Crawlies . Compare and contrast two insects or animals that are similar, but have different characteristics such as a bumblebee and a yellow jacket or a horse and a mule. How are they alike and how are they different?
• Clean Up . Your class is going to spend a day cleaning up at a local park. You’ve done this with another group before, but some of your classmates haven’t. Explain the process.
• Action . Your favorite book was made into a movie. Compare and contrast the film and book versions.
• Team Players . Explain how contributing responsibly helps or how it hurts a group when someone doesn’t do his part.
• Tell and Show . Your class is having a “tell and show” day. You have to describe your item in as much detail as possible without naming it. Only when the class guesses or gives up can you show your item. Write out the description of your item.

Creative Writing Essay Prompts

Creative writing allows students to engage their imaginations and story-telling skills while also practicing vital writing skills such as sequence and description.

• Magic Lamp . You’ve just found a magic lamp. What happens when you rub it?
• Say Cheese . You are given an exceptional camera. Everything you take a picture of becomes yours, but you can only take three pictures. Tell a story about the photos you take.
• Invisible Man . One morning, you glance in the mirror and realize that you don’t have a reflection. You’ve become invisible! Write a story about your day.
• Gone to the Dogs . Write a story from your pet’s point of view.
• All Hail the King . Imagine that you discover an uncharted land that you claim as a new country. And, you’re the ruler! Describe your country, its people, and your newfound position of power.
• Part of the Story . One night, you doze off after reading the latest book in your favorite series. When you wake, you discover that you’re in the story! Write about your adventures.
• Before or After . Imagine that you live either 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future. What is your life like?
• Dr. Doolittle . You’re walking through a pet store when you discover that you can talk to the animals. What happens next?
• Meet and Greet . Imagine that you can meet anyone you’re studying in school right now from famous scientists to historical figures to the characters in the class read-aloud . Write a story about your meeting with that person.
• Switcheroo . If you could switch lives with anyone in your school, who would it be? Write about your day in the life of that person.
• Holiday Loop . Imagine you get to relive your favorite holiday every day. What’s that like?
• Tall Tales . Tall tales are possibly true stories that contain highly exaggerated actions or events. Create a tall tale about something that happened in your family.
• Teacher's Pet . Imagine that your teacher is actually your parent. Describe a day in class.
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Sometimes students need a little push to tap into their creativity and unleash their writing skills. To help 5 th Graders to stay at the top of their game, we have compiled 100 writing prompts, covering a range of scenarios. Feel free to try out the ones that resonate most with you. Because, after all, practice is the key to improve your writing skills.

Creative Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade

Persuasive writing prompts for 5 th grade, research writing prompts for 5 th grade, imaginative writing prompts for 5 th grade, science writing prompts for 5 th grade.

• Reflecting Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade
• Imagine you can do anything you want for a day. What are you going to do?
• Imagine you can travel to any place in the world for one month. Write about where would you go and why.
• Suppose you had the power to change one thing about your school. What would you do and why?
• Imagine your best friend is in a bit of trouble. What would you do to cheer him up?
• Imagine a local reporter wants to know about your favorite school event. Which event will you pick and why?
• Suppose you are asked to create a rule for students for one day. Write to explain what rule you will make and the reasons for picking that rule.
• Your teacher asks you to take photographs of five things you like at school. Using details, write about the pictures you would take.
• Imagine one day you wake up and find you are invisible. Write to explain what adventures you will have.
• Vincent Van Gogh famously declared, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Using details, write about your three most-favorite places in nature.
• Imagine you have won a $10,000 lottery. Write to explain what you would do with the money.
• Would you rather have lots of friends or lots of money?
• Would you rather read or play outdoors with your friends?
• Imagine you wake up one day and find you can fly. What would you do? Where would you go? Describe the adventures you would have in details.
• If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
• Write a letter to someone in fourth-grade telling him or her about how to succeed in fifth grade.
• Imagine you wake up one day and find you have turned into an eagle. Describe the adventures you would have.
• Imagine you are a superhero. You might be able to fly or see through walls or become invisible at a press of a button. Write about your unnatural power and how you will use it.
• Imagine you woke up one day to find a talking parrot on your window sill that squawks, “I know where a big treasure is buried.” Describe what happens next.
• Suppose you could meet your favorite sportsperson for a day. Who will you pick and why?
• Suppose you could meet your favorite role model. Who will you pick and why?
• Imagine you can go back in time and relive one moment of your life. Which event will you pick and why?
• Suppose you have the power to correct one mistake that you have made in the past. Using details, describe what you will do.
• Imagine your friend has a pet that can talk. Write to tell what happened when you met this pet.
• Imagine a famous celebrity visits your school. Using details, write a story about this event.
• Imagine one day you were outside when you came across a magical baseball bat that lets you hit home runs at will. Using details, write a story about what happens next.
• Imagine your friend has a bike that talks. The bike can do many other amazing things as well. You and your friend go for a ride on this bike. Using details, tell about the adventures you two have.
• One day you saw a big unruly kid bullying a first grader on the school playground. Write about what you did next?
• If you were principal for a month, what five things would you do?
• Describe your dream job.
• Pen a story containing these five words: ostrich, serious, however, camper, and flabbergasted.
• Should fifth grade be part of middle school or elementary school?
• Should children be allowed to vote?
• Should fifth graders be allowed to bring smartphones to school?
• Do children spend a lot of time playing video games?
• Do children spend a lot of time on social media platforms?
• Does celebrating kindness week make students kinder?
• Is the saying “There are no stupid questions” correct?
• Do American students have it too easy?
• Do camera drones help make public places safer? Or are they just an excuse to violate our privacy?
• Is being beautiful more important than being smart?
• Is being loved more important than being respected? Or is it the other way round?
• Do people speak truthfully on social media? Share your opinion with examples.
• Is your ethnicity a key part of your identity? If yes, explain how?
• Is the fear of failure a constructive thing? Share your opinion with a couple of personal examples.
• Is it important to give back to the community?
• Are teenagers spending more time in front of screens than in extracurricular activities?
• Do students need recess?
• Should fifth graders be allowed excused mental health days?
• Is depression on rise among teens?
• Should students be allowed to pick their teachers?
• Do teenagers who spend more time in extracurricular activities and less time in front of screens have better mental health?
• How much screen time is too much for teenagers?
• How does screen time affect the teenage brain?
• How much time teenagers are spending glued to a screen every day on average?
• What are the best ways to reduce teen screen time?
• Which channel has better shows: Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon?
• Are channels like Discovery and National Geography helpful to teenagers? If yes, how do they help? Explain with examples.
• Is it important for students to have a role model?
• Is it better to have multiple small breaks from school throughout the year instead of one long summer break?
• Has technology made life easier or more complicated? Explain with examples.
• Would you rather be a robot or a zombie?
• Would you rather be respected or loved?
• You would be in middle school next year. What four things you are most looking forward to?
• Would you rather be very smart or very beautiful?
• If the internet were to go down forever, how would that affect you?
• Write a scene that features a) magical shoes, b) your best friend, and c) $10 million
• You get to pick one celebrity, one food item, and one book to a remote island. Which person would you pick? Which book and food item would you choose? Why?
• What do the three friends you spend time with most have in common?
• What qualities a person needs to make friends quickly?
• If you could learn anything about your future,    what would you most like to know?
• What would it be like to be a student in a foreign country?
• If you could be the President for a week, what would you do?
• What is the best thing about getting older?
• Write a script for a new show on Netflix.
• Rewrite a classic fairytale of your choice in a way that makes the bad guy a hero.
• Do you think we would ever really find out if there’s another planet like Earth in outer space?
• Do you think virtual reality games affect our brain in any negative way?
• Which is more important for sustaining human life — plants or animals?
• What steps can we take to prevent the melting of glaciers in the Antarctic region?
• How do Penguins survive extreme cold?
• Which is the most important part of the human body?
• If you could give another name to the Earth’s moon, what name would you pick for it and why?
• Besides the sun and the water, what else can be used by us to harness energy to power our homes?
• Which is one technology that you wish scientists could make?
• Do you think smart appliances (like smart fans, bulbs, or cars) can undermine our security?

