The best ideas to inspire creativity

As a homeschool mom, I know how stressful it can be to develop good writing skills for your children. While I don’t believe in extensive research papers at this age, I do think that one of the best things for children is to develop their critical thinking and creative writing skills. Use these 300 creative writing prompts for middle school students with your children as diary entries or as a one-and-done.

These are simple starters to get the creative juices flowing. You can print off the entire list and give it to your middle schoolers, or you assign one at your discretion. However you choose to use these prompts is up to you, but the best way is to use them in a manner that works for your child. You can also use writing prompts based on the book they are currently reading or situations that happen in the news or their lives.

They are categorized into topics, including animals, travel, literature, and more. These writing prompts will help your child think outside the box, become more expressive, tell a story, and develop writing skills. Writings do not become famous with the first thing they have written. In fact, C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia had 800 rejections before he got his first book published. J,K. Rowling, famous author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected numerous times. Even the very famous Dr. Seuss faced rejection repeatedly before he was a published author. 

Imagine what the world would have been like without Dr. Seuss or C.S. Lewis. These people not only faced rejection, but they practiced their craft over and over. Creative writing is the practice to help your child become a better writer.

300 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School

Your young writers should enjoy these prompts. These 300 creative writing prompts for middle school students will keep your writers engaged.

1. What is one power or ability you wish you had? Write a story about someone who discovers a magical ability they never knew they had.

2. Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Write a creative writing entry about your life.

3. You are a tree that is hundreds of years old. Write a story detailing what you have seen through the years.

4. Write a letter to your future self about your life at X years old.

5. Create a character who can talk to animals. What does he/she look like? Was he/she born with that ability? How did they find out they could talk to animals?

6. Write a story about a group of friends who accidentally travel back in time and meet King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

7. Write a poem about your favorite season. Why is it your favorite season?

8. Imagine a world where everyone has a superpower. What is yours and how do you use it? 

9. Write a story about a young orphan who finds a family in an unexpected place.

10. Write a story about a person who wakes up one day with the ability to fly.

11. Write a poem about your favorite animal.

12. Imagine you are a detective solving a murder mystery. Write day one of the murder mystery. Write the last day when you solve the mystery.

13. Write a story about a group of friends who stumble upon a secret underground city. How long has the city been there?

14. Write a letter to your favorite fictional character.

15. Write a story about a person who discovers a hidden talent for music.

16. Write a story about a person who is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again like in the movie Groundhog Day.

17. Imagine you are a scientist who has just discovered a new species. What type of animal is it – reptile, mammal, fish, bird, amphibian? 

18. Write a poem about the ocean.

19. Write a story about a person who can see the future but can’t change it.

20. Imagine you are an astronaut exploring a new planet. Write an entry about your discoveries.

21. Write a story about a person who discovers a portal to a parallel universe. Do they meet themselves in the parallel universe.

22. Write a letter to your younger self. What would you do differently?

23. Write a story about a group of friends who find themselves trapped in an abandoned mine.

24. Write a poem about the beauty of nature.

25. Imagine a world where all forms of art are illegal. Write a story about a person who defies this law and creates something beautiful.

26. Write a story about a person who wakes up one day with the ability to speak any language fluently. What is the language?

27. Write a story about a group of friends discovering a mysterious map leading to treasure.

28. Write a letter to your future children. How many children do you have?

29. Write a story about a person who can talk to plants. What do the plants feel, say, and think?

30. Write a poem about the stars. Do you have a favorite constellation? 

31. Imagine you are a character in a fairy tale. Write an entry about your adventures.

32. Write a story about someone who discovers they have a long-lost twin.

33. Write a story about a group of friends who go on a camping trip and encounter a dangerous animal.

34. Write a poem about the power of friendship.

35. Imagine a world where everyone has a robot companion. Write a story about a person who forms an unlikely bond with their robot.

36. Write a story about a person who wins a game show.

37. Write a letter to someone who has inspired you.

38. Write a story about someone who discovers they can travel time. Where do they go?

39. Write a story about a group of friends who get lost in a corn maze.

40. Write a poem about the beauty of the night sky.

41. Imagine you are the main character in a video game. Write an entry about your life.

42. Write a story about a person who discovers they have the ability to read minds.

43. Write a story about a person stuck in a dream world.

44. Write a letter to your favorite musician.

45. Write a story about a group of friends who go on a road trip and have unexpected adventures.

46. Sit in front of your refrigerator with the door open. Pretend you are 2 inches tall. Explain what you see. 

47. Write a story about a person who can see through any material. What are some of the things they encounter?

48. Write a story about a person who “knows” the future before it happens.

49. Go outside and sit in the grass. Imagine you are 2 inches tall walking through the grass. Tell about the things you encounter.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School About Animals

