grade 2 creative writing prompts

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100 Fun Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade: Journal Prompts

• Prompts for Writing a Narrative Essay
• Prompts for Writing Informative Essays
• Prompts for Research Writing
• Prompts for 2nd Graders for Humorous Writing
• Prompts for Second Graders for Poetry Writing
• Prompts for 2nd Grade Fiction Writing
• Prompts for Animals for Second Graders
• Prompts for Second Grade for Emotional Writing
• Prompts for Journals for Second Graders
• Prompts for Descriptive Writing for Second Graders

Are your little ones ready to embark on a thrilling writing adventure? We have an exciting opportunity for 2nd graders to showcase their creativity through our 100 creative 2nd Grade Writing Prompts . With these prompts, your child can write about anything their heart desires, from their favorite pet to their dream holiday spot. They can even create their own magical kingdom, travel to space, or invent their own superhero.

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“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” – E.L. Doctorow

Incorporating writing prompts into the curriculum has been shown to improve writing fluency, quality, and overall performance, as well as motivation, according to an article published by IJCER . These prompts are a fun and engaging way to help develop their writing skills and spark their imagination. So, let’s encourage our young writers to explore their creative sides and unleash their inner author. Use them for school writing assignments or fun at home. 2nd grade writing prompts offer endless creative possibilities. Let’s look at narrative, informative, research, funny, poetry, fiction, animal, emotion-based, journal, and descriptive writing prompts. So prepare to write your creative ideas.

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10 Prompts for Writing a Narrative Essay

Here are ten 2nd grade narrative writing prompts that are perfect for 2nd graders:

• Make up a story about a magical adventure you went on with your pet.
• Assume you have a time machine. When and where would you travel? Create a narrative about your experience.
• Write a story about a superhero’s day in life.
• What would your superpower be, and why would you want it? Create a story in which you use your power to save the day.
• Consider yourself a pirate on a treasure hunt. Write a story about your treasure hunt.
• Write a story about a robot’s day in life.
• What animal would you be if you could be any animal, and why? Create a story about your experiences as that animal.
• Write a story about a magical garden you come across.
• Consider the possibility of speaking with anyone in history. Who would you approach, and what would you ask them? Create a story based on your conversation.
• Write a story about an astronaut’s day in life.

10 Prompts for Writing Informative Essays

Opinion writing prompts 2nd grade students to help them express their personal views on various topics. Here are ten Informative essay Writing prompts to try:

• Which animal would you be for a day? Why? Tell your animal adventures.
• Imagine you can fly one morning. Where do you go? See what? Journal about your exciting day.
• What is your favorite summer activity as a kid ? Write a paragraph about your favorite summer activity and why.
• What superpower would you want? Write about rescuing someone with your new power.
• Your favorite educational game . Why is it special? Explain your love in a paragraph.
• Favorite book? Write a book review describing the book and why you liked it.
• Imagine time travel to any historical event. Where do you go? See what? Tell your time-travel story.
• Which celebrity would you like to meet and why? Write to that person about why you admire them and what you would ask if you met them.
• Dream holiday. Where do you go? Do what? Describe your perfect holiday.
• Favorite food? Include ingredients and steps in a recipe.

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Writing topics for 2nd graders can cover a broad range of subjects, from animals and nature to personal learning experiences and cultural traditions. Here are ten research writing prompts that are perfect for 2nd graders:

• Choose an animal you’re interested in and research some facts about it. What does it eat? Where does it live? What are some interesting things about this animal?
• Pick your favorite season and learn about it. What kind of weather happens during this season? What activities can you do during this season?
• Choose a country you’re curious about and discover some facts. What language do they speak? What kind of food do they eat? What are some famous landmarks in that country?
• Learn about different types of plants. What are some common plants in your area? What do plants need to grow?
• Research different types of insects. What do they eat? Where do they live? What is their life cycle like?
• Study the planets in our solar system. What are their names? Which planet is closest to the sun? Which world is the largest?
• Investigate different modes of transportation. What types of vehicles can you think of? How do they move? What is your favorite mode of transportation?
• Learn about a joke that you enjoy. What are the rules? How is the game played? Who are some famous athletes in this sport?
• Choose a historical figure or someone you admire. What did they do that was important? What were their accomplishments?
• Research different types of food. What are some of your favorite foods? Where do they come from? How are they made?

10 Prompts for 2nd Graders for Humorous Writing

Here are ten fun writing prompts for 2nd grade that will get your imagination going!

• Imagine waking up with animal-talking abilities. Write about your new pets’ adventures.
• Write about a silly superhero who turns everything they touch into pizza.
• What pet would you choose and why? Describe life with your new pet.
• If you could have any animal as a pet, What pet would you choose and why? Describe life with your new pet.
• Imagine you woke up in a world made entirely of candy. Write about the adventures you have and the creatures you meet in this sweet new world.
• Write a story about a robot who is terrible at its job but saves the day.
• What would you use it for if you could have any superpower?
• Imagine you were a pirate sailing the seven seas. What adventures would you have, and what treasure would you be searching for?
• Write a story about a talking tree that is always getting into trouble.
• If you could be any character from your favorite book, who would it be and why?

10 Prompts for Second Graders for Poetry Writing

Here are some poetry writing prompts for 2nd grade that will help spark their imagination and creativity:

• Write a haiku about your favorite part of nature. Remember, haikus have three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.
• Pick your favorite color and write a poem about it. Use descriptive words to explain how the color makes you feel.
• Choose an animal and write an acrostic poem using the letters of the animal’s name. Each line should start with a letter from the title.
• Write a cinquain poem about someone in your family. A cinquain has five lines with a specific number of syllables in each line (2, 4, 6, 8, and 2).
• Write a limerick about your favorite food. A limerick has five lines with a specific rhyming pattern (AABBA).
• Write a free verse poem about a friend. A free verse poem doesn’t have to rhyme, but it should have a clear message or feeling.
• Write a diamante poem about your school. A diamante poem has seven lines that create a diamond shape with specific numbers of syllables in each line.
• Write a poem about the weather. Use descriptive words to compare the temperature to something else.
• Write a quatrain poem about your favorite holiday. A quatrain has four lines with a specific rhyming pattern (ABAB).
• Write a narrative poem about a dream you had. A narrative poem for kids tells a story and has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

10 Prompts for 2nd Grade Fiction Writing

Creative writing prompts 2nd grade students to encourage imaginative storytelling and self-expression. Here are 10 prompts to get their imaginations flowing:

• Your pet dog/cat/rabbit suddenly starts talking! What do they say, and how do you react?
• You discover a magical backyard door leading to a secret world. Describe what you see and do in this new world.
• You wake up one day with 1 Core money. Where do you go, and what do you do?
• Write a story about a lost toy that comes to life and goes on an adventure to find its way back home.
• You find a genie lamp on the beach. What do you wish for, and what happens next?
• Imagine you are a superhero with a special power. Describe your superhero name, costume, and the villain you are fighting against.
• You are the Pirate ship captain. Describe your crew, your treasure, and a daring adventure you go on.
• Write a story about a group of animals that work together to solve a problem.
• Imagine you are the main character in your favorite fairy tale. Rewrite the story with a different ending.
• One day, you can speak to plants. Talk to your favorite plant.

10 Prompts for Animals for Second Graders

Here are some creative animal writing prompts for 2nd grade that they will enjoy:

• Which animal would you be for a day? Why?
• Write about a lost puppy returning home.
• Imagine you are a squirrel gathering food for the winter. Write a diary entry about your day.
• Which wild animal would you pet and why?
• Write a story about a group of animals who work together to build a treehouse.
• Imagine being a bird flying high. Write to your best friend about what you saw.
• If you could talk to any bird, Which bird would you converse with, and what would you say?
• Write a story about a cat who has magical powers.
• Imagine being a dolphin in the ocean. Poemize your life.
• Which zoo animal would you be and why? Write an essay persuading the zookeeper to let you be that animal for a day.

10 Prompts for Second Grade for Emotional Writing

Here are 10 creative 2nd grade writing prompts about emotions for 2nd graders:

• Describe a happy moment. Your activity? With whom? Has it affected you?
• Write a letter to someone you love expressing your love.
• Write about an angry character. What happened? Their anger management?- 
• Imagine going back to a happy memory. Explain why you like that memory.
• Write a poem about peace. It could be a place, person, or activity.
• Recall a scary moment. Describe what happened and how you overcome your fear.
• Write about a sad character. Why? How do they handle emotions?
• Imagine having any emotion for a day. Which feeling and why? Write about it.
• Write about an excited character. What’s exciting? How do they show excitement?
• Think of a time you were proud. Explain how you felt and why?

10 Prompts for Journals for Second Graders

2nd grade journal prompts can encourage students to express their thoughts and emotions through writing.

“Writing prompts are the highway to the creative subconscious.” – Karen Salmansohn

Here are ten 2nd grade journal prompts to inspire your creative Writing:

• Imagine a magic pencil that brings your drawings to life. Why?
• Favorite outdoor activity for kids ? Discuss your favorite exercise and why?
• If you could have any pet worldwide, what would it be and why?
• Write about a proud moment. What made you proud?
• Imagine you are a superhero. How would you help others with your superpower?
• Describe your favorite holiday and why. Family and friend traditions?
• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
• Recall a problem-solving experience. Describe the issue and your solution.
• Write a story about a talking fish. What kind of fish is it, and what adventures does it go on?
• Imagine you are a chef. Write about your favorite recipe and how you make it.