Reflective Writing Prompts for 5 th Grade

• What makes you unique? Identify three things.
• Describe what would you like to do when you grow up?
• Describe what would like to become in the afterlife?
• If you could jump to any grade, what grade would you pick?
• Should we fear failure? Share your view in detail and with examples.
• Write an email to yourself 15 years from now. What would you like to say?
• How can you tell if a fellow student is feeling anxious, insecure, or depressed?
• What real-life situations would work out better if you were a more confident person than you really are?
• How can one learn to not give in to peer pressure?
• Do social media represent people genuinely? Share your view with examples.
• What are your two most important learning experiences? Tell about them in detail.
• How important is what we think about ourselves?
• How much control you have over your life?
• Do you believe in the saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover? Give real-life examples to support your viewpoint.
• Explain why we must recycle as much as we can.

Well, that’s just about it. We hope you liked these writing prompts. But remember these writing prompts are only helpful if you use them. They help you become a better writer only if you practice writing every day.

Want more help? Check out this article . It contains scores of writing prompts to help you dig deeper into your writing practice. We recommend you to use different types of writing prompts, as that will help you become a better all-round writer.

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5th Grade Writing Prompts: Experiences, Imagination, Fantasy, Opinions, Reflections, And School Topics

November 13, 2023 //  by  Sean Kivi

Fifth grade is a monumental year for your students! They’re in their last year of elementary school and preparing to move on to middle school and our prompts are here to encourage them to share their experiences and personal opinions about topics of interest. Once you’ve caught their attention with these 105 fantastic prompts, it’ll be easy to take them through the all-important writing process that follows. Comb through this list and let them pick out a few prompts to share with them and get them reflecting on all they’ve already been through!

Covid-19 Experiences

1. Tell me about a time that Covid-19 disrupted your school day. What did you do, and how was everything different?

2. Do you think wearing a mask is a good idea? Why or why not?

3. How did social distancing make you feel? Why?

4. What did you like most about homeschooling during the lockdown and why?

Imagination and Fantasy

5. If you were a Minecraft character, who would you be, and what would you do?

6. If you fart in space, the smell stays with you. What would you do if that happened on Earth?

7. You need to stop a rocket from flying into the sun. What do you do?

8. If you could transform into any liquid or a gas, what would you choose and why?

9. How can I build a home on Mars?

10. If you could clone yourself, would you? Why?

11. Do you want to have a robot that does everything for you? Why or why not?

12. If you could travel in time, would you go into the future or the past? Why?

13. Would you rather see the creation of the universe or the end of the universe? Why?

14. What do you think will happen if you go into a black hole?

15. Would you like to go to another planet? Which one and why? If not, why not?

16. Imagine you went to the moon. What’s there?

17. We launch trash into space. Should we continue to do that?

18. What would you do if you woke up as a video game character?

19. Fleas jump as high as 60 times their body length. Would you like to be able to jump this high?

20. Emperor penguins can stay underwater for 27 minutes without breathing. What would you do underwater for that long?

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

22. What would you do if you woke up and zombies were outside of your house?

23. Convince me a dinosaur is a good pet.

24. What would you do if you found a treasure map?

25. If you were President for a day, what would you do?

26. What would you do if you were stranded on a deserted island?

27. If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and why?

28. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

29. If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

30. What would you do if you could fly?

31. If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be and why?

32. Would you rather be able to speak any language or be able to talk to animals?

33. What would you do if you could time travel to the past for a day?

34. If you could be any historical figure for a day, who would you be and why?

35. What do you think the world will be like in 2060?

Personal Preferences and Opinions

36. Is it okay to have a monkey as a pet? Why or why not?

37. Do you prefer drawing or writing? Why?

38. Are Takis or Cheetos better? Why?

39. Are you a cat or dog person? Why?

40. Is it okay to keep money that you find on the street?

41. Would you eat a spider, as people do in Cambodia?

42. Would the USA be better if there was only one time zone?

43. How can we slow down climate change?

44. What is the best way to eat toast?

45. Do you prefer Christmas or your birthday?

46. What is the most boring holiday and why?

47. Do you think aliens are real? Why or why not?

48. Would you rather live in a big city or the country? Why?

49. What can we do about the plastic pollution problem?

50. Would you rather have a snow day or a sunny day?

51. Do you like roller coasters? Why or why not?

52. Would you rather go without TV or without snacks for a week?

53. How do you feel about chores?

54. Would you rather go without TV or without snacks for a week?

55. What is your favorite game and why?

56. How do you feel about the importance of recycling?

57. Do you prefer swimming in a pool or the ocean? Why?

58. Are video games good for your brain?

59. How would you spend your time if there were no electronics?

60. Are iPads making kids lazier?

Self-Reflection and Personal Experiences

61. What would you do if a bully were picking on your best friend?

62. What are you the best at and why?

63. Convince me to buy an iPhone.

64. Should parents be allowed to give kids chores?

65. What is your dream job, and why?

66. How would you feel if you were a fish? Why?

67. What is your favorite season and why?

68. What is your favorite family tradition?

69. Describe your perfect day.

70. What would you do if you won a million dollars?

71. How would you feel if you had to move to a new city?

72. How do you feel when you help someone else?

73. Would you rather be a famous athlete or a famous scientist? Why?

74. What are the most important qualities of a friend?

75. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

76. What is your least favorite chore and why?

77. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

78. Describe your favorite book and why it’s so special to you.

79. Do you think it’s important to have good manners? Why?

80. How do you show kindness to others?

81. What does courage mean to you?

82. What is your favorite family vacation memory?

83. What is your favorite animal and why?

84. What makes you feel proud?

85. What is the most fun thing you’ve ever done?

86. What is your favorite sport and why?

87. Do you think it’s better to be a kid or an adult? Why?

88. How do you feel when you’re angry, and how do you cope with this emotion?

89. What is your favorite hobby and what do you like about it?

90. Tell me about a time you had a fear of missing out.

91. What is your favorite type of music and why?

92. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

School Specific 

93. What are your goals for this school year?

94. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in school so far?

95. How can I be a cool fifth grader?

96. What is the hardest thing about being a 5th grader?

97.  If you could change one rule at school, what would it be and why?

98. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach and why?

99. Should we make the school day shorter?

100. How do you feel about homework?

101. What do you like to do during recess?

102. How would you handle being the new kid in school?

103. What would you do if you were principal for a day?

104. What is your favorite subject in school and why?

105. How do you feel about starting middle school next year?

Grade 5 Writing Prompts

25 writing prompts for fifth grade.

Here are some of our favorite writing prompts for Grade 5, which have been created to encourage your child to work on text complexity and think more critically about specific events!

Story sentence starters

Adverb story starters, morals and values, general prompts.

• Her eyes opened and once again she had no idea where she was. Where had her powers taken her this time?
• He heard a low growl in the distance as he clung tight to his small bag of possessions…
• She stepped out of the time machine wondering…
• The sun was setting in the distance as…
• “Help!” She awoke from a deep sleep and heard the scream that had woken her more clearly now…
• Quickly, the friends ran across…
• Suddenly, the ground shook under their feet…
• Curiously, she inched forwards and took hold of the door handle…
• Wisely, the boy crouched down so he could not be seen…
• Gracefully, the swan glided over the lake as ten-year-old Florence watched…
• How does the water cycle work?
• Why does the sun rise and set each day?
• What are stars?
• What does the word ‘science’ mean to you?
• Which scientific invention do you think has been the most important to date?

Children can base these on a historical figure or event:

• Write a story where someone shows kindness towards others.
• Write about a courageous person in the face of danger.
• Write a story about someone displaying forgiveness.
• Write a story about generosity.
• Write an inspirational story.
• If you had your own airplane, where would you go?
• What would happen if you had a dinosaur in your back garden?
• If you could go back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?
• Write about something you have learned this year.
• Imagine you could see into the future. How would you use this special power?

