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The best writing prompts for middle school
Writing has a funny way of bringing the world around us to sharp contrast — which is why creative writing prompts might turn out to be just the trick to get the imaginations of your middle school students going! Whether you make it a journaling activity in the classroom or an interactive project to get your middle schoolers swapping ideas with friends, a writing prompt can do it all for kids: improve their writing skills, skyrocket their creativity, and broaden their perspective beyond the confines of school.
This directory is bursting with the best writing ideas about animals, people, and nature. Feel free to use any of these writing prompts for middle school to help turn your students into young writers with a story of their own.
If you're looking to cut to the chase, here's a list of top ten favorite writing prompts for middle schoolers:
- A character finds an old roll of film, and takes it to be developed. What do they find?
- A mundane ability suddenly becomes a superpower. Write about someone or something affected by this.
- End your story with someone finally conceding to another's point of view.
- Format your story in the style of diary entries.
- Set your story in a confectionery shop.
- Write a story about someone struggling to swallow some harsh (but fair) constructive criticism.
- Write a story in the form of a top-ten list.
- Write a story inspired by a piece of music (without using any lyrics).
- Write a story that focuses on the relationship between siblings.
- Write a story involving a character donating a box of clothes they have outgrown.
If you have a middle school student who's interested in becoming an author, check out our free resources on the topic:
Develop a Writing Routine (free course) — It’s never too early to start developing a writing routine! While creative writing prompts can give a student the spark of an idea for a story, it will take time, effort, and commitment to turn it into a novel. This course will show an author of any age how to develop the discipline that they will need to write a book.
Want to encourage your middle school students to start writing? Check out Reedsy’s weekly short story contest, for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of writing contests or our directory of literary magazines for more opportunities to submit your story.