Reading is a fundamental aspect of a child's development, igniting their imagination and fostering a lifelong love for learning. However, what truly sparks creativity is the ability to not only consume stories but also to create their own narratives. With the support of family, friends, and educators, children can embark on a journey of self-expression, drawing inspiration from the diverse stories they encounter. Here are writing prompts tailored to young elementary school students, each inspired by themes from our incredible children's books.

Kindness:

Prompt: Imagine a world where kindness is the only currency. Write a story about a day in the life of a character who discovers the power of small acts of kindness. How do these gestures travel through the community, sparking joy and connection?

Purchase Kindness Machine (at discount) for extra inspiration 

Diversity and Inclusivity:

Prompt: Picture a place where everyone is celebrated for their unique qualities. Create a story about a group of friends from different backgrounds coming together to solve a problem. How do their diverse perspectives and strengths contribute to their success?

Purchase Mike Nero for extra inspiration 

Feelings:

Prompt: Close your eyes and think about a time when you felt a strong emotion, like happiness, sadness, or excitement. Now, write a story from the perspective of an insect experiencing that same emotion. How do they express themselves, and what lessons can we learn from their journey?

Purchase Ralphy's Rules for Feelings for extra inspiration 

Social Emotional Learning: 

Prompt: Imagine you are a character in a story who faces a challenge at school or home. Write about how you navigate your emotions, using strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, or seeking support from others. What lessons do you learn about self-awareness?

Purchase Ralphy's Rules for Living the Good Life for extra inspiration 

Girl Power:

Prompt: Create a story starring a fearless girl who dreams of achieving something great. What obstacles does she encounter along the way, and how does she overcome them with courage and determination? Celebrate her strengths and inspire others to believe in themselves.

Purchase Princess Monroe for extra inspiration 

Empathy:

Prompt: Step into the shoes of a character who is different from you. Write about a day in their life, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. How does walking in their shoes deepen your understanding and empathy for others?

Purchase Hi, It’s Me for extra inspiration 

Self-Identity:

Prompt: Reflect on what makes you unique and special. Write a story about a character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, embracing their quirks and talents along the way. How does self-acceptance empower them to shine bright?

Purchase You Can Call Me Katelyn for extra inspiration 

Courage:

Prompt: Think about a time when you faced your fears and showed bravery. Now, imagine yourself as a character in an epic adventure. Write about a daring quest where you must summon your courage to overcome obstacles and save the day.

Purchase Rupert’s Snowman for extra inspiration 

Nature and Independence:

Prompt: Close your eyes and imagine yourself exploring a magical forest or a vast wilderness. Write a story about a child who discovers the wonders of nature and learns valuable lessons about independence, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Purchase Famous Seaweed Soup for extra inspiration 

Encouraging children to write their own stories not only enhances their literacy skills but also nurtures their creativity, empathy, and self-confidence. By providing them with prompts inspired by themes of kindness, diversity, and courage, we empower them to express themselves authentically and explore the limitless possibilities of their imagination. Whether at home or in the classroom, let's continue to foster a love for storytelling and inspire the next generation of writers and dreamers.