Second grade journal prompts can inspire young writers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By providing a variety of 2nd grade journal topics, parents and teachers can encourage their students to explore different writing styles and develop their own unique voices.

10 Prompts for Descriptive Writing for Second Graders

Writing ideas for 2nd grade can range from descriptive writing to narrative writing, providing opportunities for skill-building and growth. Here are 10 descriptive writing prompts for second graders to inspire their creativity and imagination:

• Describe your favorite toy in detail. What color is it? What does it feel like? What sounds does it make?
• Imagine you are on a trip to the beach. Describe the sand, the waves, and the sun. How do they make you feel?
• Describe your favorite animal. What does it look like? What does it eat? Where does it live?
• Write a description of your bedroom. What color are the walls? What kind of furniture do you have? What’s on your bed?
• Envision a magical forest. Describe your surroundings. Animals? Any special plants or trees?
• Describe your favorite food. What does it smell like? What does it taste like? What ingredients are in it?
• Imagine you are in a haunted house. Describe the creaky floors, the cobwebs, and the spooky sounds. What do you see?
• Describe your best friend. What do they look like? What do they like to do? What’s their favorite thing to eat?
• Imagine you are in outer space. Describe the planets, stars, and galaxies. What do they look like? What colors do you see?
• Describe your dream vacation. Where would you go? What would you do? What would you see?

How to Assist Second-Grade Students in Developing Writing Skills?

The research paper “The Effect of Creative Writing Prompts on Students’ Written Expression in a Second Grade Classroom” suggests that incorporating writing prompts in the classroom and at home can be an effective strategy to help second-grade students develop their writing skills and foster a love for writing. It is an opportunity to encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas creatively and build their confidence as writers. As parents and teachers, we can utilize this to help our second-graders develop their writing skills and build a passion for writing. 

“Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar.” – E.B. White

Here are a few actionable tips to help your child become an excellent writer using 2nd grade writing prompts.

• Start by teaching the basics of sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
• Set realistic goals and gradually increase the difficulty of writing prompts or journal entries to challenge your child’s writing skills.
• Provide constructive feedback to help your child improve their writing skills and boost their confidence.
• Incorporate 2nd grade journal prompts regularly in classroom activities and at home to improve your child’s writing fluency and confidence.

Using these tips and incorporating writing prompts into your child’s learning journey can have a significant impact on their writing performance and motivation. 

Celebrating the Journey of 100 Fun Writing Prompts for 2nd-Grade

As parents and teachers, we can play an essential role in nurturing the writing skills of our 2nd graders. By using 2nd grade writing prompts we can encourage our young writers to express themselves in a creative and thoughtful manner. It’s important to note that writing prompts are not just limited to creative writing, they can also be used to explore various topics and encourage critical thinking. In a recent article published by The New York Times , the benefits of using writing prompts have been highlighted as a tool to motivate and engage students. By incorporating prompts into classroom activities such as a mock debate assignment, teachers can help students develop their writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall academic performance. 

“Writing prompts are a great way to stimulate your mind and push your writing to new heights.” – Steve Alcorn

So let’s make writing fun and exciting for our 2nd graders by providing them with a variety of writing prompts, and let’s encourage them to write with passion, curiosity, and creativity. Together, we can help our young writers unlock their full potential and become confident and effective communicators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can these prompts help 2nd grade students.

These 2nd grade writing prompts can help students in several ways. They can help students develop their writing skills by giving them a specific topic to write about and encouraging them to use their imagination. They can also help students learn about different topics and express their thoughts and feelings.

How can teachers or parents use these prompts with their students/children?

Teachers or parents can use these prompts as writing assignments for their students/children. They can give the students/children a prompt and ask them to write a story or a paragraph about it. Teachers or parents can also use the prompts as conversation starters to encourage students/children to talk about different topics and practice their speaking skills.

Are there any resources available to accompany these prompts?

Yes, there are many resources available online that can accompany these prompts. For example, teachers or parents can find graphic organizers, writing templates, and other resources that can help students organize their thoughts and ideas.

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25 Inspiring Second Grade Writing Prompts (Free Printable!)

When my friend is sad, I can help by _____.

Second grade is a sweet spot in the continuum of elementary school. Students have figured out how to “do school”. They’ve learned a wide variety of foundational skills and are able to work independently. Second grade writers typically understand the basics of creating words, sentences, and paragraphs. They are now learning to put it together while adding creative details and juicy vocabulary to their work. Here are 25 second grade writing prompts that will inspire your students to practice the skills they’ve learned so far.

(Want this entire set in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here, so you’ll always have the challenges available!)

1. My favorite book character is_____ because_____.

2. If I were a wild animal I would be a _____ because_____.

3. Tell about three things that you do well.

4. The hardest thing I’ve ever done is _____.

5. Tell your favorite story about when you were a baby.

6. I want to learn more about_____.

7. When my friend is sad, I can help by _____.

8. When I grow up, I hope to be _____.

9. If you found a magic wand, what would you do with it?

10. Describe a room in your house using ten different words.

11. How would you help a new student in your class?

12. How do you play your favorite game?

13. A long, long time ago…_____.

14. Would you rather be able to fly like a seagull or swim like a dolphin? Why?

15. What is your favorite thing with wheels?

16. How do you make your favorite sandwich?

17. The best thing about my teacher is _____ because _____.

18. The type of weather I like best is _____ . Tell three things you like to do in that weather.

19. Should a second grader have a pet? Why or why not?

20. Would you rather read a book or watch a movie? Why?

21. What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

22. Give directions from your home to a place you go.

23. What would you tell a first grader about second grade?

24. When I am bored, I like to _____.

25. If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to_____ because_____.

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50 Exclusive 2nd Grade Writing Prompts That are Printable for Free

• February 21, 2024
• Technical Writing

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Table of contents, what are 2nd grade writing prompts, importance of 2nd grade writing prompts, benefits of 2nd grade writing prompts, 1. narrative prompts, 2. descriptive prompts, 3. expository prompts, 4. persuasive prompts, 5. personal reflection prompts, 6. imaginative prompts, 7. comparative prompts, 8. instructional prompts, 9. poetry prompts, 10. historical prompts, 11. character development prompts, 12. problem-solving prompts, 13. dialogue prompts, imaginative stories, descriptive prompts, personal stories, creative prompts:, bonus prompts:, how to use the prompts, recommendations.

Are you looking for creative and engaging writing prompts for your second-grade students? Look no further! In this article, we have curated a collection of 50 exclusive 2nd grade writing prompts that are not only fun and educational but also completely printable for free.

These prompts are designed to spark the imagination of young writers and help them develop their storytelling skills in a structured yet enjoyable way.

From imaginative scenarios to thought-provoking questions, these writing prompts cover a wide range of topics that will inspire young minds to think critically and express themselves through words.

Whether it’s crafting a story about traveling through time or imagining life on a different planet, these prompts are sure to captivate the attention of every second-grade student eager to explore the world of writing.

So grab your pencils and get ready to embark on a literary adventure with our exclusive collection of 2nd grade writing prompts!

But before that, let’s explain briefly what 2nd grade writing prompts are all about.

2nd-grade writing prompts are creative and engaging topics or ideas designed to inspire and encourage second-grade students to express themselves through writing.

These prompts serve as a catalyst for young writers, helping them develop their language and storytelling skills while fostering a love for writing. The prompts can cover a wide range of subjects, from imaginative storytelling and descriptive writing to prompts that encourage personal reflection and expression.

The goal is to provide young learners with a structured yet enjoyable way to practice and enhance their writing abilities, laying the foundation for effective communication and literacy development.

Check out: 50 Exclusive First Grade Writing Prompts that are Printable for Free

The importance of 2nd-grade writing prompts lies in their significant role in the educational development of young learners. Here are several reasons highlighting their importance:

• Cognitive Development: At the 2nd-grade level, children are at a critical stage of cognitive development. Writing prompts provide a structured platform for them to organize their thoughts, fostering cognitive skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Creativity Enhancement: Writing prompts stimulate creativity by encouraging children to think imaginatively and express their ideas in written form. This creativity not only enhances their writing skills but also contributes to overall cognitive growth.
• Language Skills: Writing prompts aid in the development of language skills, including vocabulary expansion, sentence structure, and grammar. Regular engagement with prompts helps children become more proficient in expressing themselves in written English.
• Communication Skills: Writing prompts provide a medium for children to practice effective communication. As they articulate their thoughts and ideas, they build the foundation for clear and coherent expression, essential for effective communication in various aspects of life.
• Encouraging a Love for Writing: By making the writing process enjoyable and interactive, prompts instill a love for writing at an early age. When children find joy in expressing themselves through words, it sets the stage for a lifelong appreciation for language and communication.
• Personal Expression: Writing prompts often touch on personal experiences and feelings, allowing children to express themselves on a deeper level. This emotional engagement with writing promotes self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Preparation for Academic Challenges: Developing strong writing skills early on prepares students for the academic challenges they will face in higher grades. It lays the groundwork for more complex writing tasks and assignments in the future.
• Building Confidence: Successfully completing writing prompts boosts a child’s confidence in their ability to convey thoughts and ideas in writing. This confidence is a crucial factor in their overall academic and personal development.
• Cultivating a Writing Habit: Regular engagement with writing prompts establishes a habit of writing. Consistent practice helps children become comfortable with the writing process and encourages them to view writing as a natural and enjoyable activity.
• Parental Involvement: Writing prompts also provide an opportunity for parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. Parents can support and encourage their children in the writing process, fostering a positive learning environment at home.