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper makes writing fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve.

Our language arts program for kids includes thousands of educational resources, such as creative writing prompts, interactive lessons, and printable worksheets for learning on the go! We also provide personalized feedback on all of the work submitted by children on the program.

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40 Engaging 5th Grade Writing Prompts

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 3, 2024

Writing is a fundamental skill that every kid should learn and develop. It takes much practice and dedication to be able to write well. One of the best ways for 5th grade students to practice their writing skills is through creative writing prompts. These are fun and engaging topics that students can use to come up with interesting stories or poems.

The purpose is to stimulate their imaginations and help them develop their writing skills. In coming up with writing prompts for your 5th grade students, it is important to consider the age group and provide topics that challenge them without being too overwhelming. Remember, allowing them to explore their imaginations is key!

5th Grade Writing Prompts

Below are some examples of 5th grade writing prompts that your students can use to help improve their writing skills. I drew on various sources including AI chatbots to crowdsource these prompts. From imagining alternate worlds and magical adventures to reflecting on personal experiences and sharing opinions, these prompts cover a wide range of topics and genres. 

1. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place in the world. 2. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 3. Write a story about a time when you had to overcome a fear. 4. Imagine you could talk to animals. What kind of animal would you talk to first and what would you say? 5. Write a letter to your future self, telling yourself what you hope to accomplish in the next five years. 6. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be and why? 7. Write a story about a magical adventure with your best friend. 8. What is your favorite hobby and why do you enjoy it? 9. If you could invent any new game, what would it be and how would you play it? 10. Imagine you are a superhero. What would your superhero name be and what would your powers be?

11. If you could travel back in time to any era, where and when would you go? Why did you choose that time period and what would you do there? 12. Write a story about a day in the life of a superhero’s sidekick. 13. What do you think is the most important invention of all time? Explain your answer. 14. Imagine you could create your own planet. What would it be like? What kind of creatures or plants would live there? What would the environment be like? 15. If you could be any character from a fairy tale, who would you be and why? What challenges would you face and how would you overcome them?

Related: Adjectives to Describe a Place

16. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite season. What makes it your favorite and what activities do you enjoy doing during that time of year?

17. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them?

18. Write a story about a time when you had to work together with someone to overcome a challenge.

19. Imagine you could create your own robot. What would it look like and what would it be able to do? What would you use it for?

20. Write a poem about your favorite animal. What do you admire about it and why do you think it’s special?

21. If you could be any character from a movie or TV show, who would you be and why?

22. Write a story about a mysterious object that is found in your backyard. What is it and how does it impact your life?

23. Imagine you could have any job in the world. What would you choose and why?

24. Write a letter to your favorite fictional character. What would you say to them and why do you admire them?

25. If you could live in any country in the world, where would you choose and why? What would you want to learn about the culture and the people there? 26. Write a story about a group of friends who go on a camping trip and discover a hidden treasure. 27. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why? 28. Imagine you could visit any planet in the solar system. Which one would you choose and what do you think it would be like? 29. Imagine you could design your dream house. What would it look like and what special features would it have? Where would it be located and why did you choose that location? 30. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why? What special abilities or characteristics would make it a good companion?

Related: 80 Adjectives to Describe Feelings

31. Write a story about a group of kids who start a detective agency to solve mysteries in their neighborhood. 32. If you could have any job for a day, what would you choose and why? What would you want to learn or experience during that day? 33. Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. What three things would you bring with you and why? What would you do to survive and try to escape? 34. Write a descriptive paragraph about a place you have never been to, but would like to visit. What do you imagine it would be like and why are you drawn to that place? 35. If you could have a conversation with any person in history, who would it be and why? What questions would you ask them and what would you hope to learn from them? 36. Write a story about a group of friends who discover a magical portal to another world.

37. If you could have any talent or skill, what would it be and why? How would you use it to benefit others?

38. Write a poem about your favorite sport or activity. What do you love about it and why is it special to you? 39. If you could make one wish, what would it be and why? How do you think your life would change if that wish came true? 40. Imagine you are the main character in a book. What kind of adventure would you go on and what challenges would you face? How would you overcome them?

Related: Words and Adjectives to Describe a Person

Final thoughts

I hope you’ve found this post on 5th grade writing prompts to be a treasure trove of inspiration for young writers. The journey from the creative corners of their minds to the paper in front of them is a critical path in developing not just their writing skills but also their ability to think critically and empathetically. From crafting poems about their favorite sports or activities to imagining the endless possibilities of a single wish coming true, each prompt is designed to spark imagination, encourage introspection, and cultivate a love for storytelling.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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225 Fun & Free Creative Writing Prompts for Kids in All Grade Levels

Written by Maria Kampen

Prodigy English is here! Get your students playing — and learning — today.

• Teacher Resources
• Prodigy English
• Elementary school writing prompts

Middle school writing prompts

High school writing prompts.

• Social emotional learning jounal prompts
• Math writing prompts

Writing prompts are meant to unlock creativity. They’re story starters designed to inspire creative thinking. They can take you to places you’ve been or recall an important time in your life. 

But mostly, they’re useful tools for teachers to inspire writing growth in students from grade school to high school.

“Once upon a time, in a land far, far away…”

It’s amazing how one simple sentence can send you on a journey to places you’ve never been, filled with untold possibilities. 

Reading is great, but you know what’s even better? Giving your students the power to write stories for themselves. 

Writing prompts for kids help students:

• Express themselves and their creativity
• Grasp lifelong literacy skills and concepts
• Tell their own stories and build self-confidence
• Develop a growth mindset when it comes to their writing skills

Writing is like a muscle — it takes practice to build up skills. Luckily, we put together a list of over 200 writing prompts to help your students get started. We’ve also organized them by middle school, high school and elementary school to help teachers decide whether these prompts are age-appropriate for their students.

Grade school writing prompts

Grade schoolers can definitely begin to address complex ideas when it comes to story writing — but you should seek to keep the prompts simple and straightforward. 

Reluctant writers might be intimidated by complicated writing ideas — and this is an age where we should be encouraging creativity.

Creative writing prompts for elementary schoolers

Whether it’s exploring the furthest reaches of outer space, traveling across the Sahara desert or sticking a little closer to home, these creative writing prompts will have students imagining endless possibilities for their writing.

• Write about what your life would be like if you turned into a squirrel. What would you do every day?
• A strange spaceship just crashed and landed in your backyard. What happens next?
• Make up a story about where thunder comes from.
• You find an old notebook hidden in an attic. What does it say? Who did it belong to?
• You have a magic garden. What magical plants do you grow? How do you take care of them?
• Write a story about running away with the circus when it comes to town.
• Rewrite “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” from the perspective of one of the dwarfs (Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy and Bashful).
• There once was a little boy who ate nothing but oranges. What happened to him?
• Write a story about a magical hat. Where is it from? What does it do? What does it look like?
• You’re exploring the rainforest and come across a flower that no one’s ever seen before. Describe it!
• Tell me a story about a dinosaur living a long, long time ago.
• Tell me a story about an astronaut visiting another planet. Where are they going? How do they get there? What do they take with them?
• You discover a magic portal in the park. Where does it lead to?
• Pick a partner and write a story together! Start by writing the first sentence, then pass it to your partner to write the second sentence.
• You find buried treasure in the park, hidden in a big wooden chest. What kind of treasure is it? Who left it there?
• Write a story about a family that can travel in time. 
• Write a story without using the letter “E”.
• Write the funniest story you can think of. 
• There’s a kangaroo in your classroom. How did it get there? What happens when you find it?
• Write a story about an explorer who keeps getting lost. Where are they trying to go? What do they find along the way?
• Write a story about a wooden door, a can of soda and a blue shoe.
• If there was a magical portal in the back of your closet, where would it lead to? 
• Finish this story: There was a knock on the door. I opened it to find a dog sitting there, and…
• You come home and find that everything in your house is upside down. What happened?
• Describe the color “red” without using the word “red”.
• There’s an old, abandoned house at the end of your street that’s been empty for years. One day, someone moves in.
• Rewrite the story of Cinderella from the perspective of the stepsisters.  
• Write a backstory for Ed, the orange Prodigy mascot. 
• You wake up one morning and find a mermaid in your bathtub. How did they get there? What do you do?
• Write a story about a monster looking for some friends. 
• Oh no — your balloon blew away! Write about what happens from the balloon’s perspective. 
• You and your friends are out for a walk when, out of nowhere, your friends start disappearing! What’s going on?
• Once upon a time, an old inventor built a weather machine. It sat undiscovered for years — until you found it. What happens next?
• You just ate a cookie that turned you 15 feet tall. What do you do next?

