As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for fun and engaging ways to encourage my second grader’s creativity and writing skills. Writing can sometimes feel like a chore, but I’ve found that a prompt jar can transform it into an enjoyable activity. Today, I’m sharing fifty writing prompts that will spark your child’s imagination and help them develop their writing abilities! Just print this list out and cut them into strips to put them in a jar for your child to pull out. I aim for 3 times per week as part of our language arts curriculum.

The Writing Guidelines

Before diving into the prompts, I like to set a few simple rules to keep things structured:

1. Four Sentences Minimum: Each writing should contain at least four sentences. This encourages my child to elaborate on their ideas and practice forming complete thoughts. When she was in first grade, I required less, and for my kindergarden kiddo, I ask her to narrate to me while I write it for her.
2. Proper Capitalization and Punctuation: We always review the importance of proper grammar. This not only helps in writing but also makes their stories easier to read.
3. Optional Drawing: If time permits, we often include a drawing to accompany their writing. Illustrating their stories adds an extra layer of creativity and makes the writing experience even more enjoyable.

Here are some prompts I’ve collected or come up with:

1. Write about a monster who is afraid of the dark—how does it handle bedtime?
2. Imagine you have a pet dragon. What adventures do you go on together?
3. Describe your dream treehouse. What’s inside?
4. If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
5. Write a story about finding a magic key. What does it unlock?
6. Describe a superpower you wish you had. How would you use it?
7. Write about a squirrel who thinks it’s a superhero. What funny things does it try to save?
8. Imagine a shy turtle who learns to make new friends. How does it overcome its shyness?
9. Write about a treasure map you found. Where does it lead?
10. If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you see?
11. Describe a friendship between two unlikely animals.
12. What if you discovered a secret door in your house? Where does it lead?
13. Write a story about a magical garden.
14. Imagine you are an astronaut exploring a new planet. What do you find?
15. If you could have any job when you grow up, what would it be and why?
16. Write about a day spent with your favorite book character.
17. Describe a time when you helped someone. How did it make you feel?
18. Write about a creative inventor who makes something that helps everyone in their town.
19. Write a letter to your future self. What do you want to tell them?
20. Imagine you found a genie in a bottle. What three wishes would you make?
21. Write about a silly monster who loves to dance.
22. If you could invent a new holiday, what would it celebrate?
23. Describe your perfect day from morning to night.
24. Write about a magic paintbrush that brings your drawings to life. What do you create?
25. Write about a family of aliens that visits Earth. What do they find funny?
26. If you could change one thing about our home, what would it be?
27. Describe a picnic in a magical forest. What makes it special?
28. Describe a time-traveling bicycle. Where does it take you?
29. Write about your favorite season and why you love it.
30. Describe a world where it rains chocolate milk. What happens?
31. What would happen if you could jump into your favorite video game?
32. Write about a character who discovers a hidden talent.
33. Describe a time you felt brave. What did you do?
34. What if you could only eat one food for a whole week? What would it be?
35. Write a story about a lost puppy finding its way home.
36. Imagine you are a famous explorer. What do you discover?
37. Write about a family tradition that you enjoy.
38. What is your favorite holiday? Describe how you celebrate it.
39. Write about a day when everything went wrong, but you made it funny.
40. What would happen if you could swap places with your parent for a day?
41. Write about a time you tried something new. How did it go?
42. Describe the best birthday party you can imagine.
43. Write about a time you felt proud of yourself. What happened?
44. If you could shrink to the size of a mouse, what adventures would you have?
45. What if you woke up one morning with a new hairstyle? Describe it!
46. Describe a time when you were nervous. What did you do?
47. Imagine you are on a treasure hunt. What do you find?
48. Describe your dream job. What would you do?
49. What would happen if you could breathe underwater?
50. Write about a lesson from school that you found interesting. What did you learn?