See also: 10 Effective Writing Strategies to Enhance Your Writing Skills

The benefits of 2nd-grade writing prompts are numerous, contributing to the overall development of young learners in various ways. Here are several key advantages:

• Enhanced Creativity: Writing prompts stimulate the imagination, encouraging children to think creatively and come up with unique ideas. This creativity not only enriches their writing but also fosters a creative mindset that can be applied in other areas of learning.
• Language Development: Engaging with writing prompts helps in the development of language skills. Children expand their vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and gain a better understanding of grammar, contributing to overall language proficiency.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Writing prompts often present scenarios or challenges that require critical thinking. Children learn to analyze situations, make decisions, and organize their thoughts logically, laying the groundwork for effective problem-solving skills.
• Improved Writing Proficiency: Regular practice with writing prompts enhances writing proficiency. Children become more comfortable expressing themselves through written language, improving spelling, handwriting, and overall writing mechanics.
• Self-Expression and Reflection: Writing prompts often prompt personal reflection and expression. Through writing, children can articulate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, promoting self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Communication Skills: Writing prompts provide a platform for practicing effective communication. As children express themselves in writing, they develop clarity and coherence in conveying ideas, which is essential for effective communication in various contexts.
• Preparation for Academic Success: Building strong writing skills at an early age prepares students for future academic success. The ability to articulate ideas clearly and coherently is crucial for success in various subjects and academic challenges.
• Confidence Boost: Successfully completing writing prompts builds confidence in children. Positive feedback and a sense of accomplishment contribute to a child’s belief in their abilities, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and writing.
• Cultivation of Writing Habits: Regular engagement with writing prompts helps establish a habit of writing. Consistent practice contributes to the development of discipline and a positive attitude toward writing as a regular and enjoyable activity.
• Parental Engagement: Writing prompts provide an opportunity for parents to engage in their child’s education. Parents can support and encourage their children in the writing process, creating a positive learning environment at home.
• Diverse Learning Styles: Writing prompts can be tailored to accommodate different learning styles. Whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, prompts can be adapted to suit the unique preferences and strengths of individual learners.
• Fostering a Love for Learning: Through enjoyable and interactive writing activities, prompts contribute to cultivating a love for learning. When children find joy in expressing themselves through words, they develop a positive attitude toward education in general.

Check also: 21 Best Online Grant Writing Classes for Beginners

Categories of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can be categorized into various types, each serving a unique purpose and encouraging different styles of writing. Here are some common categories of writing prompts suitable for 2nd graders:

• These prompts encourage storytelling. Students are prompted to create imaginative narratives, often involving characters, settings, and plots.
• Descriptive prompts focus on vividly describing a person, place, or thing. They help students develop detailed and expressive language.
• Expository prompts prompt students to provide information, explain a concept, or describe a process. They enhance informative writing skills.
• Persuasive prompts encourage students to express their opinions and persuade others. They promote critical thinking and argumentative writing.
• These prompts encourage students to reflect on their personal experiences, fostering self-awareness and emotional expression.
• Imaginative prompts spark creativity and encourage students to explore fantastical and imaginary scenarios.
• Comparative prompts prompt students to compare and contrast different ideas, objects, or concepts.
• Instructional prompts ask students to provide step-by-step instructions for a process or activity.
• Poetry prompts encourage students to explore the world of poetry, expressing emotions and ideas through rhythm and creative language.
• Historical prompts prompt students to explore historical events or figures, integrating historical context into their writing.

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• These prompts focus on developing characters and their traits, helping students create well-rounded and interesting personalities in their writing.
• Problem-solving prompts encourage critical thinking by presenting a challenge or issue that students need to address in their writing.
• Dialogue prompts focus on developing dialogue-writing skills, encouraging students to write conversations between characters.

See also: How To Get a Grant Writing Certification in 7 Steps

50 Exclusive 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

Here is a list of 50 Exclusive 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

• You discover a tiny door in your backyard. Where does it lead?
• Your pet escapes and becomes a superhero! What’s their power?
• You shrink to the size of a thumb and explore your classroom. What adventures do you have?
• You build a time machine. What era do you visit, and why?
• You found a talking animal. What secrets does it share?
• Rainbows have a secret world! What does it look like?
• You invent a new gadget. What does it do?
• You wake up with superpowers. What do you do with them?
• You’re lost in a magical forest. How do you find your way out?
• You make an invisible new friend. What fun do you have together?

See also: Chinese vs Japanese Writing: A Side-by-Side Comparison

• Describe the funniest thing you’ve ever seen. Make us laugh!
• Describe your dream house. What makes it special?
• Close your eyes and imagine the ocean. Describe what you hear, smell, and see.
• Write a poem about your favorite animal.
• Draw a picture of your favorite food and describe how it tastes and smells.
• Imagine you’re a cloud. Describe your journey across the sky.
• What does your classroom sound like at recess? Use lots of descriptive words!
• Write a story about a raindrop’s journey from the sky to the ground.
• Describe a character you made up. What are they like?
• Close your eyes and imagine a dragon. Describe its size, color, and personality.
• Write about a time you learned something important.
• Describe your best friend. What makes them special?
• What’s your favorite thing about your family?
• Write about a time you overcame a challenge. How did you feel?
• Describe your favorite memory from school.
• What are you most grateful for?
• If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
• What’s your dream for the future?
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give?
• Describe a special place you’ve visited. What makes it special?

See also: 50 Exclusive 4th Grade Writing Prompts That Are Printable For Free

• Write a story backwards. Start at the end and work your way to the beginning!
• Write a story from the perspective of an object in your classroom.
• Make a list of silly rhymes.
• Write a song about your favorite things.
• Draw a comic strip about a funny situation at school.
• Create a secret code and write a message in it.
• Design a new invention and explain how it works.
• Write a story using only dialogue.
• Write a limerick about a silly animal.
• Design your own superhero costume and write a story about their adventures.
• Imagine you’re the teacher for a day. What would you do?
• Write a story about a talking plant.
• What if your school had a zoo? What animals would be there?
• You discover a hidden treasure map. What adventure follows?
• Design a new board game and explain how to play it.
• Write a story inspired by a picture you draw.
• What if you could talk to animals? What would you ask them?
• Create a recipe for a magical potion. What does it do?
• Write a story about a lost robot who wants to find its home.
• Imagine you’re on a spaceship exploring the galaxy. What do you discover?

Also see: 140 Exclusive Writing Prompts For Adults

Using writing prompts effectively is essential to maximizing their impact on young learners. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of writing prompts for 2nd graders:

• Begin by introducing the concept of writing prompts to the students. Explain that these are creative ideas or topics meant to inspire their writing.
• Clarify that prompts can be about various subjects, including personal experiences, imaginative stories, or descriptive pieces.
• Show the students how to approach a writing prompt. Demonstrate brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and creating a rough draft.
• Emphasize the importance of taking their time and expressing themselves freely.
• Introduce a variety of writing prompts covering different genres, such as narratives, descriptive writing, poetry, or even persuasive writing.
• Encourage students to explore different styles to broaden their writing skills.
• Tailor prompts to the interests of individual students. Allow them to choose prompts related to topics they find intriguing, making the writing process more engaging.
• Use visual aids alongside prompts to stimulate creativity. Display images or illustrations related to the prompt to inspire ideas.
• Encourage students to draw alongside their writing to enhance the storytelling experience.
• Ensure that the writing environment is conducive to creativity. Provide comfortable seating, ample writing materials, and a quiet space for focused writing.
• Integrate writing prompts into the daily routine. Set aside specific times for writing sessions, making it a consistent part of the curriculum.
• Consistency helps build a writing habit and reinforces the importance of expressing oneself through writing.
• Create a supportive environment where students can share their written pieces with the class.
• Celebrate individual accomplishments, encouraging peer feedback and positive reinforcement.
• Offer constructive feedback on their writing. Focus on strengths and areas for improvement to guide their development.
• Encourage a growth mindset, emphasizing that improvement comes with practice.
• Explain that writing prompts are starting points, not rigid rules. Encourage students to let their imagination run wild and add their own twists to the prompts.
• Relate prompts to real-life experiences, making them more relatable for students. This connection enhances engagement and encourages personal expression.
• Explore digital platforms or educational apps that offer interactive writing prompts. Incorporating technology can add a dynamic and modern element to the writing experience.
• Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers in creative writing. Celebrate the diversity of responses and expressions among students.
• Foster a sense of community by encouraging students to collaborate on writing projects. This promotes teamwork, communication, and the exchange of creative ideas.
• Periodically reflect on the progress of each student. Discuss how their writing has evolved, and highlight the improvements made over time.

