Since I don't yet have children of my own I won't sit here and pretend I'm any kind of an expert on kids or how to keep them entertained. But, having grown up with a sister who's almost twelve years younger than me, I can promise I'm familiar with what comes alongside a kid being bored. In fact, I even remember pestering my own parents on rainy days when I couldn't explore the back garden (usually looking for hidden treasure) to keep myself occupied. But, like many of you I'm sure, my family has picked up some fun ways to handle that familiar "Mum, Dad, I'm bored" scenario over the years, one of which is making up written prompts and then encouraging the child to develop the story in any way they choose. This can be done in spoken or written words, or even in picture form! Not only does the activity provide a much needed source of entertainment, it also builds important creative thought, expression and writing skills that will serve your child well as they progress socially, intellectually and emotionally. So, whether you're a parent, grandparent, older sibling or other care provider, check out these 3 creative writing prompts for kids. And, as the weather starts to turn, your little one's cogs will be turning too!
Prompt 1 - Lost at Sea
The boat we were in wasn't very big so I could feel the swell of every wave. I could see some land, way in the distance - a sandy island that sat beneath a big blanket of cloud - but it seemed to be getting further and further away even though we'd been trying for an hour to get to it. It had been a sticky hot day earlier on, but now the sun was weak and the wind was picking up. I felt a chill all over, like the feeling you get when you step out of a nice hot shower and onto the cool tile floor. I slipped my jumper over my head (I was glad I'd remembered to bring it) and I curled up at the back of the boat, wrapping my arms around my knees and squeezing tight. I didn't know how we would get out of this one.
CHALLENGE: Can you continue the story? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Who is the character on the boat, and who are they with?
How did they become stranded at sea? Did they spot something in the distance and try to reach it, then realise they couldn't get back to shore?
What kind of boat are they in? Are they sailing? Is it a motorboat? A life raft?
Where will they go from here? Will they make it to the island in the distance? Will they find another island? Or another boat?
Will the characters disagree about what to do next?
How will the story end? Will they make it back to safety?
Prompt 2 - The Mystery Door
I hadn't come across a door like this before. It was bigger than any I'd seen and it was coated in ivy and tiny pink and white flowers. I could hardly see its handle, but poking out through the thick leafy layer I could just about make out that big loop of rusty brown metal hanging heavy against the old wood. I felt around below the handle, rustling through the twigs with my fingers. Eventually, I found it and I let out a little gasp. The keyhole! I reached into my back pocket and pulled out the stained gold key I'd found beneath the floorboards of the garden shed. Now I had a decision to make - should I open the door or should I do as I'd been told and leave it well alone?
CHALLENGE: Can you continue the story? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Who is the character in the story? How and why have they found this door, and why have they been told to leave it well alone?
Will they open the door? If so, what will they find behind it?
Will they find something friendly, exciting or magical? Or something dangerous and scary? Will they overcome any obstacles they come across?
Will they meet anyone on the other side of the door?
Will they get caught going through the door, or will it remain a secret adventure?
What will happen at the end of the story? Will they come back through the door to tell people what they've found? Will they get trapped on the other side?
Prompt 3 - The Sorcerer's Seashell
I closed my eyes and touched the shell again. For some reason it only worked when you closed your eyes. When I touched it I could see everything. I could see my family, sitting outside together on a warm summer's day. But all of us were older, much older. I could see a dog, too, only I didn't recognise him. He was sniffing about in the garden and digging up little heaps of soil. I hadn't believed the old woman before, when she'd sold me the shell - I had only bought it because I thought it looked pretty - but I felt sure I believed her now.
CHALLENGE: Can you continue the story? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Who is the character in the story? Who are their family members?
Who is the old woman and why did she sell the shell?
What does the shell look like? Is it big or small? It is flat, rounded or spiral-shaped?
Is the shell magical? Does it really allow you to see into the future? Why does it only work when you close your eyes and touch it? Is there another way to make it work?
Is the shell dangerous?
Who can use the shell - can anybody use it, or only certain people?
What will this character do with the shell? Will they tell anyone about it?
Who is the dog in the vision? Will this character meet the dog?
What will happen at the end of the story? Will any visions come true?
COMING SOON: KIDS CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION!
For more information please go to Competitions Corner which you can find by visiting the Events section of the website.
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