Fun writing prompts for grade schoolers

Everyday life is full of great inspiration for writing! Get students thinking with these easy and fun writing prompts.Write about something you are good at. 

• If you could write a book about anything, what would you write about?
• If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
• Do you have a favorite animal? Tell me all about it! Why do you like it?
• What would you do if you woke up one morning and everything was pink — including you?
• What food can you not live without? Why?
• If you could add any class to your school schedule, what would it be?
• Invent a new day of the week. What is it called? When is it? What do people usually do on that day of the week?
• If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? 
• If you could spend a Saturday doing anything you wanted, what adventures would you get up to?
• If you could have any wild animal as a pet, what would you choose? Why?
• What's your favorite, wacky food?
• Where is your favorite place to read? Why?
• What was the coolest day of school for you? What made it exciting?
• Which of your toys do you wish could talk? What would they say?
• If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it look like?
• Invent a machine to do a chore for you. What does the machine do? What does it look like?
• What's your favorite season? What makes it the best?
• What is your favorite math game and why?
• Describe your real-life superpower.
• Finish the story: When I'm older I want to be an expert in…
• If pets could talk to each other, what would they say?
• If you were the captain of a ship, what would you call your ship? What would it look like? Where would you go?
• If your pet could talk to you, what do you think it would say?
• If you were the only person on earth for one day, what would you do?
• Plan the perfect birthday party for yourself. 
• What is your favorite thing to do over summer break?
• Describe your ideal birthday cake. 
• If you could add any type of room to your house, what would it be?
• What’s your favorite movie and why?

Persuasive writing prompts for elementary school

Are your students’ opinions up for debate? Ask them to flex their critical thinking skills with these persuasive writing prompts. Once they’re done, get class discussion flowing with a spirited debate!

• Write a letter convincing your parents to let you get a pet dog. What arguments do you use to persuade them?
• Convince your teacher that you should be allowed an extra 15 minutes of recess.
• Convince your best friend to read your favorite book.
• How would you convince someone to do your chores for you?
• Write a commercial for your favorite breakfast food. What would convince someone else to try it?
• What flavor of chips is the best? Why?
• What would make a better pet — a monkey or a peacock?
• Do you think children should be allowed to stay up as late as they want?
• What’s your favorite holiday and why should it be everyone’s favorite? 
• Convince us that your favorite food should be a staple in everyone’s diet.

As students enter middle school, they’re starting to feel like bigger, older kids. They can start writing original short stories and abstract persuasive essays. 

It’s best to inspire creativity at this age and encourage them to explore their own voice and different writing styles. These prompts will definitely go a long way in inspiring that.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers

• Invent a new type of transportation for the future. Who uses it? Where does it go?
• If you had a time machine, where would you visit first — the past or the future? Why?
• You get on the bus and find a four-piece jazz band giving a concert. What do you do?
• Design and name your own Prodigy pet . What element are they? What’s their special power?
• Finish this story: “Something just touched my foot,” they shouted, swimming frantically towards the shore. 
• Write a silly or scary story to tell around a campfire. 
• Finish this story: Everything was going so well today — until I tripped and fell, right in front of…
• Throughout your adventures as a pirate on the high seas, you’ve seen lots of strange and magical creatures. Which one was the most interesting?
• Deep in the heart of a dark and mysterious cave, there lies a magic stone. Write about your quest to find it. 
• Write an acrostic poem using the word “strawberry.”
• There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She knit and she baked, but what else did she do?
• Finish this story: “One thing I’ll never do again,” she said, “Is go on vacation with an alpaca.”
• Make up a new planet and describe it. 
• Write a story about a family of penguins living on an iceberg.
• Write a story about a girl who can walk through walls. 
• You’ve been invited to a ball at the Queen’s palace! What is it like?
• Imagine you’re exploring the Amazon jungle. Write a diary entry about your day.
• If you could invent a TV show, what would it be about?
• You discovered an underwater kingdom! What is it like there?
• A lonely trumpet player makes friends with the dancer who lives next door. What happens next?
• You go to the park to fly a kite, but get carried away by the wind! What happens next?
• Write a story about a volcano that’s about to erupt.
• Write a story about visiting an old lady who lives deep in the woods.
• Boom, you’re a superhero! Give yourself an origin story, describe your superpowers and plan what you’ll do to make the world a better place. 
• Write a story using these six words: calendar, headphones, lipstick, mug, bear.
• You wake up to find you’re invisible. How did it happen? What do you do?
• There’s been a robbery at the bank, and you’re in charge of finding the culprit. How do you solve the case?
• Finish the story: Once upon a time, there was a dragon...
• You just joined a super-secret spy organization. What’s your first mission?
• Write a story about being cold without using the word “cold.”
• You’re a scientist and you’ve just discovered a new type of bug. Describe what it looks like, where it’s from and what you’re going to call it. 
• Imagine a world where all the birds can talk. What would they say?
• Write about what happens after the end of your favorite book or movie.
• Finish the story: She sprinted down the driveway to the mailbox. The package was here!
• You’re on a hike and a bird starts talking to you. What do you do? What does it say?
• Write a story using these five words: bubblegum, stapler, spoon, lightbulb, strawberry.
• You ate a magical carrot and your skin turned orange! What happens next?
• Write about what it would be like if you had an elephant for a pet.

Fun Writing Prompts for Middle Schoolers

• If you were in charge of the classroom for a day, what would your class do?
• Tell me about the last dream you had.
• You’re trapped on a desert island. What three things did you bring with you and why?
• What mythical creature would you like to have as a pet? Why?
• Invent a new type of pasta. What does it look like? What does it taste like?
• If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Make a plan and tell the story of your dream vacation.
• Plan the perfect picnic. Where would it be? What food would you have?
• If you could decorate your bedroom any way you wanted, what would it look like?
• Write a story that sounds loud, using onomatopoeia (words that sound like their meaning, like crash, snort, bang and boom.)
• Invent a new type of cookie. What does it taste like?
• Invent a new sport. What is it called? What are the rules?
• How would you disguise yourself to blend in with a forest?
• You just won a special award from the president. What did you do to earn that award?
• Do you collect anything? What is it and why? If not, what would you like to collect?
• You just found a genie in a bottle. What three things would you wish for? (Remember, no wishing for extra wishes!
• Explain how to play your favorite sport or do your favorite hobby. Make it as exciting as possible!
• Describe the most beautiful sunrise or sunset you’ve ever seen.
• If you could live in any book or movie, which one would you choose and why?
• Imagine that you’re going on a camping trip. What do you pack to make sure the trip is fun?
• If you could invent a robot to do any chore, what chore would it be? How would the robot do it?
• Would you rather it was always raining, or always snowing?
• Imagine you’re a toy inventor. What will you create?
• Would you rather climb to the top of a mountain or go scuba diving?
• Interview a family member about their childhood, then write it as a story.
• What was your favorite toy growing up — why was it so special to you?

Persuasive Writing Prompts for Middle School

• If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
• Is it better to read the book before you watch the movie, or watch the movie before you read the book?
• Persuade someone to try out your favorite hobby or sport.
• What’s the best way to try and persuade a friend to do what you want to do?
• When is peer pressure good? When is peer pressure bad?
• Is it better to have lots of friends, or just a few really good friends?
• Should students be in charge of what they learn in school?