See also: 15 Different Types of Tones in Writing: Must-Know Guide for All Writers

In conclusion, 2nd-grade writing prompts are powerful tools that spark creativity and lay the foundation for effective communication.

By incorporating these prompts into the classroom and at home, we not only enhance writing skills but also nurture a love for words that will benefit children throughout their lives. Let’s continue to inspire and empower young minds through the magic of writing.

Parents can create a conducive writing environment, celebrate their children’s achievements, and actively engage in discussions about their stories.

Absolutely! These prompts align with educational standards, fostering a love for writing while enhancing academic skills.

Yes, these prompts target language proficiency, critical thinking, and creativity, contributing to overall academic development.

Encourage the child to approach the prompt from a different perspective or provide alternative prompts that align with their interests.

Yes, many online platforms are offering interactive versions of these prompts, making writing even more engaging for children.

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• https://www.softschools.com/
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• Writing Prompts

59+ 2nd Grade Writing Prompts (+ Free Worksheets)

Keep on reading for a list of fun, educational and easy 2nd-grade writing prompts designed to interest any youngster.

When it comes to the 2nd grade, we all know that learning new words, spelling and legible handwriting is all-important. Bur rather than, asking students to just write their own name beautifully or to learn a list of words – could there be a more fun way of improving these skills? And the answer is yes. Through carefully thought-out writing prompts designed to peak your student’s interests, you could slowly, but surely increase your students interest in writing altogether. 

Writing Struggles

Writing prompts for the second-grade students need to be detailed, and clearly state what is required. Something as simple as ‘write a short story about a dragon who loves to eat doughnuts’ – won’t cut it for most 2nd graders. You need to break this writing task down. A better prompt to give your students is, ‘write the opening sentence to a story about a dragon who loves to eat doughnuts.’ Here you are expected the child to only write down one sentence, which is a much more manageable task compared to asking the child to write a whole story.

At such a young age, developing a child’s creativity and imagination is key. Inside their little heads, they can tell great stories of fire-breathing dragons, superheroes and monsters. But putting it down on paper can be difficult for more children. Asking questions, and giving as many prompts as possible could really help the child write down their ideas, thoughts and feelings. At this point, you can worry less about sentence structure, punctuation and grammar, and encourage your child to be free with their writing!

59+ 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

This list of 2nd grade writing prompts is both fun and educational. Find the perfect writing ideas for 7 to 8 year-olds:

• What do you enjoy doing on the weekends? Try making a list of activities you do on the weekend, and pick your favourite to write about in detail.
• What is your favourite animal? What do you like most about this animal? Can you research and write down five facts about this animal?
• Complete the following sentence in three different ways: I feel sad when…
• Which weather do you prefer, sunny weather or rainy weather? Can you give at least two reasons for your answer?
• If you could make one wish, what would it be and why?
• What subject at school is your favourite? Why do you like this subject?
• Imagine that you find a baby dragon in your backyard. What is the first thing you would do with this dragon?
• Can you describe your house? Think about how many rooms it has. What does it look like on the outside? You can draw a picture of your house to go with your description.
• Complete this sentence in three different ways: When I am bored, I like to…
• Make a list of your top five favourite food of all time.
• When was the last time someone was nice to you? Who was this person? What did they do? How did you feel at the time?
• Describe the scariest monster in the world. What would it look like? How would it smell? What sorts of things does it like eating? Does it have any weaknesses?
• What was the last book you read? In this book, who was your favourite character? Which part of the book was your favourite, and which part did you not like as much? Out of 10 stars, how many stars would you give this book? 10 stars being the best and 1 star being the worse.
• Imagine you need to plan a birthday party for a friend. Make a list of things you would need for the party. And then create your own party invites. On the invites, you may want to think about the time of the party, location, food, entertainment and dress code.
• Can you make a list of five ways to help someone who is sad?
• Think about what happened yesterday. What was your favourite part of the day? And what was the worst part of the day?
• Make a list of groceries that your parents need to buy every week.
• Can you complete this sentence in three different ways: Once upon a time, there lived…
• Pick a random country in the world. Research and write down five fun facts about this country.
• Would you rather have a lot of friends or a lot of money? Can you provide a reason for your answer?
• Have you ever felt angry? If yes, can you describe the last time you were angry and the reasons why? If not, then have you seen someone else be angry? How did you feel when this person was angry?
• If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
• What are you most scared of, and why? How could you overcome this fear?
• Can you make a list of at least five words to describe yourself?
• What is the best thing about school? And what is the worst thing about school?
• What is your favourite colour? Why is this colour better than all the other colours?
• When was the last time you went to a park? Can you describe some of the activities you did while there?
• Why is eating breakfast important? Can you list three benefits of eating a  good breakfast meal?
• Write a thank you letter to someone that you love. This could be a parent, a friend, a teacher or a sibling. What is the nicest thing they have done? How have they helped you?
• What is your favourite game to play in the playground? Can you explain one rule in this game? How does someone win in this game?
• Can you describe a tree in great detail? Look outside your window or find a picture of a tree. Using this image, describe the way this tree looks, its colours and shape.
• If you could have one pet, what animal would you choose and why?
• Imagine you find a secret door in your house. When you open this door, the first thing you see is…
• Which season is your favourite, Winter , Spring , Summer or Autumn? Why is this season your favourite?
• What is your dream job? Imagine in 20 years or so, what job do you want to be doing? What makes this job interesting?
• Complete this sentence in at least three ways: When I grow up, I will…
• Make a list of five things in your house that begin with the letter, ‘S’. Which one of these things is your favourite and why?
• When was the last time you learned something new? For example, learning to draw, or playing a new sport. Who taught you this skill? Was it difficult to learn?
• What is the most boring thing in the world? Think about some things that you hate doing. Why is this so boring?
• What is your favourite song to listen to, and why? Can you remember any of the lyrics? Try writing down your favourite line in the song.
• Can you remember a recent dream that you had? What do you remember seeing in this dream? Do you remember any sounds or voices?
• Write down some simple step-by-step instructions on how to make your favourite sandwich.
• Which holiday from the following list is your favourite: Christmas, Easter or Halloween? Can you explain your answer?
• What was the most recent movie you’ve seen? Did you enjoy this movie? What was your favourite part of the movie? And what was your least favourite part? Out of 10 stars, how many stars would you give this movie? 10 stars being the best and 1 star being the worse.
• Write down at least three things that you love about your family.
• Would you rather live on a pirate ship out at sea, or in a treehouse in a magical forest? Explain your choice.
• Can you remember a time when you felt embarrassed? What happened? Why did you feel this way?
• Pick one planet from the solar system, and write down five facts about this planet.
• Why do you think that sleeping is important? What happens when someone does not get enough sleep?
• What is the first thing you do when you come home from school or when school ends?
• If you were in charge of school lunch, what food would you serve? Create your own lunch menu.
• Would you rather have a dragon as a best friend or a magical wizard? Explain your choice.
• If someone was getting bullied at your school, what would you do?
• Complete the following sentence in three different ways: In my spare, time I love to…
• When was the last time you cried? What made you cry? What could you do to cheer yourself up when you are upset?
• Imagine that you meet a talking turtle at the seaside. What questions would you ask this turtle? What would the turtle say to you?
• Can you describe a dragon in detail? What powers does it have? What does it look like? Think about its weaknesses and what its name could be?
• What was the last present or gift you received? Who gave you think gift? How did you feel when you received it?
• Research and write down at least five fun facts about your own city or town. You could even create a leaflet about your town or city
• Imagine you turned into a cat. What kind of things would you do as a cat? Try writing a day in the life story of a cat’s life.

Free Printable: 2nd Grade Writing Prompts PDF Worksheet

This printable 2nd-grade writing prompts worksheet is great for your students. Print out and hand over to your students to keep in their own time! We have included some of the prompts from the list above in this PDF, with images to help visualise each prompt:

Did you find this list of 2nd grade writing prompts helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Exploring 60 Fun 2nd Grade Writing Prompts (With Free Printable PDF)

Ever wondered how to keep second graders engaged and excited about writing? In classrooms and homes alike, inspiring young writers can be both a joy and a challenge. That’s where a rich array of 2nd grade writing prompts comes into play. These prompts aren’t just tools; they’re gateways to unlocking creativity and honing essential skills. In this article, we explore 60 captivating prompts that span opinion pieces, narrative adventures, fun exercises, creative expressions, and intriguing research topics. Join us as we discover how these prompts can nurture a love for writing while fostering confidence and imagination in young learners.

At WuKong ELA , we offer Free Printable 2nd Grade Writing Prompts PDF and a variety of online reading worksheets in PDF format that parents and children can easily download and print. Explore our collection of free PDF reading materials today!

Empower your child’s critical thinking with resh, modern English reading and writing courses!

Suitable for global learners in grades 3-6.

Discover 60 Engaging 2nd Grade Writing Prompts Across Various Genres

Explore a diverse array of 2nd grade writing prompts spanning opinion, narrative, fun, creative, and research-based topics. These prompts are designed to inspire creativity, improve storytelling, and foster critical thinking skills in young learners, making writing an enjoyable and educational experience.