50. You have a pet. Tell about a typical day taking care of the pet. 

51. Write a story about a heroic dog who saves his owner from danger.

52. Imagine you are a bird soaring through the sky. Write a diary entry about your experiences.

53. Write a poem about the beauty of a butterfly.

54. Write a story about an animal (other than a butterfly) that undergoes a “miraculous” change.

55. Write a story about a group of animal friends who work together to solve a problem.

56. Imagine you are a shark swimming in the ocean. Write about your adventures.

57. Write a story about a person who forms an unlikely friendship with a wild animal.

58. Write a poem about the majesty of a lion.

59. Write a poem about a giraffe and a rabbit being friends and how they help each other.

60. Write a story about a person who discovers a new animal species.

61. Imagine you are a cat who can talk. Write a diary entry about your daily life.

62. Write a story about a group of animals who band together to save their forest from destruction.

63. Write a poem about the grace of a deer.

64. Write a story about a person who trains a wild animal to perform in a circus.

65. Imagine you are a dolphin swimming in the ocean. Write a diary entry about your experiences.

66. Write a story about a group of animal friends who go on a quest to find a lost treasure.

67. Write a poem about the strength of an elephant.

68. Write a story about a person who adopts a stray dog and gives it a loving home.

69. Imagine you are a snake slithering through the grass. Write a diary entry about your adventures.

70. Write a story about a person who discovers a secret underground world of animals.

71. Write a poem about the beauty of a peacock.

72. Write a story about a group of animals who work together to escape from a zoo.

73. Imagine you are a horse galloping through a field. Write a diary entry about your experiences.

74. Write a story about a person who befriends a mischievous monkey.

75. Write a poem about the playfulness of a dolphin.

76. Write a story about a group of animals who form a band and become famous.

77. Imagine you are a butterfly flying through a meadow. Write a diary entry about your adventures.

78. Write a story about a person who rescues a trapped animal from danger.

79. Write a poem about the loyalty of a dog.

80. Write a story about a group of animal friends who embark on a journey.

81. Imagine you are a giraffe grazing in the savannah. Write about your daily life.

82. Write a story about someone discovering a magical forest full of talking animals.

83. Write a poem about the cunning of a fox.

84. Write a story about a group of animals working together to survive in the wilderness.

85. Imagine you are a bird building a nest. Write a diary entry about your experiences.

86. Write a story about someone who adopts an abandoned kitten and helps it thrive.

87. Write a poem about the beauty of a swan.

88. Write a story about a group of animals who compete in a talent show.

89. Imagine you are a bear hibernating in a cave. Write about the experience.

90. Write a story about a person who befriends a shy rabbit.

91. Write a story about the tortoise from the tortoise and the hare. Did he believe he could win?

92. Write a story about a group of animals who work together to solve a mystery.

93. Imagine you are a bee buzzing around a flower. Write a diary entry about your adventures.

94. Write a story about a person discovering a lost animal colony.

95. Write a poem about the majesty of a whale

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School

96. You are a time traveling. What time period do you go to and why?

97. Write a story about a family road trip gone wrong.

98. Imagine you are on a deserted island. Write about how you got there and how you plan to escape.

99. Write about your favorite video game and why it is your favorite.

100. Write a story about people who develop video games. What does their day to day life look like?

101. Write a poem about the excitement of embarking on a new journey.

102. Write a story about a group of friends who backpack through Europe.

103. Imagine you are traveling through time. Write about the different periods you visit.

104. Write a story about a person who takes a solo trip to a remote location.

105. Write a poem about the beauty of the Grand Canyon.

106. Write about the best thing that has ever happened to you.

107. Write a story about a group of students who take a field trip to a museum and discover something unexpected.

108. Tell the story of a man who invents a time machine and travels through time helping people he/she encounters.

109. Write a story about your favorite things in your house. Why are they your favorite and how do they make your life better.

110. Imagine you are traveling through space. Write about the different planets you visit.

111. Write a story about a person who travels to a foreign country and the difficulties they experience with not knowing the language or culture.

112. Write a poem about the excitement of a plane taking off.

113. Imagine you are on a plane and the pilot passes out. You are forced to land the plane. Write about it.

114. You are your favorite character in a popular television series. What do you like and what do you hate about your life?