High school students can either be tasked with more complex writing prompts or breathe nuance into simple story ideas. Students can drive these prompts in a million different ways.

So while not necessarily more complicated than middle school, these prompts can be tweaked, either by the student or teacher, to encourage thought-provoking output.

Creative Writing Prompts for High Schoolers

• Write a story about someone your age who lives on the other side of the world. 
• Pick up the nearest book and turn to page 7. Close your eyes and point to a random word on the page, then write a story about that word.
• Write a story in ten words or less.
• You fell asleep for 100 years. What does the world look like when you wake up?
• Finish the story: “This isn’t what I hoped would happen,” she said….
• You’re walking down the street when you see someone who looks exactly like you.
• Write a story where the main character learns something new about themselves.
• Write a story that takes place in the desert. 
• Write a story about a day where everything seems to go wrong. 
• Write a poem about the color blue.
• How would your life be different if you didn’t have access to a computer, video games or your phone?

Fun writing prompts for high schoolers

• You win a million dollars, but there’s a catch — you have to spend it all in 24 hours, or you lose all the money. What do you do?
• Write about something you or your family does from the perspective of someone from another country.
• If you could make up a new holiday, when would it be and what would it celebrate?
• Go out on a nature walk and find a tree. Write the story of that tree, from the time it was a seed until now.
• What’s the most boring superpower you can think of? How would it be useful?
• If you could pass any law, what would it be?
• You meet yourself in the future, as a grown-up at age 35 — what do you talk about? 
• If you had to show aliens the most important/best things in the world, what would you show them?
• Who is your hero and why?
• Write about the best surprise you ever got. 
• What are three good things you can do for the environment? How can you encourage the people around you to do good things for the environment?
• What is your earliest memory? Write down as many details as you can remember.
• If you could take two people – real or fictional – on a cross-country road trip, who would you take? Where would you go?
• If you could have any job in the world tomorrow, what would you do?
• What is the best thing about living in your city or neighbourhood?
• Write a letter to your 30-year-old self. What do you think you’ll accomplish by then?
• Teach me how to make your favorite recipe.
• Describe the sound of your favorite song using descriptive words.

Persuasive writing prompts for high school

• Should kids be allowed to use social media unsupervised? Why or why not?
• Persuade someone to start a healthy habit, or get rid of a bad one.
• Should all single-use plastics be outlawed? Why or why not?
• Should our school have a dress code? Why or why not?
• Is it more important to be right or to not hurt someone else’s feelings?
• What important historical figure do you think belongs on the ten-dollar bill?
• Do you think you’re born with your personality traits, or do you gain them as you grow up?
• Should mobile apps be responsible for protecting your privacy — why or why not?

Social emotional learning journal prompts

School is about more than just books and quizzes — it’s about preparing students for the rest of their lives. Social emotional learning teaches them how to build good relationships with peers, understand and control their emotions and make healthy life decisions.

Journaling is a great way for students to reflect on their feelings in a safe, private space. Use these journaling prompts as thought starters for more social emotional learning!

Check out our list of the 25 best social emotional learning activities for students here. 

• Tell me about a tradition you have with your family or friends. 
• What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
• Have you ever found something that you lost? How did you feel when you found it?
• What is something you haven’t learned this school year that you’re still wondering about?
• What do you do when you’re angry? Write about three ways you calm yourself down.
• Where do you feel the safest? Why do you feel safe there?
• Write a poem to make a friend happy.
• When was the last time you were kind to someone? How can you be kind to someone today?
• How are you feeling today? Are you happy, sad, excited or anxious?
• If you could give your best friend a present, what would it be?
• What are the qualities you look for in a friend? Why is it important to be a good friend?
• What does responsibility mean to you?
• Who do you talk to when you’re worried about something? How do they make you feel better?
• If you could make a card for anyone in your life, who would it be for and what would it say?
• What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
• Write about a time you had to make a hard decision. How did you make your decision?
• What do you do to make yourself happy when you’re sad?
• Write about a time you were disappointed. 
• What are three things that make your best friend awesome?
• What do you think empathy means? Why is it important?
• How can you cheer up a friend who is sad?
• What makes you a good friend? How can you be a better friend?
• What’s the best piece of advice a friend, parent or teacher has ever given you?
• Write three goals for the rest of the school year. How are you going to accomplish them?
• What does responsibility mean to you? What are you responsible for at school and at home?
• What person in your life makes you feel confident?
• What scares you? How can you overcome your fears?
• Tell me about a time when you tried something new. How did it feel? Did you do it again?

Math writing prompts for kids

Whether it’s tackling word problems or explaining a new concept, writing is a surprisingly good tool for the math classroom. 

A math journal can help you understand what students already know, while giving them space to work through tricky concepts on their own. Use these writing prompts to promote literacy in every subject — and help students avoid math anxiety .

• Tell me everything you know about ________.
• Explain, in words, how to solve this problem.
• What is and isn’t true about this situation?
• What is _______?
• Explain two different ways to solve this problem. Which one is better?
• What did you get correct in this problem?
• What mistakes did you make while solving this problem?
• What do you not understand about _____?
• Write a word problem using the concept we’re learning about. 
• What did you learn today?
• How do you use math in your everyday life?
• What is the easiest/hardest part of math class?
• What discoveries did you make in math class today?

Final thoughts on writing prompts for kids

Writing prompts aren’t the end of the story — they’re just the beginning. Encourage your students to build a regular writing practice, and soon you’ll see the benefits in every class. 

Where will your students’ imaginations take them?

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5th grade writing doesn’t have to be a struggle! This blog post will provide all of my best tips and ideas for teaching your fifth graders to succeed as writers.

I’ve had classes where writing was a struggle allll yearrrr longggg. I’ve also had classes where I’d swear my students were one step away from writing professionally.

Your groups will never be the same and that’s ok. Just roll with it!

Take heart in the fact that when students leave your class at the end of the year, they will be MUCH better writers than when they entered in the fall.

No matter how good (or bad) my students are at writing when 5th grade begins, we always start at the very beginning and work on writing strong sentences.

This post will give you a step-by-step breakdown of how I help my students move from dull to dazzling sentences: How to Help Your Students Write Better Sentences

Once they’ve got the hang of writing an excellent sentence, then we move on. Your class may move slowly or quickly but be sure to watch their writing closely for clues that you may need to slow down.

You need to know where you’re going to know how you should plan the journey. So, the next section lays out my end-of-the-year goals for my 5th grade writers. Everything I do all year leads to the completion of these goals.

My end-of-the-year goals for my 5th grade writers….

By the time my students walk out of my classroom for the last time…

1. I want them to be able to efficiently organize their ideas and plan/write a five paragraph essay.

2. I want my students to be able to construct narrative, informative, and opinion essays.

3. I want my students to be able to choose appropriate sources and write a simple research report. 

4. I want my students to be able to closely read two paired passages and write an essay in response to a prompt. 

If you’re looking for a hyperlinked pdf version of my pacing and sequence for 5th grade writing, click the link below to have it sent to your email address. As a bonus, you’ll become a member of my weekly VIP email club just for upper elementary teachers. 🙂

Obtain a Writing Sample!  

Give students a simple prompt and ask for a response in a paragraph or two. Emphasize to students that you are not grading writing samples for grammar, spelling, or structure. You are interested in the quality of their ideas. 

This writing sample will be valuable as the year goes on. Your students will improve so much that their first samples will (hopefully) be pathetic compared to their new, improved writing pieces.

I usually whip out their first samples after we’ve written a few five paragraph essays. Students feel inspired to keep growing their writing skills when they see how far they’ve come in just a few months. 

Example Writing Sample Prompts: 

• Describe a talent or characteristic that makes you unique and different.
• Tell about a time when you set a goal for yourself and reached that goal.
• Pretend you live in a society where children are required to choose their future career paths in the 5th grade. What path would you choose? Explain.

Create Writing Reference Notebooks with students! 

I’ll admit it – I’m a little obsessed with writing reference notebooks. We use composition notebooks to create these amazing sources of knowledge and we use them all year long. 