Opinion Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Encourage young writers to express their viewpoints with these engaging opinion writing prompts for 2nd grade. These prompts help children develop persuasive skills while exploring topics relevant to their lives and interests.

• Should students have longer recess time? Explain why or why not.
• Do you think it’s important for kids to learn how to swim? Explain your opinion.
• Should students be allowed to have pets in the classroom? Give reasons for your viewpoint.
• Is it better to read books or watch movies? Support your opinion with examples.
• Should homework be banned? Provide reasons for your viewpoint.
• Do you think it’s better to be the oldest or youngest in your family? Explain your preference.
• Should students have to wear uniforms to school? Give reasons for your opinion.
• Is it important to eat vegetables every day? Explain why or why not.
• Should kids have to do chores at home? Give reasons for your opinion.
• Do you think it’s better to have a big birthday party or a small gathering? Explain your preference.
• Should children be allowed to have cell phones? Give reasons for your viewpoint.
• Is it important to be kind to others? Explain why kindness matters.

Narrative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Encourage imaginative storytelling with these narrative writing prompts for 2nd grade. These prompts are designed to inspire young writers to create engaging stories, develop characters, and explore different settings.

• Write a story about a magical adventure you had with your best friend.
• Describe a time when you discovered something amazing.
• Imagine you found a secret door in your house. Write about where it leads.
• Create a story about a talking animal you met in the forest.
• Write about a day when everything went wrong but turned out right in the end.
• Describe a special birthday party you attended or had.
• Write a story about a time you helped someone in need.
• Imagine you could travel back in time to any historical event. Write about your experience.
• Create a story about a superhero you invent. What powers do they have?
• Write about a day when you woke up to find it was snowing indoors.
• Describe a pretend tea party with your favorite toys.
• Write a story about a mystery you solved with your friends.

Fun Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Engage young imaginations with these fun writing prompts for 2nd grade. These prompts are designed to inspire creativity, laughter, and imaginative storytelling.

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Describe how you would use it.
• Invent a new ice cream flavor. What would it taste like, and what would you name it?
• Write about your favorite joke. Why do you think it’s so funny?
• Describe a silly dream you had recently.
• If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you choose and why?
• Write about a day when you woke up to find your toys had come to life.
• Invent a new holiday. What would people do to celebrate it?
• Describe a time when you had to pretend to be a superhero to help someone.
• Write about a pretend adventure in a jungle or on a desert island.
• Create a story about what happens when you discover a hidden treasure in your backyard.
• If you could live inside a video game, which one would you choose and why?
• Write a story about your favorite imaginary friend and their adventures.

Creative Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Encourage imaginative expression with these creative writing prompts for 2nd grade. These prompts are designed to spark creativity, inspire originality, and nurture storytelling skills in young writers.

• Invent a new planet. Describe what it looks like and who lives there.
• Write a poem about your favorite place in the whole world.
• Create a story about a robot who learns how to feel emotions.
• Imagine you could talk to plants. Write a conversation you might have with a tree.
• Write about a day when everyone in the world spoke a different language.
• Invent a new toy that becomes incredibly popular. Describe how it works and why kids love it.
• Create a story about a magical book that transports you to different places.
• Write a letter to your future self. What do you hope to accomplish by the time you’re older?
• Imagine you discovered a hidden world inside your closet. Write about your adventures there.
• Create a story about a friendly monster who lives under your bed.
• Write about a day when you woke up to find your favorite cartoon character in your house.
• Invent a new sport that everyone loves to play. Describe the rules and how it became popular.

Research Writing Prompts for 2nd Grade

Encourage exploration and learning with these research writing prompts for 2nd grade. These prompts are designed to engage young learners in investigating various topics, developing research skills, and organizing information effectively.

• Choose an animal you find interesting. Write about its habitat, diet, and behavior.
• Research your favorite sport. Write about its history and rules.
• Investigate a famous inventor. Write about their inventions and why they are important.
• Choose a country you want to learn more about. Write about its culture and traditions.
• Research a historical event. Write about what happened and why it’s significant.
• Explore how plants grow. Write about the stages of a plant’s life cycle.
• Research a type of weather phenomenon, such as thunderstorms or tornadoes. Write about how it forms and its impact.
• Investigate a famous landmark. Write about its history and why people visit it.
• Choose a type of dinosaur. Write about its characteristics and when it lived.
• Research a type of vehicle, such as airplanes or trains. Write about how it works and its uses.
• Explore the life of a famous explorer. Write about their expeditions and discoveries.
• Investigate the solar system. Write about the planets and their unique features.

Discover the WuKong Advanced English Reading and Writing Program

Their Advanced English Reading and Writing Program goes beyond traditional language courses, offering a transformative experience aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for reading and cultivating exceptional writing abilities in children. Here’s what makes their program exceptional for developing 2nd grade writing prompts:

Course Highlights:

• Recommended Age: Geared towards students in grades 2-6, ensuring age-appropriate content and challenges.
• Duration and Frequency: Sessions lasting between 45 to 90 minutes, held regularly for consistent progress.
• Class Size: Small groups of 2-8 students ensure personalized attention and foster collaboration.
• English (ELA) Resources : Access to comprehensive materials to enhance English Language Arts skills.

Course Benefits:

• Customized Learning: Each course is meticulously designed to meet individual learning needs, focusing on mastering effective reading and writing techniques.
• Cultural Enrichment: Encourages critical thinking and creativity through diverse literary explorations.
• Inquiry-Based Approach: Project-based tasks foster independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Comprehensive Reading Guidance: Equips students with analytical tools to assess reading materials across various dimensions.
• Structured Writing Methodology: Guides students through a systematic seven-step process from brainstorming to final editing.
• Expert Instruction: Led by seasoned European and American educators, providing authentic language instruction to overcome challenges in English learning.

FAQs for 2nd grade writing prompts

Q1. what are 2nd grade writing prompts .

2nd grade writing prompts are engaging topics or questions designed to inspire young writers, encouraging creativity and expression.

Q2. How do 2nd grade writing prompts benefit students? 

These prompts enhance critical thinking, vocabulary development, and storytelling skills, fostering confidence and enjoyment in writing.

Q3. How can parents support their child using 2nd grade writing prompts? 

Parents can encourage their child by discussing prompts, providing writing materials, and celebrating their creative efforts.

Conclusion:

In this article, we shared 60 fun and engaging 2nd grade writing prompts to help young writers develop their skills and spark their creativity. These prompts cover opinion, narrative, fun, creative, and research writing, offering a variety of ways to inspire and motivate second graders. To further support your child’s learning, consider the WuKong Advanced English Reading and Writing Program. This program provides tailored courses, valuable resources, and expert guidance to help kids improve their reading and writing abilities.

Elaina Zetts, a teacher from League City, Texas, majoring in Elementary Education, has a master’s degree in K-12 Literacy. Serves as an ELA teacher in a public school in Friendswood, Texas. Has taught ELA for 15 years and is good at teaching elementary aged students how to read, write and spell. Teh teaching profession is her heart and soul and wat brings her the most joy in life. She hopes dat her love for Literacy shines through and that children grow in their love for reading and writing while in her classes.

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Activities & Printables For Inspired Learning

Fun 2nd Grade Writing Prompts [+Free Download]

Are you having a tough time with students who are struggling to build their writing fluency? I feel your pain! Whether you’re a homeschooling educator or classroom teacher, here are some fun and engaging 2nd grade writing prompts that you can use to help build your kiddos’ writing fluency this school year.

Table of Contents

3 Ways To Build Your Students Writing Fluency

Fostering writing fluency can significantly benefit academic performance and overall communication skills. Encouraging kids to express themselves effectively and confidently through written language.

Here are three effective strategies to help build writing fluency in your students:

1. Daily Writing Practice

Just like everything else in life, consistent practice is key and when it comes to developing writing skills there is no exception. Encourage your second graders to engage in daily writing exercises that vary in length and complexity.

You can choose to start with short writing prompts or journal entries such as:

• My favorite season.
• A special day in my life.
• Today I’m feeling.
• My favorite superhero.

Allow your students to freely express their thoughts without worrying about grammar or structure. As your students’ confidence grows, slowly introduce more structured activities such as narrative or opinion writing projects.

2. Modeling and Mentoring

Exposing your 2nd or 3rd graders to well-crafted writing can significantly enhance their writing fluency. Choose excerpts from literature or story pieces that showcase different writing styles, genres, and techniques.

Analyze and discuss these writing pieces together as a class, reviewing elements like sentence structure, vocabulary choice, and organization.

Tip: Encourage your students to emulate the writing techniques they admire from these sample pieces in their own writing. Provide opportunities for them to practice integrating these techniques into their writing by giving them a wide array of writing prompts.

Leave these writing prompts at your writing centers or provide them for homework practice, early finishers, etc.

3. Review and Feedback

Gentle feedback is needed when it comes to improving your students’ writing fluency. Provide specific, supportive comments to your students that focus on strengths and areas for improvement. This process will help your students refine their writing skills and enhance their ability to critically evaluate and revise their work.