115. Write a story about a person who sets out on a journey to find their missing family member.

116. Imagine you are on a road trip with your best friend. Write about the adventures you have.

117. Write a story about a group of travelers who get lost in a foreign country.

118. Write a poem about the thrill of exploring a new place.

119. Write a story about a person who travels back in time to meet a historical figure.

120  Imagine you are traveling to a different dimension. Write about the strange sights you see.

121. Write a short story about a group of adventurers who explore a mysterious jungle.

122. Write a poem about the serenity of watching the sunset on the beach.

123. You are trapped in a board game. How can you escape or finish the game? Write about your adventures.

124. Write a story about high school students and what their day looks like.

125. Imagine you are traveling to a parallel universe. Write about the similarities and differences you notice.

126. Write a story about a group of friends who get trapped in an amusement park overnight

127. You are trapped on a roller coaster and can’t get off. Write about your feelings.

128. Write a poem about the joy of traveling with loved ones.

129. Write a story about a person who travels to a different country to learn a new skill.

130. Imagine you are on a cruise ship. Write about the sights and sounds you experience.

131. Write a story about a group of travelers who get stranded in the wilderness.

132. Write a poem about the wonder of standing in front of a famous landmark.

133. Write a story about a person who embarks on a cross-country train journey.

134. Imagine you are traveling through different dimensions of time. Write about the lessons you learn.

135. Write a story about a group of travelers who discover a hidden underground city.

136. Write a poem about the excitement of exploring a new city.

137. Write a story about a person who travels to a different country to volunteer.

138. Imagine you are on a hot air balloon ride. Write about the sights and sensations you experience.

139. Write a story about a group of travelers who find a treasure map.

140. Write a poem about the magic of seeing the northern lights.

141. Write a story about a person who travels to a different country to study abroad.

142. Imagine you are on a safari. Write about the animals you see and the experiences you have.

143. Write a story about a group of travelers who encounter a dangerous storm.

144. Write a poem about the freedom of traveling solo.

145. Write an acrostic poem (spells out a word). Use your name or the name of your best friend. 

146. Write a story about a person who travels to a different country to reconnect with their roots.

147. Imagine you are on a hot air balloon ride over a mountain range. Write about the breathtaking views.

148. Write a story about a group of travelers who discover a hidden underground river.

149. Write a poem about the peace of camping in the Grand Canyon. 

150. You are coming to America on The Mayflower. Write a diary entry. 

151. Write a story about a character from “Where the Wild Things Are” who goes on a new adventure.

152. Write a poem about the importance of imagination in “The Cat in the Hat.”

153. Write a story about a character from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” who learns a valuable lesson about moderation.

154. Write a script for a TV show adaptation of “Curious George.”

155. Write a story about a character from “Green Eggs and Ham” who tries new things and discovers something they love.

156. Write a poem about the importance of perseverance in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

157. Write a story about a character from “The Giving Tree” who learns the true meaning of love.

158. Write a script for a movie adaptation of “Charlotte’s Web.”

159. Write a story about a character from “Corduroy” who goes on a new adventure to find his missing button.

160. Write a poem about the beauty of friendship in “Winnie-the-Pooh.”

161. Write a story about a character from “The Magic School Bus” who learns about a new topic on an exciting field trip.

162. Write a script for a TV show adaptation of “The Berenstain Bears.”

163. Write a story about a character from “James and the Giant Peach” who discovers a new world inside the peach.

164. Write a poem about the importance of kindness in “The Giving Tree.”

165. Write a story about a character from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” who finds a golden ticket and goes on an adventure.