So, where do we start with creating writing reference notebooks?

The beginning section of students’ notebooks hold reference materials. I want students to have plenty of resources at their fingertips to improve their sentence writing, including alternatives for overused words and my specialty, sparkle words. Sparkle words are words that are just a little bit special and make my students’ writing shine, like scandalous, embrace, and intriguing.

Other ways that my students use their writing reference notebooks:

• Writing journal entries
• Creating a personal thesaurus
• Writing topics & ideas list
• Taking notes on writing skills lessons
• Writing first drafts of longer assignments

This resource will give you an idea of the printable pages that I use for students’ notebooks: Writing Interactive Notebook – Reference Pages

Do I take grades on students’ writing reference notebooks? Not really. I want these notebooks to be a safe space for students to jot ideas and take risks with their first drafts. I do sometimes take a participation grade on their notebooks. This encourages students to keep their notebooks organized and up to date.

Start with sentences!  

When teaching 5th grade, you can expect students to start the year writing complete sentences, right?! No, sorry. Whether it’s the long break or maybe your students’ 4th grade teachers never required a lick of writing, your 5th graders will often begin the year with less-than-stellar sentences. 

So, I just plan to start with sentences first every year. We work on building and expanding sentences for about two weeks. Yes, two weeks probably seems like a really long time, but spectacular sentences are the foundation for creating great writers.

To improve my students’ sentences, I take the basic, simple sentences that students write and we work on adding more specific details and interest. First, I give students a list of five nouns and ask them to write one sentence using each noun.

I usually get sentences similar to these:

• Pie is my favorite dessert.
• My dad’s car is red.
• I wear my jacket when it is cold.
• This school is a nice place to learn.
• The tree is tall.

This is where I want students to get in their sentence-writing before moving on:

• Pecan, cherry, apple, or pumpkin… any type of pie is delicious!
• My dad spends his Saturdays washing and shining up his candy apple red Jeep.
• A puffy, hooded jacket is the first thing I reach for on chilly mornings.
• My school, North Hills Elementary, has the best teachers and students.
• The tall Redwood tree in my front yard is a welcome sight to visitors and makes my house look spectacular.

My students write every single day!  

I vividly remember being in 5th grade myself and writing long papers on the most boring topics ever, like “The Science of Light” and “The History of Mapmaking.” Snooze fest! I vowed to never do that to my students. Instead, I took a different route.

Students absolutely need to learn to write full reports and five paragraph essays, but they don’t need to do this every week. They do, however, need to continually practice writing. I find that if I make writing assignments engaging, my students don’t complain and actually seem to enjoy writing.

I assign Weekly Writing Choice Boards . This writing has made all the difference in my classroom! Students are now excited about writing class. They see writing as a treat and a fun way to express their thoughts and opinions.

I hand out a new choice board every week and students must complete three assignments from the board. I don’t grade these on perfect grammar, spelling, or punctuation, instead I look for ideas and effort. Even imperfect writing practice will improve your students’ writing skills tremendously!

Enter your first name and email address below for a free set of 6 Weekly Writing Choice Boards! The pdf file will be sent directly to your inbox. As a bonus, you’ll become a member of my weekly VIP email club just for upper elementary teachers. 🙂

If you teach social studies in addition to writing, this blog post will give you a bunch of engaging social studies journal entries that will help you tie social studies into your writing instruction.

Train students in proofreading and editing!  

Student need to practice proofreading and editing their writing (and the writing of other students) near the beginning of the school year.

Repeatedly practicing the steps of the proofreading/editing process will help your students to internalize this procedure. You’ll find that they will start to catch their mistakes earlier and more independently.

I find it valuable to establish and consistently use a common “proofreading language” in my classroom. It takes a little time up front to teach students the markings and their meanings but having a common system for proofreading will save loads of time throughout the school year.

This resource will give you an idea of the proofreading marks and practice that I use in my classroom: Proofreading and Editing Activity Pack

Asking your students to proofread and edit their own writing is a must but it’s also a good thing to have students pair up and look over a partner’s writing also. Your students will receive valuable feedback on their writing, editing ideas, and they’ll get to see some writing styles that are a little different from their own.

Teach five paragraph essays one piece at a time! 

Simple Paragraphs

Once my students are stellar sentence writers, we move to simple paragraphs. The simple paragraphs that I use with students consist of a topic sentence, three detail sentences, and a closing sentence.

Starting with simple paragraphs is much less threatening than jumping straight into five paragraph essays, so I find that spending some time helping students write excellent simple paragraphs is the perfect bridge into essays.

Additionally, we color-code our simple paragraphs. This allows students to think critically about what sentence types they have written and provides a visual for students (and for me) to see that all required parts of the paragraph are included.

The color-code I use with students:

• Topic sentence – green
• 3 detail sentences – yellow
• Closing sentence – red

Planning and Writing Body Paragraphs

Once students are able to write great simple paragraphs, we dive into the planning and writing of body paragraphs.

This isn’t too much of a jump for students because the body paragraphs are structured similarly to the simple paragraphs that we have practiced over and over. The only difference is that they are using one prompt to write three body paragraphs.

Many teachers think they have to start with the first paragraph of the essay, the introduction paragraph. This isn’t what I recommend. Starting by teaching students to write the three body paragraphs helps to steer the rest of the essay.

Adding an Introduction Paragraph

Now that students are able to write their three body paragraphs, it’s time to add the introduction paragraph.

The introduction paragraph contains a hook, commentary, and a thesis sentence.

The hook is a sentence (or two) that “hooks” readers and builds interest in the upcoming essay. I teach my students several types of hooks, including quotes, questions, bold statements, or sharing a memory.

After the hook, I ask students to write a sentence or two of commentary on the hook or on the prompt in general. This helps to “bulk up” their introduction paragraph a bit and make it more interesting.

The final part of the introduction paragraph is the thesis sentence. Because students already learned to write the body paragraphs, crafting a thesis sentence is so much easier.

The formula for writing a thesis sentence: Restate the prompt briefly + detail 1 + detail 2 + detail 3.

Additionally, I teach transition teams at this point. Students need to use a transition word or phrase at the beginning of each body paragraph, so that’s where transition teams come in. Transition teams are sets of three transition words or phrases that work well together.

Examples of transition teams:

• First, Second, Finally
• To begin, To continue, To end
• One reason, Another reason, A final reason

Adding a Conclusion Paragraph

When conclusion paragraph day finally arrives, my students are so excited because they can finally write an entire five paragraph essay.

In my opinion, conclusion paragraphs are super easy to teach because they only have two parts. Here’s the conclusion paragraph formula: Write the thesis sentence in a different way + add a closing thought.

I allow students to be creative with their closing thoughts. I tell them that this is the final thought that your readers will take with them, so it needs to relate well to your entire essay while being engaging and thought-provoking for readers. Some examples of closing thoughts are calls to action, quotes, personal opinions, and brief personal experiences.

Teach, Discuss, & Practice with Rubrics

I inform my students that from this point on in their school journey, they will be graded with rubrics fairly often, so this is a good time to learn about rubrics and become familiar with them.

I create or find five paragraph essay samples that are good, bad, and in-between. We read and examine the samples as a class and circle the applicable parts of the rubric. If students are able to grade a few assignments using a rubric, it’s not this unknown, scary thing anymore. 

Are you grading every single word and making a million corrections on students’ essays? I give you permission to stop doing that! 🙂

You are going to burn yourself out and get to where you hate grading and teaching writing. To be honest, your students will not become better writers when their papers are marked all over with suggestions in the margins.

Help! I need more support…

Please visit the following blog post for in-depth explanations and examples of my five paragraph essay teaching and grading process: 

Tips for Teaching and Grading Five Paragraph Essays

This resource will provide you with a full, scaffolded unit that will help you to teach the five paragraph essay process to students! Five Paragraph Essay Instructional Unit

Narrative, Informative, and Opinion Essays

As much as we’d like to just have our students write simple, straightforward five paragraph essays all year, that’s just not feasible.

