Creative writing prompts and story starters for kids
3 2nd grade story starter writing prompts with handwriting lines and a graphic organizer · 6 pages
Explore creative programs
See all writing programs →Compare listed prices and grade ranges. Save favorites on this device; directory inclusion does not imply funding approval. Confirm current prices and availability with the provider.
Creative writing prompts and story starters that give kids a spark and then get out of the way: you discover a tiny door at the bottom of a tree, your shadow goes on an adventure without you, a robot wants to learn how to laugh, a mysterious package arrives with your name on it. Each prompt prints with a story map (characters, setting, problem, beginning, middle, end and solution) and a lined page with a sentence starter.
This set shows three 2nd grade prompts. Kindergarten and 1st grade prompts are simpler ("Your toys come alive at night. What do they do?") and print with a drawing box; 4th and 5th grade prompts include first and last lines to build a story around. For true stories instead of made-up ones, try narrative writing prompts, and read our original short stories for kids for inspiration.
Tips for using it
- Fill in the story map with words and pictures before writing.
- Every story needs a problem. Ask "What goes wrong?"
- Read the finished story aloud at dinner. An audience motivates.
Variations
All writing prompts for kidsQuestions
What is a story starter?
A story starter is an opening situation, first line or question that kicks off a story. It removes the hardest part, starting, so kids can focus on what happens next.
How do I help a reluctant writer with creative writing?
Let them tell the story out loud first, accept drawings in the planning step, keep the first draft short, and celebrate ideas before correcting spelling.