5 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids to Create Their First Story

Encouraging kids to write their first story can be both exciting and overwhelming. The key? Make it fun, imaginative, and open-ended! At Prindle House Publishing, we believe every child has a story to tell. Whether they dream of being the next great author or just want to explore their creativity, here are five engaging writing prompts to spark their imagination and help them create their first story.

1. The Mysterious Door

One day, you’re playing outside when you notice a tiny door hidden in the trunk of a tree. It starts glowing and opens by itself. What do you see inside? Who or what lives there?

➡️ Encourages: Imagination, world-building, and descriptive writing.

2. Superpower Surprise!

You wake up one morning and discover you have a brand-new superpower—but it’s not what you expected! Instead of flying or turning invisible, you can talk to inanimate objects. What happens when your backpack starts giving you advice?

➡️ Encourages: Creative thinking, humor, and dialogue development.

3. Lost in Time

While playing in the attic, you find an old pocket watch. The moment you touch it, you’re transported 100 years into the past. Where are you? Who do you meet? How will you get back?

➡️ Encourages: Historical exploration, adventure storytelling, and problem-solving.

4. The Great Pet Election

Your school decides to elect an official school pet. Every student can bring in an animal to campaign! Your pet wants to run—what’s its campaign slogan? What are its promises? Will it win?

➡️ Encourages: Persuasive writing, humor, and character development.

5. The Secret Recipe

Your grandmother gives you a secret family recipe, but when you cook it, something magical happens. Suddenly, your food can make people fly—or maybe it turns things invisible! What do you do with this new discovery?

➡️ Encourages: Sensory details, cause-and-effect thinking, and creativity.

How to Use These Prompts

• Let kids draw a picture before writing their story.
• Encourage them to act out a scene from their story.
• Challenge them to write a short ending and share it with a friend or family member.

At Prindle House Publishing, we love nurturing young writers! Try these prompts with your kids or students and let their creativity shine. Who knows? Their next story could be the start of something amazing!

📢 Want more writing tips? Stay tuned for more creative ideas from Prindle House!