Fun 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

In this section of the blog post, I will share some fun, no-prep writing prompts that I’ve created to encourage my kiddos to build a love for writing that you can consider using with your kids.

1. 9 FREE Writing Prompts

This resource includes 9 fun and engaging writing prompts. Writing prompts include free writing, opinion writing, narrative writing, and an acrostic poetry template.

You can use these writing prompts for extra writing practice, morning work, independent work, or homework exercises.

Grab these free writing prompts here!

2. Seasonal Writing Themes

As mentioned earlier a simple and easy way to get students into writing is giving them prompts that they are interested in. I found that kids are eager to share their thoughts and opinions (who wouldn’t?) on trendy topics or discussions.

That’s why I created these seasonal writing prompts for my kiddos. Each packet includes a genre of writing prompts and activities. Including opinion, narrative, poetry, and free writing.

Take a peak at each seasonal resource below.

• Fall Writing Packet
• Winter Writing Packet
• Spring Writing Packet
• Summer Writing Packet

If you loved all these writing prompts, you can consider bundling and saving and have writing prompts for a year. 

Building writing fluency requires regular practice, exposure to sample writing, and constructive feedback. As a classroom teacher or homeschooling parent, you can empower your kiddos to become more confident and proficient writers by implementing these strategies in the classroom or at home.

Fostering writing fluency is a journey that takes time and patience, but the rewards in improved communication and academic success are well worth the effort.

Grab these writing prompts and ideas and watch your students’ writing skills flourish.

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47 Second Grade Writing Prompts

It’s time to give your 2nd grade students a heaping helping of enthusiasm for writing.

Or for getting a great class discussion going for that matter.

However you choose to use them, there is no doubt that writing prompts can be extremely effective for most ages during schooling in the classroom or at home, and today we’re focusing on the 2nd grade.

So let’s dig into this a little further…

Why exactly are prompts useful?

I’ve found through 16 years of teaching that different kids need different motivators when it comes to learning and taking part.

When it comes to writing, I’ve consistently found that a combination of activating their imaginations, and of triggering fun memories has worked the best.

Students who are keen writers can have a multitude of starters for their stories, while other kids who would rather do anything other than hold a pencil can find themselves excited to share a wild adventure story, or funny recounting of their own experiences.

So it’s for these reasons that I keep coming back to the humble writing prompt.

And I know I’m not the only one!

They’re one of the most flexible and often used tools in the teachers toolkit when it comes to writing time, and for good reason in my opinion.

How should these be used?

One of the most effective methods of using writing prompts in encouraging young writers around this age group that I’ve used is simply to take a selection of prompts, put them up on the big screen or board for the kids, and talk them through each one.

I like to keep it exciting and fun, and get those little minds engaged and firing on all cylinders!

I want at least one of the prompts to grab their attention, and for them to want to throw themselves into their writing right away.

It’s for this reason that I usually incorporate a range of topics and story starters that appeal to different types of kids.

For example, some students will jump at the chance to tell all the others about an extraordinary holiday their family has taken to some far flung location, while other kids will be much more interested in letting their imagination run away with an idea, and leading them on a creative journey.

Therefore offering several types of concepts or topics I’ve found best to get everyone involved.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the prompts I’ve written for you to use with your students today…

47 Writing Prompts for Second Graders:

• I had the most amazing dream…
• My best holiday was…
• I woke up and heard an exciting sound…
• The most fun I ever had at the beach…
• What made me laugh the most at the water park was…
• If I was a puppy, I would…
• I rode my bike in the…
• One night I was too excited to sleep because…
• I met my hero…
• The bravest thing I’ve ever done was…
• I want to build the biggest…
• If I had a magic cat…
• If I could go inside a video game…
• My best friend is special because…
• The strangest thing I’ve ever eaten was…
• The best animal to have as a friend would be…
• The thing I love most about life is…
• My perfect weekend would be…
• Music makes me feel…
• An adventure I want to go on is…
• My earliest memory is…
• Sleepovers are fun because…
• When I grow up I want to help…
• The best age to be is…
• The fastest I’ve ever run was when…
• I won a prize in a…
• I heard a very strange sound…
• I held my breath and jumped…
• The scariest animal I’ve been near was…
• The loudest snoring I’ve ever heard…
• The most friendly animal I ever met…
• The most I’ve ever laughed was when…
• The best swimming pool would have…
• If I could design my own bedroom, I would have…
• If I had to pick just three toys to play with this year, I’d choose…
• I would love to become a YouTuber famous for…
• If I created Minecraft, I would add…
• I love books because…
• The biggest surprise I ever had was…
• We sat near a campfire and cooked…
• One time I helped fix the…
• The most exciting sports game I ever went to was…
• If I could ride one wild animal, it would be a…
• My ultimate treehouse would have…
• The coldest place I’ve ever been was…
• The yummiest meal I ever had was…
• If I could be in a movie, I would be in…

Thanks to our community!

We hope you have enjoyed these, and that they’ve led your kids in the classroom or at home to write some wonderful stories.

Any time spent on writing is valuable, helping hone their linguistic ability, and fostering a love of language – which is known to assist in many areas of learning and life.

If you’re needing other writing resources for older kids, check out our middle school printables and our visual prompts for creative writing .

If you’d like to try picture prompts with your 1st and 2nd grade students, then you should find these useful !

We’ve got much more content on the way, so please don’t forget to bookmark and Pin, and share this with your friends and colleagues!

If you would like to request any other free teaching resources or tools, please feel free to get in touch.

Thanks, Matt & Hayley

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

Written by Maria Kampen

• Teacher Resources,
• Prodigy English

Kickstart your students' writing with one of these 225 writing prompts for kids.

• 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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2nd Grade Writing Prompts: Fun and Inspiring Word Adventures

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: March 28, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Writing

Second grade is a crucial stage for developing writing skills as students transition from learning the basics of sentence structure to expressing their thoughts and ideas in more complex ways. It’s important for teachers and parents to provide engaging writing prompts that inspire young learners to explore various topics, practice and hone their skills, and boost their confidence as budding writers.

Writing prompts for second graders should be age-appropriate, relatable, and designed to spark creativity. They can include themes such as narrative, opinion, and instructional topics, allowing children to recount personal experiences, express ideas and feelings, and share opinions on various subjects.

A wealth of resources provide educators and caregivers with various ideas to motivate their young writers on this exciting journey – you’ll find some useful prompts below.

25 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

• Describe your favorite place to visit and explain why you love it.
• Write a story about a magical creature that lives in your backyard.
• Imagine you can travel in time. Where and when would you go? What would you do there?
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give?
• What would it be if you could have any superpower, and how would you use it to help others?
• Write about a time you felt proud of yourself. What did you do, and why did it make you feel proud?
• Create a new holiday and describe how people would celebrate it.
• Write a conversation between two animals that can talk.
• If you were the President for a day, what changes would you make in the country?
• Write a poem about your favorite season and what you like to do during that time of year.
• Describe the best day ever. What would happen, and who would you spend it with?
• Write a story about a mystery that takes place in your school.
• What is your favorite thing to do with your friends, and why do you enjoy it?
• If you could be any animal for a day, which one would you choose and why?
• Write about a time when you learned an important lesson from a mistake.
• Imagine you discovered a new planet. Describe what it looks like and what life is like there.
• Write a persuasive letter to your parents to convince them to let you get a pet.
• Describe your dream house. What rooms would it have, and what would make it special?
• If you could invent a new toy or game, what would it be, and how would people play with it?
• Write a story about a day in the life of a talking piece of fruit.
• Describe your favorite family tradition and explain why it’s important to you.
• What three wishes would you make if you found a genie in a lamp?
• Write a news report about an exciting event that happened at your school.
• If you could meet any character from a book or movie, who would it be, and what would you discuss?
• Write about a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel.

The Importance of 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

Second grade is a crucial time for students to develop their writing skills. By this stage, they should begin expressing their opinions, recounting narratives, and providing step-by-step instructions in their writing. 2nd grade writing prompts are essential for boosting creativity and engaging students in the writing process.

Writing prompts for 2nd graders help children express their feelings and foster their ability to reflect on their emotions. Journaling and other creative writing exercises provide a safe space for students to explore their thoughts and emotions in the classroom and at home.

Additionally, these prompts can aid in improving grammar, punctuation, and overall language skills. Teachers can incorporate them into lesson plans to support writing instruction and further promote writing process development.

Fun and engaging writing prompts can also capture the imagination of 2nd graders, making writing more enjoyable. Customizing prompts to include problem-solving scenarios or big goals for characters can entice young students to write with enthusiasm.

Writing Development and Progression in 2nd Grade

Second graders can create words, sentences, and paragraphs more effectively as they progress in their writing skills. They transition from recognizing individual letters and sounds to organizing their thoughts coherently in writing.

During this stage, second graders can organize their writing into clear sections, such as a beginning, middle, and end. They are expected to create a simple essay with a title and introductory sentence, provide examples and details to support their main concept and conclude with a summary sentence.