But I promise, once your students can crank out those five paragraph essays on simple topics, moving to other modes of writing is no sweat! 

In my classroom, we spend time learning to write opinion essays, narrative essays, and informative essays. 

I start with opinion writing because my students have a lot of opinions, haha! We channel those opinions into five paragraph essay format. 🙂

Research Reports

The skills involved in writing a research report are valuable for 5th graders. They need to be able to judge the reliability of a source and cite their sources properly. 

Research reports also teach students to organize their ideas, take notes, make an outline, write a draft, and create a final report. 

I’d like to point you to the following blog post where I detailed my entire process for teaching research reports.

The Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Research Reports

Paired Passages

5th graders are too young to compare two passages and write a response. Right?! 

No, this is not true at all. I think that reading paired passages and using them to craft a written response is a valuable skill for 5th graders. 

Steps to analyzing paired passages and writing an essay to answer a prompt:

First, dissect the prompt.

Second, closely read the paired texts.

Third, organize thoughts using the prompt.

The following blog post explains my paired passage writing steps in detail. Take a moment to check it out. You’ll be glad you did! 

How to Teach Writing Using Paired Passages

My Sequence & Pacing for Teaching 5th Grade Writing

Don’t stress! This sequence and pacing guide is hyperlinked and ready to be sent to your email address. Go to the bottom of this blog post to request the guide.

1st Month of School

We start school in the middle of the month, so I only have two weeks to teach during the first month of school.

This is the rundown for the remainder of the month:

Month 1, Week 3

The first week of the school year is all about teaching and practicing procedures. Teach it right or teach it all year! 🙂

Classroom Procedures – I recommend you check out this blog post:  5 Tips for Establishing Procedures in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Welcome Activities –  Welcome to 5th Grade: First Week of School Activities

Blog Post – Back to School Writing Prompts for 5th Graders

Month 1, Week 4

During this week, I review and continue practicing procedures with students but we do go ahead and start working on writing.

I establish my expectations and procedures for my students’ Weekly Writing Choice Boards.

We set up writing notebooks together, including the table of contents, cover page, and an  About the Author  page. 

Obtain a writing sample

We start working on improving sentences.

2nd Month of School

Month 2, Week 1

We continue working on improving sentences.

Start proofreading/editing instruction and practice.

Month 2 , Week 2

Review the process for writing excellent sentences.

Finish proofreading/editing instruction and practice.

Month 2, Weeks 3-4

Writing simple paragraphs (include color-code)

3rd Month of School

Month 3, Weeks 1-2

Planning & writing body paragraphs (include color-code)

Month 3, Weeks 3-4

Teach introduction paragraphs

Writing introduction plus body paragraphs (include color code)

Transition teams

4th Month of School

Month 4, Weeks 1-2

Teach students how to write conclusion paragraphs.

Students will write their first full five paragraph essays this week.

Month 4, Weeks 3-4

Write 5 paragraph essays with a variety of basic prompts.

Have students proofread/edit other students’ essays.

Provide mini-lessons on grammar structure or other issues you are noticing in students’ writing.

5th Month of School

This is where our winter break falls, so I only have two weeks to teach this month.

This is a great time to review what we’ve been working on all year and assign some fun journal prompts.

Also, writing mini-lessons are good fillers for this time.

This Winter Writing Project is a student favorite right before winter break!

6th Month of School

Month 6, Week 1

When we come back from winter break, I like to teach the research report process. I spend a week teaching the process and giving students time to research while I’m there to help.

Month 6, Week 2

Student complete their research reports, including outlines, citing sources, and etc.

I ask my students to do super quick presentations on their research topics. It’s 1-2 minutes max. I don’t want them to read their reports aloud because that’s boring. Instead, I want them to quickly highlight what they learned about their topics and what was fascinating to them.

Month 6, Week 3

We review the five paragraph essay process and write/proofread/edit an essay with a simple prompt.

Month 6, Week 4

I start opinion writing this week. You’ll find that students will slide into opinion writing easily because they already know five paragraph essay structure.

7th Month of School

Month 7, Week 1

Continue working on opinion writing. By the end of this week, students should be able to write an opinion essay using a prompt.

Month 7, Weeks 2-3

We spend two weeks on narrative writing. By the end of the second week, students should be able to write a narrative essay using a prompt.

Month 7, Week 4

This week, I teach the process of writing an informative essay.

8th Month of School

Month 8, Week 1

Continue working on informative essays. Students should be able to write an informative essay using a prompt by the end of this week.

Month 8, Weeks 2-3

Teach students how to write an essay using paired passages.

For more information on how I teach the steps above, visit this blog post: How to Teach Writing Using Paired Passages

Month 8, Week 4

Now that students know the process of using paired passages, I provide a set of paired passages and ask students to answer prompts in a variety of genres, like opinion, narrative, informative, poetry, and etc.

This resource makes it easy:

Paired Passages with Writing Prompts and Activities Bundle

9th Month of School

Month 9, Week 1

Continue working on using paired passages to write in a variety of genres.

Talk about last minute standardized testing tips to help students with their writing tests.

The rest of the month is taken up with standardized testing, so I do a lot of review activities, free writing, and etc.

I do have a set of suspense stories that my students love to write during this month. Check them out here: Suspense Stories Bundle

10th Month of School

During this month, we are wrapping up the year. Students participate in multiple activities and field trips, so there’s not much teaching time.

If you are still feeling overwhelmed, don’t dismay. Instructing young, inexperienced writers is a challenge. Just work on one step at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself and your students. Once you’ve taught writing for a year or two, you’ll feel like an old pro. Promise! 

If you’d like to keep this blog post for later, simply save this pin to your teacher Pinterest board!

Are you that teacher saying, “oh my goodness, please just give me the print ‘n go pages so that i can start teaching writing tomorrow” it’s all here for you:.

I’m not a teacher, perhaps in my heart I am. I am an older Mom who adopted late in life as God gave us our newborn in our 50’s! By His grace, we are healthy, fit, youngish 50’s LOL! I love your stuff and have always supplemented Fi’s education., for I find the California standards quite low. Now that I have her in a college-prep school (5th Grade) I find she is much more prepared because of your wisdom! Thank you. Sophia Joy is someone who has always had to work hard at school, but it is paying off! Thank you and God bless you richly for being so generous with your wisdom,it will all come back to you 100-fold! Sincerely, Susan, Sophia Joy’s Mom

Thank you so much, Susan! You certainly have a heartwarming story with your precious girl 🙂

Hello When you do the back to school journal prompts, where do you have students complete these? On single paper, google classroom?

Hi Sarah! Usually, I have students complete the prompts in their social studies interactive notebooks. This year, however, we were virtual at the beginning of the year, so I had students type their entries onto Google Docs.

Hi! I am a new 5th grade teacher, and I’m wondering if your school uses a particular writing curriculum? Your website has been so helpful – thank you!!

Hi Jenny! We don’t use a particular writing curriculum at my school. I use my own resources to teach writing. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if I can help or answer any questions for you 🙂

Do you have any resources in Spanish?

Hi Danielle! The only resources I have in Spanish are my Parent’s Guide to Reading resources, grades K-5.

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Fifth Grade Creative Writing Worksheets

• Who Am I? – Character Description
• The Parts of a Letter
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• Student Proofreading Checklist
• Creative Writing with Photo Inspiration
• Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (Gr. 5)
• Same Name Word Puzzle
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• Poetry Terms Quiz
• Bio Poem Handout
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• Writing a Persuasive Argument (Gr. 5)
• The "I Remember" Poem
• Discovering Prepositions 5
• Discovering Subjects and Predicates
• Fill in the Beginning and End of Comic Strips
• Script Writing Handout
• Writing Self-Assessment
• Make Your Own Holiday
• A Note About Witches: Fill-in-the-Blanks
• Antonyms and Synonyms
• Immigration Picture Prompts
• My New Year's Resolutions (3-6)
• Discovering Pronouns 10
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Featured Grade 5 Prompts Lists

The Journal Buddies 5th grade writing prompts collection offers you thousands of FREE writing prompts to use with your student writers.