166. Write a script for a movie adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

167. Write a story about a character from “Madeline” who goes on a new adventure in Paris.

168. Write a poem about the joy of reading in “Matilda.”

169. Write a story about a toy like “The Velveteen Rabbit” who becomes real.

170. Write a script for a TV show adaptation of “The Boxcar Children.”

171. Write a story about a character from “The Polar Express” who goes on a magical train ride to the North Pole.

172. Write a poem about the power of imagination in “Harold and the Purple Crayon.”

173. Write a story about a character from “The Little Engine That Could” who overcomes a challenge and succeeds.

174. Write a script for a movie adaptation of “The Secret Garden.”

175. Write a story about a character from “The Chronicles of Narnia” who goes on an adventure in a magical world.

176. Write a poem about the importance of family in “Little House on the Prairie.”

177. Write a story about a character from “The Cat in the Hat” who causes chaos but learns a valuable lesson.

178. Write a script for a TV show adaptation of “Magic Tree House.”

179. Write a story about a character from “The Ugly Duckling” who discovers they are actually a beautiful swan.

180. Write a poem about the joy of discovery in “Curious George.”

181. Write a story about a character from “The Secret Life of Pets” who goes on an adventure in the city.

182. Write a script for a movie adaptation of “Stuart Little.”

183. Write a story about a character from “The Little Prince” who travels to different planets and learns about life.

184. Write a poem about the importance of perseverance in “The Tortoise and the Hare.”

185. Write a story about a character from “The Cat in the Hat” who learns a valuable lesson about responsibility

186. Write a story about living life trapped in a television. 

187. Write a story about a toy that comes to life when no one is around.

188. Write a poem about your favorite toy and why you love it.

189. Write a story about a group of toys that go on an adventure together.

190. Write a script for a play where all the characters are toys.

191. Write a story about a toy that gets lost and goes on a journey to find its way back home.

192. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite toy, using all five senses.

193. Write a story about a toy that has magical powers.

194. Write a letter from one toy to another, describing their adventures together.

195. Write a story about a toy that helps a child overcome a difficult situation.

196. Write a persuasive essay about why your favorite toy is the best toy ever.

197. Create a new holiday. When is the holiday and what are you celebrating?

198, Write about delivering products to grocery stores. What is the product and why do you like your job?

199. Write about the first time you walked. You probably don’t remember it, but you may have heard stories. Make up a story about why you decided to walk.

Creative Writing Prompts using Roald Dahl books

200. Write a story about what happens after Matilda finishes school and becomes an adult.

201. Write a letter from James to his parents, describing his adventures inside the giant peach.

202. Write a descriptive paragraph about the Oompa-Loompas and their unique characteristics.

203. Write a story about a new student at Crunchem Hall Primary School who has a secret talent like Matilda’s.

204. Write a script for a TV show adaptation of The BFG.

205. Write a story about what happens when Charlie Bucket inherits the chocolate factory from Willy Wonka.

206. Write a poem about the magic and wonder of the story The Twits.

207. Write a story about a new invention created by Mr. Wonka that takes Charlie on a new adventure.

208. Write a letter from Sophie to the Queen of England, thanking her for helping to capture the Bloodbottler and the Fleshlumpeater.

209. Write a story about the missing years of the Grand High Witch’s life and how she became so evil.

210. Pick two animals and write a story about a battle between the two.

211. You are twenty years old and a robot. Write a story about waking up the first day. 

212. Write a letter to your parents with a bucket list of things you would like to do before high school graduation. 

213. Write a letter to your future self, describing what you hope to accomplish in the next five years.

214. Write a poem about your favorite hobby or activity.

215. Write a story about a memorable experience you had with your family.

216. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite food, using all five senses.

217. Write a letter to your best friend, telling them about your favorite memory together.

218. Write a story about a time you overcame a fear or challenge.

219. Write a script for a play about your family, with each family member as a character.

220. Write a poem about a place that holds a special meaning to you.

221. Write a letter to your parents, thanking them for something they have done for you.

222. Imagine you are a character from your favorite movie. Write about your life after the movie ends.

223. Write a story about a time when you made a mistake and learned a valuable lesson.

224. Write a descriptive paragraph about your dream vacation destination.

225. Write a letter to your future self, describing what you want your life to be like when you’re older.

226. Write a story about a time when you helped someone in need.

227. Write a script for a TV show about your life.

228. Write a poem about your favorite animal.

229. Write a letter to a younger sibling or cousin, offering them advice about growing up.

230. Write a story about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

231. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite book or movie character.

232. Write a letter to your favorite aunt or uncle, thanking them for their impact on your life.

233. Write a story about a time when you showed courage in the face of adversity.

234. Write a script for a play about a day in your life.

235. Write a poem about your favorite season.

236. Write a letter to a friend, telling them how much they mean to you.

237. Write a story about a time when you had to stand up for what you believed in.

238. Write a story using the following as a first sentence, “This morning was not an ordinary morning.”

239. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place to go on a weekend.

Prompts suitable for home or classroom

240. Write a letter to your future self, describing what you hope to be when you grow up.

241. Write a story about a time when you felt proud of yourself.

242. Write a script for a TV show about your dream career.

243. Write a poem about a memorable moment in your life.

244. Write a letter to your parents, telling them what you appreciate most about them.

245. Write a story about a time when you had to be patient to achieve a goal.

246. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite thing to do with your friends.

247. Write a letter to your grandparents, telling them how much you love and appreciate them.

248. Write a story about a time when you experienced a major change in your life.

249. Write a script for a play about a challenge you faced and overcame.

250. Write a poem about a goal you hope to achieve in the future.

251. Write a letter to your future self, describing what you want to be remembered for.

252. Write a story about a time when you had to adapt to a new situation.

253. Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite piece of art or music.