Students introduce creative details and enrich their writing with juicy vocabulary at this level. To help build these skills, teachers can provide a variety of writing prompts that inspire and engage students in their writing process. Some popular writing prompts for second graders include:

• Narrative essay prompts
• Picture-based prompts
• Reflection prompts for journals or diaries

Writing prompts are an effective way for teachers to assess their students’ writing skills and help them improve in various aspects, such as grammar, spelling, and vocabulary usage. By incorporating writing activities into their daily routine, second grade students can experience fun and rewarding language arts lessons.

Types of Writing Prompts for 2nd Graders

Narrative prompts.

Narrative prompts encourage students to write stories or share experiences. These prompts often begin with phrases like “Once upon a time” or “I remember when.” For example, narrative prompts prompt students to recount a real or imagined event or sequence of events, helping them practice storytelling and develop creativity.

Informative Prompts

Informative prompts help students practice research and writing skills as they share factual information on a given topic. For example, a prompt like, “Write about your favorite animal and why it’s unique,” challenges the student to research facts and provide detailed information.

Opinion Prompts

Opinion prompts encourage students to express their thoughts and beliefs on various subjects. Students learn to write persuasively and build reasoning skills by explaining their views. An example of an opinion prompt might be, “Do you think homework is necessary? Explain your answer.”

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing prompts help students to develop the skill of painting pictures with words by focusing on sensory details. Examples of these prompts might include, “Describe your favorite place to play” or “Write about the taste of your favorite food.”

Dialogue and Character Creation

These prompts help students practice writing dialogue and creating interesting characters. For instance, a prompt like “Write a conversation between a dog and a cat” challenges students to think about their characters’ perspectives and develop their voices.

Journal Prompts

Journal prompts encourage self-reflection and personal growth by asking students to write about their feelings, experiences, or observations. Journal prompts like “Write about something you remember about your class last year” or “Draw a picture of your teacher. Describe him or her.” Journal prompts can be an excellent way to start the day and help students process their thoughts and emotions.

Sample 2nd Grade Writing Prompts

In this section, we will explore a variety of second-grade writing prompts to engage young writers in different writing styles and topics. These writing prompts focus on two important sub-sections—sentence starters and scaffolding—to help students get started with their writing adventures and enhance their writing skills.

Sentence Starters

Sentence starters are excellent tools for sparking creativity in young writers. They help students feel more confident in their writing by providing a jumping-off point for their ideas. Here are some engaging sentence starter prompts:

• Describe your favorite food.
• If you could be president of any club, what would you choose?
• Write about a time the weather was very stormy. What happened? How did you feel?
• What do you enjoy doing on the weekends?

Scaffolding

Providing scaffolding, or support, for young writers will help them develop their writing skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Here are some writing prompts paired with brief outlines or sentence frames that can guide second graders through the writing process:

Tips for Using Writing Prompts Effectively

Writing prompts effectively can help second-grade students enhance their writing skills and become more confident writers. This section provides some essential tips for leveraging writing prompts effectively in your teaching process.

Cater to Student Interests

One key aspect to consider when choosing writing prompts is ensuring they cater to students’ interests. By selecting topics that engage and excite them, you can motivate students to write more enthusiastically and creatively. As a teacher, you can observe your students’ preferences and take note of the subjects that spark their curiosity.

Age-appropriate Topics and Themes

Another important factor when selecting writing prompts is ensuring they are age-appropriate for second graders. This means choosing topics and themes suitable for their cognitive and emotional development levels. Age-appropriate prompts can help students build their writing skills while keeping them engaged and motivated. Some examples of age-appropriate writing prompts include prompts that involve storytelling, describing events or people, or expressing opinions about simple topics. Remember to keep the prompts brief and easy to understand so students can focus on the writing process.

Promote Peer Interactions and Collaboration

Encouraging peer interactions and collaboration can also enhance the effectiveness of writing prompts. When students work together, they can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and improve their writing skills. Consider implementing group writing activities, discussion sessions, and peer reviews to facilitate cooperation among your students. Create a supportive environment that allows for constructive feedback and productive peer interactions.

Utilizing these tips can help you use writing prompts effectively in your second-grade classroom, ultimately contributing to developing strong writing skills in your students.

Writing Practice and Revision Strategies

Encouraging second graders to practice their writing skills and revise their work is essential for their development as writers. One effective approach is implementing basic strategies like POW (Pick ideas, Organize their notes, Write and say more), which students can learn in 1st or 2nd grade.

As students grow more proficient, introducing more advanced techniques can further enhance their writing abilities. Some suggestions for writing practice and revision strategies include:

• Morning Writing Work: Begin each school day with a short writing prompt, which helps students develop the habit of writing regularly.
• Writing Prompts with Pictures: Incorporate visual cues to inspire and engage students in their writing tasks.
• Peer Revising: Encourage students to exchange their work with classmates to review and provide feedback on each other’s writing. This technique can be introduced starting in 2nd grade.

When incorporating these strategies into the classroom, providing clear instructions and ample opportunities for students to practice these new skills is crucial. Using a variety of writing prompts in different formats will also help foster creativity and enthusiasm for writing among second graders.

Summer Writing Activities

Summer vacations are a time for children to relax and have fun, but it’s also important to maintain and develop their writing skills during this break from school. In this section, we’ll explore some exciting writing activities and prompts that can help second graders remain engaged and continue learning during their summer vacations.

Maintaining Writing Skills during Vacation

To keep the students’ writing skills sharp, encourage them to keep a summer journal where they can write about their daily experiences, adventures, and thoughts. Regular writing practice can help strengthen their writing abilities and enable them to express their creativity and thoughts. Parents and teachers can also provide exciting writing prompt catering to the student’s interests, ensuring they enjoy the activity and remain motivated.

Fun and Engaging Summer Writing Prompts

Here are some summer-themed writing prompts to inspire your 2nd-grade students and keep them writing during their break:

• Describe what your backyard looks, feels, and sounds like during the summer.
• Write about a fun adventure at the beach or the park.
• Imagine you own an ice cream truck. What flavors would you sell, and why?
• Write a letter to a friend about an exciting summer camp you attended.
• Describe your favorite summer activity and provide reasons why you enjoy it.

Using these prompts and writing activities, 2nd-grade students can maintain and develop their writing skills during their summer vacations. The key is to keep the activities engaging and enjoyable so students remain interested in continuing their writing practice.

Modifications for Students with Different Abilities

To create an inclusive learning environment, it’s essential to provide modifications for students with different abilities when using 2nd grade writing prompts. Teachers can use various strategies to support diverse learners and make writing activities accessible to all students.

Some effective modifications for students with different abilities include:

• Scaffold the activity : Break down the writing prompt into smaller, manageable tasks. Provide step-by-step guidance, graphic organizers, or sentence frames to help students organize their thoughts and complete the assignment.
• Provide differentiated prompts : Use a variety of prompts and differentiate them based on students’ needs. This allows students to work at their level and build on their strengths.
• Offer additional support : For students needing extra assistance, provide one-on-one or small group instruction to help them better understand the prompt and develop their writing skills.
• Utilize assistive technology : Implement technology, such as speech-to-text software or adapted keyboards, to make writing more accessible for students with physical or learning disabilities.

By providing modifications and accommodations, educators can ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to engage with 2nd grade writing prompts and develop their writing abilities.

Encouraging Creative Writing in 2nd Graders

It is essential to nurture the creative writing abilities of your 2nd graders to foster their self-expression and communication skills. You can stimulate their imaginations and effectively boost their writing proficiency by presenting them with engaging and diverse writing prompts.

Utilize different formatting options to make writing tasks more attractive and accessible. For instance, consider presenting prompts in the form of:

• Graphic organizers
• Illustrations

Additionally, incorporating various writing activities, such as journal entries, creative stories, and persuasive essays, can help keep students engaged and excited about writing. Remember, the key to encouraging creative writing in 2nd graders is offering diverse prompts and activities catering to their interests and strengths.

Grade 2 Picture Writing Prompts

20 picture prompts for grade 2.

1. This is the home of Grudge the Bear. Why do you think he is so grumpy?

2. Where does this winding path lead? Describe what you might find there at the end of the road.

3. Describe what this bird can see looking down from its cloud in the sky!

4. Can you write a story that includes a boat, a magic carpet, a rat, and a bat?

5. Why are these spiky bugs trying to escape? What is making the shadow in the background?

6. Share your opinion! Should children be able to take their pets to school?

7. This is the Grandmaster of Monkey Mountain. He is hurt! What happened?

8. Describe the star attraction in your dream adventure park! Would it be fast? Would you ride in a river of chocolate? Let your imagination run wild!

9. Meet Will, Riya, and Sam the Giraffe. Sam is hoping there are bananas in the picnic basket! What would you pack for your perfect picnic?

10. Meet Will and Riya! They’ve just set off on an adventure together. Where do you think they are going on their magical dragon boat?

11. What are you feeling thankful for? A box full of paints? Beautiful falling leaves? Write it down!

12. What sweets would you use to decorate different parts of your gingerbread house and why?

13. Write some instructions for building the perfect den! What equipment would you need?

14. The Penguin Professor loves to read, Vincent van Melon paints all the time, and Mr. Fisher likes to act! What hobby do you enjoy the most?

15. Write a story about the night a rainbow appeared in the Night Zoo sky! How did the rainbow get there, and what was at the end?