Please share them with your kids, students, colleagues, friend, family… and on social media. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Journal Buddies Jill 💜

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The On-Campus and Online versions of Purdue OWL assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue OWL serves the Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

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New Years 2025 January Writing Prompt Activity Bulletin Board Goal Setting Craft

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You will love these New Years Bulletin Writing Teach-Go Pennants® perfect for writing and your Winter Bulletin Boards! These are perfect for celebrating the season with a fun and festive bulletin board.

GRAB THE SEASONAL WRITING PROMPTS BULLETIN BUNDLE HERE!

• Print and digital (see page 4 for link)
• All in Color and Black & White Toppers options
• Pennants for Writing Display for Bulletin Board
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• Fun Writing Prompts with Fun Topper for New Years Celebration
• Different Writing Prompts with different toppers to choose from to make your bulletin board stand out.
• Place for student illustration and writing. 
• Very unique Pennants display will make for an original and creative display!

SEASONAL WRITING PROMPTS ARE PERFECT FOR:

• classroom literacy writing groups
• morning writing warm-ups
• test preparation material
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• paragraph writing practice
• extensions for GT, or accelerated learners
• substitute activities
• and much more!

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The Best Student Writing Contests for 2023-2024

Help your students take their writing to the next level.

When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are a challenging and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience— a real panel of judges —and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of the best student writing contests, and there’s something for everyone. Prepare highly motivated kids in need of an authentic writing mentor, and watch the words flow.

1.  The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

With a wide range of categories—from critical essays to science fiction and fantasy—The Scholastic Awards are a mainstay of student contests. Each category has its own rules and word counts, so be sure to check out the options  before you decide which one is best for your students.

How To Enter

Students in grades 7-12, ages 13 and up, may begin submitting work in September by uploading to an online account at Scholastic and connecting to their local region. There are entry fees, but those can be waived for students in need.

2.  YoungArts National Arts Competition

This ends soon, but if you have students who are ready to submit, it’s worth it. YoungArts offers a national competition in the categories of creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word. Student winners may receive awards of up to $10,000 as well as the chance to participate in artistic development with leaders in their fields.

YoungArts accepts submissions in each category through October 13. Students submit their work online and pay a $35 fee (there is a fee waiver option).

3. National Youth Foundation Programs

Each year, awards are given for Student Book Scholars, Amazing Women, and the “I Matter” Poetry & Art competition. This is a great chance for kids to express themselves with joy and strength.

The rules, prizes, and deadlines vary, so check out the website for more info.

4.  American Foreign Service National High School Essay Contest

If you’re looking to help students take a deep dive into international relations, history, and writing, look no further than this essay contest. Winners receive a voyage with the Semester at Sea program and a trip to Washington, DC.

Students fill out a registration form online, and a teacher or sponsor is required. The deadline to enter is the first week of April.

5.  John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

This annual contest invites students to write about a political official’s act of political courage that occurred after Kennedy’s birth in 1917. The winner receives $10,000, and 16 runners-up also receive a variety of cash prizes.

Students may submit a 700- to 1,000-word essay through January 12. The essay must feature more than five sources and a full bibliography.

6. Bennington Young Writers Awards

Bennington College offers competitions in three categories: poetry (a group of three poems), fiction (a short story or one-act play), and nonfiction (a personal or academic essay). First-place winners receive $500. Grab a poster for your classroom here .

The contest runs from September 1 to November 1. The website links to a student registration form.

7. The Princeton Ten-Minute Play Contest

Looking for student writing contests for budding playwrights? This exclusive competition, which is open only to high school juniors, is judged by the theater faculty of Princeton University. Students submit short plays in an effort to win recognition and cash prizes of up to $500. ( Note: Only open to 11th graders. )

Students submit one 10-page play script online or by mail. The deadline is the end of March. Contest details will be published in early 2024.

8. Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in 11th grade. Prizes range from $100 to $500.

Students in 11th grade can submit their poetry. Contest details will be published this fall.

9. The New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest

This contest is also a wonderful writing challenge, and the New York Times includes lots of resources and models for students to be able to do their best work. They’ve even made a classroom poster !

Submissions need to be made electronically by November 1.

10.  Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

The deadline for this contest is the end of October. Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest awards prizes for the best poems submitted by young women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school. Prizes include cash and scholarships. Winners are chosen by students and faculty members in the creative writing program at Hollins.

Students may submit either one or two poems using the online form.

11.  The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is open to high school sophomores and juniors, and the winner receives a full scholarship to a  Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop .

Submissions for the prize are accepted electronically from November 1 through November 30.

12. Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

High school students can win up to $1,000 and publication by entering an essay on a topic specified by the Jane Austen Society related to a Jane Austen novel.

Details for the 2024 contest will be announced in November. Essay length is from six to eight pages, not including works cited.

13. Rattle Young Poets Anthology

Open to students from 15 to 18 years old who are interested in publication and exposure over monetary awards.

Teachers may choose five students for whom to submit up to four poems each on their behalf. The deadline is November 15.

14. The Black River Chapbook Competition

This is a chance for new and emerging writers to gain publication in their own professionally published chapbook, as well as $500 and free copies of the book.

There is an $18 entry fee, and submissions are made online.

15. YouthPlays New Voices

For students under 18, the YouthPlays one-act competition is designed for young writers to create new works for the stage. Winners receive cash awards and publication.

Scroll all the way down their web page for information on the contest, which accepts non-musical plays between 10 and 40 minutes long, submitted electronically. Entries open each year in January.

16. The Ocean Awareness Contest

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, Tell Your Climate Story , encourages students to write their own unique climate story. They are asking for creative expressions of students’ personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about climate change. Students are eligible for a wide range of monetary prizes up to $1,000.

Students from 11 to 18 years old may submit work in the categories of art, creative writing, poetry and spoken word, film, interactive media and multimedia, or music and dance, accompanied by a reflection. The deadline is June 13.

17. EngineerGirl Annual Essay Contest

Each year, EngineerGirl sponsors an essay contest with topics centered on the impact of engineering on the world, and students can win up to $500 in prize money. This contest is a nice bridge between ELA and STEM and great for teachers interested in incorporating an interdisciplinary project into their curriculum. The new contest asks for pieces describing the life cycle of an everyday object. Check out these tips for integrating the content into your classroom .

Students submit their work electronically by February 1. Check out the full list of rules and requirements here .

18. NCTE Student Writing Awards

The National Council of Teachers of English offers several student writing awards, including Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th- and 11th-grade students), Promising Young Writers (for 8th-grade students), and an award to recognize Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines.

Deadlines range from October 28 to February 15. Check out NCTE.org for more details.

19. See Us, Support Us Art Contest

Children of incarcerated parents can submit artwork, poetry, photos, videos, and more. Submissions are free and the website has a great collection of past winners.

Students can submit their entries via social media or email by October 25.

20. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry & Prose

The Adroit Journal, an education-minded nonprofit publication, awards annual prizes for poetry and prose to exceptional high school and college students. Adroit charges an entry fee but also provides a form for financial assistance.

Sign up at the website for updates for the next round of submissions.

21. National PTA Reflections Awards

The National PTA offers a variety of awards, including one for literature, in their annual Reflections Contest. Students of all ages can submit entries on the specified topic to their local PTA Reflections program. From there, winners move to the local area, state, and national levels. National-level awards include an $800 prize and a trip to the National PTA Convention.

This program requires submitting to PTAs who participate in the program. Check your school’s PTA for their deadlines.

22. World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition is an international contest open to students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, as well as those in home-study programs. The $500 prize is based on an essay that addresses one of this year’s two prompts.

Students can submit entries via email or regular mail before May 1.

23. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

The National Society of High School Scholars awards three $2,000 scholarships for both poetry and fiction. They accept poetry, short stories, and graphic novel writing.

Apply online by October 31.

Whether you let your students blog, start a podcast or video channel, or enter student writing contests, giving them an authentic audience for their work is always a powerful classroom choice.

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