Writing Prompts for All Levels of Primary School: Spark Creativity and Confidence

Encouraging children to write regularly helps develop their language skills, creativity, and confidence. Whether you’re a teacher planning classroom activities or a parent supporting learning at home, having a bank of engaging writing prompts is a great way to get kids excited about writing.

At Free Agency, we know that primary students range from beginners just forming sentences to more confident writers crafting stories and explanations. That’s why we’ve put together writing prompts tailored to early, middle, and upper primary levels.

Early Primary (Prep–Year 2)
At this stage, children are building basic writing skills like forming sentences and using descriptive words. Prompts should be simple, clear, and encourage drawing alongside writing.

Write about your favourite animal. What does it look like? What sounds does it make?

Describe your best day ever. Who was there? What did you do?

Draw a picture of your dream playground and write about what games you can play there.

Write a letter to your teacher telling them what you like about school.

Imagine you have a magic backpack. What’s inside it? Write about the things you find.

Middle Primary (Years 3–4)
Students at this level can write longer sentences and start creating simple stories. Prompts can introduce problem-solving, feelings, and imaginative thinking.

Write a story about a lost kitten that finds its way home.

Describe a new superhero you have invented. What are their powers? How do they help people?

Imagine you wake up and can talk to animals. Write about your day.

Write about a time you felt proud of yourself. What happened?

Describe your favourite place in your neighbourhood and why you love it.

Upper Primary (Years 5–6)
Upper primary students can write detailed stories, opinions, and explanations. Prompts should challenge them to think critically and express their ideas clearly.

Write a persuasive letter to your principal explaining why your school should have longer lunch breaks.

Imagine you are an explorer discovering a new island. Describe what you find and what adventures you have.

Write a story where a character has to overcome a big challenge. What happens? How do they solve it?

Explain your favourite hobby or sport and why you enjoy it.

Write about a time you helped someone. How did it make you feel? Why is helping others important?

Why Use Writing Prompts?
They spark creativity by giving students a starting point.

They help students practice different writing styles like stories, letters, and explanations.

They encourage critical thinking by asking students to imagine, describe, and persuade.

They build confidence through regular, achievable writing tasks.