As May is ‘Share a Story’ Month, I thought it would be fun to share some creative writing prompts. These could act as inspiration for your child to write a story.
Writing prompts are powerful ways to get the ball rolling and the creative juices flowing.
Of course, these can be used as fun and imaginative ways to connect during family time. Or they can be used to support exam prep and creative writing skills.
Before we begin, I wanted to outline some ways that creative writing prompts could be used to suit your child:
How to use Creative Writing Prompts:
- As an add on game in the car
Preparing for a longer car ride or stuck in some traffic? Use one of the creative writing prompts below to start an ‘add on’ game.
An add on game begins with someone reading the prompt and continuing the story. Once they feel they’ve said enough, the next person must take over from where they left off and build upon the narrative. The story continues until everyone has a turn.
Teachable moments:
- Story openers
- Connectives
- Story structure
- Character development
- Plot twists
- As a group story builder on paper
Similar to the ‘add on’ game above, a piece of paper begins with a prompt. The first person then continues to write the story (you can provide a timer or a rule of how many lines are needed). They then fold the paper, so the first line was covered, and only their text remains. The next person then writes and then covers all writing except their own and passes it on.
Once completed, the paper is unravelled to reveal a full story.
Teachable moments:
- Leaving character clues
- Fronted adverbials
- Story free write
One of the more traditional ways of using creative writing story prompts is to use it as a free write. Some schools may even refer to it as a ‘Big Write’. These are typically timed periods that require independent planning, writing, and correcting.
This is a great way to encourage writing independence and see progress.
Teachable moments:
- Planning stages
- How to write under time pressure
- Reviewing or ‘purple polishing’ work
See also:
How To Make The 11+ Word List Stick: 14 Word Games
Creative Writing Prompts
This year’s theme for National Share a Story month is Myths, Magic and Mayhem. Therefore, I thought I would share a few prompts that fit within each category.
It is of course important for your child to understand the elements that are found within each type of story. While many features overlap, there are some elements unique to each type.
Mythical writing
Mythical writing is often grounded in opposing forces. As an example, light versus dark, good versus evil. It can likewise include elements of fate or prophecy, and will likely include a form of mythical, supernatural elements.
Popular books of myths: Coraline, Who let the Gods Out, Percy Jackson
Magical writing
Magical writing typically includes elements of fantasy and the supernatural. Therefore, creatures like unicorns, goblins, pheonix, centaurs and of course witches and wizards are part of the style. It is often set in realistic settings and has a human element.
Popular books of magic: Harry Potter Series, Narnia series, the Hobbit, Alice in Wonderland.
Mayhem writing
Mayhem writing will include mystery and suspense. There can be cliff hangers, big conflicts and powerful action scenes.
Myths Creative Writing Prompts:
Bioluminsescence:
Magic Creative Writing Prompts:
Mayhem Creative Writing Prompts:
Resources and Links to competitions
Comprehension Club: Support your child in developing strong written skills by boosting their comprehension.
Magic Book List Myths Book List Mayhem Book List
NSSM Story Starter Competition poster
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bettering youth comprehension clubInspire your child to write more with these 12 creative writing prompts
Your child needs a strong foundation in comprehension to really feel confident in creative writing. Find more comprehension resources here:
How to Boost Reading Comprehension Through Storytelling
How To Make The 11+ Word List Stick: 14 Word Games
Boost Comprehension Monitoring with these Small but Mighty Steps
Comprehension Technique: How to Make Predictions
Looking for support in Comprehension? Why not learn more about our weekly small group comprehension class.
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