16. What would you do if were the size of an ant? Would you ride on a bird’s back or sleep in a matchbox? Write about your tiny adventure!

17. Write a story about landing on the moon! What do you find when you get there?

18. How has this fish ended up in the sky? Does it have a magical power?

19. This dinosaur has been playing in the fancy dress box! Write a description of its bright and cheerful costume.

20. Who do you think lives here? Can you describe their appearance and their personality?

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Picture Writing Prompts for Sequencing for Grades 2–4

February 4, 2019 by Evan-Moor | 0 comments

Inspire reluctant writers with these sequencing strategies using fun picture writing prompts. These creative writing prompts incorporate visuals from cartoons, comics, and drawing activities to inspire all students to write.

Creative Writing Comics

Suggested grades: 2–4

Kids love cartoons. Incorporating silly images with room to write is a fun way to capture your students’ interest in writing. There are many free templates online to help students get started in writing a comic strip. Here’s one resource with a Comic Creator tool from ReadWriteThink . Comic strips provide students the perfect picture writing prompt to practice sequencing!

• Show the cartoon images of penguins to students and use discussion questions to stimulate story ideas.
• Discuss possible story lines, dialogue, and characters that could be created from these images.
• Stories can be scary, funny, or hard to believe. This is a great opportunity for students to express their witty side within their writing.

Encourage creative thinking with these questions:

• What kinds of problems might penguins have?
• Think about how each penguin looks.
• What could be causing these expressions and actions? What could each penguin be saying?

Create your own penguin comic strip with the free printable above.

What Happened Next: Picture Writing Prompts for Story Sequencing

Stir up students’ originality with funny and silly ideas for creative story writing.

1. Cut out funny or interesting pictures from magazines.

2. Show students a picture and ask them to describe what should happen next.

Prompt them with:

• Pretend you are…
• How does it make you feel?
• Why are you in that situation?

3. Have students brainstorm:

• Who is (are) the character(s)?
• Where is (are) the character(s)?
• When did the event happen?
• Why is (are) the character(s) there?
• Why did this happen?
• What is happing (details)?
• How did this happen?
• How does (do) the character(s) get out of the situation?

4. Complete a sequencing graphic organizer to build a story around the picture. 

5. Using their organizer, students write a creative story about the picture writing prompt.

Map and Direction Writing: From Here to There

Develop students’ spatial thinking and map skills with direction writing. Giving students practice writing directions is a great way to tackle your geography and sequencing lessons together.

Directions: (This works well if you complete as a class first.)

1. Students draw a map of your classroom, highlighting key areas such as the teacher’s desk, print projector, pencil sharpener, drinking fountain, and door.

2. Students write out the directions from the teacher’s desk to the pencil sharpener.

Before beginning this activity, review key words and geography concepts such as:

• north, south, east, west
• left, right
• first, next, then, last

3. Pair students with a partner and have them use their partner’s directions to get to the pencil sharpener. (They cannot use the picture maps.)

You may create other direction activities such as:

• How can you get from the classroom to the cafeteria?
• How can you get from the playground to the school office?

Treasure Hunt

Purchase this treasure hunt writing activity, Creative Writing-Writing Directions: How to Get There , from Teachers Pay Teachers. It introduces how to write directions and is only $1.99. Each map-writing activity is accompanied by a picture prompt to help students visualize and analyze the spaces within the picture.

Draw: Sequence: Write

This sequencing activity is a fun way to get students motivated and working together in partners to create their own sequencing lessons.

Directions:

1. Provide four white index notecards per student.

2. Students draw (on the white side) four or more images in the order in which they happen. Explain that the images need to be clear and happen in consecutive order (first, then, next, last). The viewer needs to understand how the story happened just by looking at the images.

For example:

• Making a sandwich
• Brushing your teeth
• A boat (that sinks)

3. On the lined back of each notecard, students write a sentence explaining what happened in each series of pictures. For example:

• First , take two pieces of bread.
• Then , spread peanut butter on one slice.
• Next , spread jelly on the other slice.
• Then , put the two pieces of bread together.
• Finally , take a bite of your sandwich.

4. Partner students in pairs and ask them to write a sequence of events based on their partner’s pictures.

5. Students can check their work by turning over the cards.

For more creative writing ideas, check out: Writers’ Workshop: Writing Activities and Free Writing Prompt Task Cards .

Heather Foudy  is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.

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Picture Prompts

142 Picture Prompts to Inspire Student Writing

A school year’s worth of short, accessible image-driven posts that invite a variety of kinds of writing.

By The Learning Network

We’ve been publishing our Picture Prompts series four days a week since 2016. Below, we’ve rounded up all the prompts we published for the 2023-24 school year.

These short, accessible, image-driven prompts invite students to pen short stories, poems and memoirs; share experiences from their lives; analyze illustrations, graphs and charts; and tell us their opinions on hot-button issues.

You can find even more in our roundups for the 2022-23 , 2021-22 and 2020-21 school years, as well as in our collections of 125 picture prompts for creative and narrative writing and 25 spooky images for writing scary stories .

To learn how you can use Picture Prompts to build literacy skills, promote critical thinking, inspire discussion and foster creativity in your classroom, watch our three-minute tutorial video or our on-demand webinar . For dozens more ideas, see our lesson plan “ How to Teach With Our Picture Prompts (and Other Times Images) .”

If you use this feature with your students, or if you have other ideas for how to use photos, illustrations and graphics to encourage writing, let us know in the comments.

Share experiences from your own life.

Boys and Cologne Soapbox Derby Graphs Old and Young 2,000 Bags Spring Holidays Baking Spring ‘Floor Person’ Checking Your Watch ‘Wild’ Ice Skating Lunar New Year Hot Pot Distracted Walking Breakfast Wild Weather Maps Healthy Habits Holiday Classics Compliments Family Drama Thanksgiving Dinner Libraries Scary Movies Carving Pumpkins Fall Friday the 13th Our Own Language Skydiving Lazy Days Back to School

What story does this image inspire for you?

Falling Into a Hole Friends? Up, Up and Away! Pet Alligator Shadowy Figures Help Fishing in a Stream Tiny House Rats on a Dog Walking Away Public Selfies Hidden Doorway Playing Dominoes Point of No Return Sunset by the Water Valentines Biking Climbing a Ladder Reflections Happy Creatures Snowfall Blindfolded The Red Planet Dog TV Walking Through Town People and Penguins Witches on the Water Spying Show Time! A Wave Goodbye Ancient Arrow A Hand Up Darkened Library The Concert

What do you think this image, chart or cartoon is saying?

Pink Head, Green Check City Street Lapel Buttons One Seat Underwear on a Statue Justices An Elevator Filled With Robots Flying Plastic In a Box Watching Snacks and Drinks Tree Stump Behind Columns Lying in Bed Soccer and Dollars Two People Sitting Package and Globe Hot-Air Balloon Civil Conversation Raking A Shadow Parent and Child Atop a Cellphone The Super Wealthy Brick Wall Eagle and Ropes Painting Blank Space Exercise Football and Bag of Money Worm in an Apple Head in the Clouds

What’s your opinion on this issue?

‘Cowboy Carter’ New Stamp Design Prizewinning Miniature Poodle Cicadas for Dinner Met Gala Student Orchestra Tech in the Classroom Salt Movie Memorabilia 100 Years of Furniture March Madness Texting Styles Concerts Leap Day Broadway Shows Ice Cream Celebrity Feuds A.I.-Generated Faces World’s Largest Cruise Ship Your Energy Playlist Taylor Swift and the N.F.L. In-and-Out Lists Contenders Coveted Cup Your 2024 Most-Anticipated List 2023 in Pictures Style in 2023 $700 Million Deal Dream Décor Skipping School Giving Tuesday Pop-Tart Critic Time Change Pink Jersey Floating Home The Mall Breaking Police Robot Celebrity Relationships Fall Music New iPhone Tiny Homes Floods in Libya Football Season Land, Man and Sky Fall Video Games

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.

Find more Picture Prompts here.

Daily Quick Writes - Visual Creative Writing Prompts | Set 2

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Description

These quick write visual writing prompts are going to make your teacher heart happy! Included are 20 high-interest images and variety of writing prompts that will have your students begging for more time to write!

What is included in the resource:

• Teacher Tips page
• Both versions are editable
• Note: These prompts are meant to be presented or viewed on 1:1 student devices. Due to the presentation size (16:9) and colorful backgrounds, printing may not practical.

The purpose of these writing prompts is to get students’ imagination flowing! The goal is to build writing fluency and creativity, so students get used to writing right away without worrying about whether their grammar is correct, completing the piece, or even if they love their ideas.

Every 2 – 4 weeks, I recommend having students create one published piece based on one of their recent quick writes. They can pick a favorite to expand on or even combine ideas/characters/settings. Giving students this choice creates buy-in and allows them to select from their best ideas and discard the lesser ones. The variety in their selections also makes it much more enjoyable for you to read their final drafts!

Please feel free to reach out via Q&A if you have any questions.

You might also like:

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Twilight Zone: Plot Diagram & ELA Activities Other Quick Write Writing Prompt Sets

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