254. What are family traditions that your family has? Write about one of them and how it started.

255. Write a letter to a role model, thanking them for inspiring you.

256. Imagine you had to wear a school uniform. What would it look like? Would you enjoy it?

257. Write about a job where you design and create virtual reality experiences for people to enjoy.

258. Imagine a job where you work with scientists to develop new technologies for space travel. Write about what your day-to-day life would be like in this job.

259. Write about a job where you design and create robots that can help people with disabilities or illnesses.

260. Imagine a job where you work in a company that creates personalized nutrition plans for people based on their DNA. Write about the challenges and rewards of this job.

261. Write about a job where you design and create eco-friendly homes and buildings.

262. Imagine a job where you work with a team to create a new way to generate energy using natural resources. Write about the benefits of this job.

263. Write about a job where you design and create advanced prosthetic limbs that can mimic natural movement.

264. Imagine a job where you work with a team of scientists and doctors to develop a cure for a rare disease. Write about the challenges and rewards of this job.

265. Write about a job where you work as a space archaeologist, discovering and studying artifacts from other planets and galaxies.

266. Imagine a job where you work in a company that creates advanced AI systems for personal assistants. Write about what your day-to-day life would be like in this job.

267. Pick your favorite book or movie. Write an alternative ending to the story.

268. What is your favorite room in the house? Write a diary entry about how you feel when your parents say that they are redecorating that room.

269. You have met new friends at a party. Write a story about your old friends reactions.

270. What is your favorite sport? Write about being a famous sports player.

271. You begin a blog. What is it about? Write an introductory blog post talking about who you are and why you started the blog.

272. What is your favorite activity during the fall season? Write a story about that activity.

273. What was the first word you said? Create a poem about that word.

274. Describe an apple pie to someone who has never had pie before.

275. Write about the first day of school next year. What grade will you be in? What do you wear to the first day?

276. Write about swimming in pumpkin pie.

277. What is the perfect age to get a cell phone? Write about the dangers of cell phones.

278. Create a new word. What does it mean and how is it used?

279. What is the perfect activity to do on summer nights? Write a diary entry after you got home from that activity.

280. What did you do last night? Write a diary entry detailing your night.

Even More Writing Prompts

281. You haven’t seen your sister in a long time. Write about what you talk about and do when you finally see each other.

282. Write a story from the perspective of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she watches her son grow up and become the savior of the world.

283. Imagine you are one of the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years. Write a journal entry describing your experience and how you kept your faith in God.

284. Write a story about David and Goliath, from the perspective of one of the soldiers in David’s army.

285. Imagine you are Jonah, swallowed by a whale. Write about your thoughts and feelings during your time in the belly of the whale.

286. Write a story about the prodigal son, from the perspective of the son who stayed home and worked hard for his father.

287. Imagine you are one of the disciples who witnessed Jesus perform a miracle. Write about your thoughts and feelings during this event.

288. Write a story about the Exodus, from the perspective of a slave who was freed by Moses and led out of Egypt.

289. Imagine you are Job, who suffered greatly but remained faithful to God. Write about your thoughts and feelings during this time.

290. Write a story about the birth of Jesus, from the perspective of one of the shepherds who visited him in the manger.

291. Imagine you are Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers. Write about your journey from slavery to becoming a powerful leader in Egypt.

292. You are a disciple of Jesus. What are your feelings when you witness him heal a person?

293. You are starting a business. What do you sell? 

Not just for middle school – these prompts work for high school too!

294. You wake up on another planet. What do the people look like, and how can you return home?

295. What was the last dream you remember? Imagine you didn’t wake up from the dream. Write about what happened next.

296. What is your favorite possession? Where did you get it, and why is it so important to you?

297. There is no internet, cell phones, or microwave ovens. Which do you miss the most and why?

298. If you were rich but had to give money away daily, who would you give the money to and why?

299. What was the worst book you ever read? Write a different ending for it.

​300. Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? Why?

Other ideas for creative writing ideas for reluctant writers include:

Picture Writing Prompts – print off some photos and have your child write about the story behind the photo. This is a great way to give a visual to a visual learner child. 

Things to consider when teaching creative writing

When you teach creative writing, you should allow the child the freedom to make mistakes without always feeling as if you should be correcting all of their work for grammar and punctuation. In fact, I had a teacher that never corrected our “journals” and only corrected our work that was turned in for a grade.

Instead, choose a good grammar program such as IEW Fix-It Grammar to teach grammar and punctuation.