Middle school writers are bursting with imagination—but sometimes staring at a blank page can feel overwhelming. The right writing prompts for middle school students help kids connect with their own interests, spark curiosity, and jump-start their creativity. We’ve gathered up a huge collection of fun, unique middle school writing prompts for storytelling, journaling, essays, and more. Plus, we’ve partnered with Krista Barbour of @whimsyandrigor on Instagram to bring you top tips for using these prompts with your own students!
Jump to:
- How to Choose and Use Middle School Writing Prompts
- Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Fun Middle School Writing Prompts
- Storytelling Middle School Writing Prompts
- Short Story Starters for Middle School
- Journal Writing Prompts for Middle School
- SEL Middle School Writing Prompts
- Fantasy Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Unique Middle School Writing Prompts
- Funny Writing Prompts for Middle School
How to Choose and Use Middle School Writing Prompts
We asked Krista Barbour (@whimsyandrigor), a middle school English teacher with 17 years of experience, to share some of her top tips for choosing and using middle school writing prompts.
“Writing doesn’t have to be scary!” promises Krista. “You don’t have to assess every single thing kids write. I truly believe one of the reasons why students see themselves as writers is because I just let them write, especially at the beginning of the year. I don’t judge their work, I say ‘Yes!’ all the time, and I let them go where the writing takes them.”
Choosing Middle School Writing Prompts
Make them open-ended. “You don’t want kids to feel like they have to write something super-specific but you also don’t want them to feel like they start with a blank page,” she notes. “It’s important to find the balance!”
Be as inclusive as possible. “Use a variety of pronouns when presenting wiring prompts,” Krista advises. “For example: She couldn’t believe that just happened. They walked into school and something seemed off. I also tell kids they can change the pronoun (or perspective) to better fit their story.”
Just say yes! “When the point is to get kids writing, say ‘Yes!’ to whatever they ask,” urges Krista. “For example, if they ask ‘Can I write about a talking dog?’ Yes! ‘Can this be set on a different planet?’ Yes! Literally whatever they ask, just say ‘Yes!’ because you want them to write, and if something different than you expected inspires them, go with it!”
I love using prompts that kids have written! A few times a year, I ask students to jot down prompts on a small piece of paper and then I pull them out at random to use as prompts for the whole class. I always attribute the idea to the student and they absolutely shine when they see their name next to their prompt.
-Krista Barbour (@whimsyandrigor)
Using Writing Prompts with Middle School Students
“Breaking down that barrier at the start of the year is such an easy but vital step on the journey to get kids to build their confidence as writers,” Krista explains. “I truly believe every kid is a writer with something valuable to share. Our job is to get them to see that in themselves, and engaging writing prompts are a wonderful step!”
There are so many ways you can use prompts with your students. Krista’s favorite? “I most often use writing prompts as fast writes, 5-7 minutes of writing time students do in their notebooks. Sometimes I ask them to try a grammar skill we are working on in their fast write but sometimes they just get to write and see where it takes them.”
Writing prompts can also lead to bigger things. “This year, I created a 45+ page creative writing binder that offers a variety of prompts to get kids writing,” Krista shares. “They will be responsible for doing one per week as homework. We will then use their writing in our grammar workshops. I am really excited about getting into this routine!”
More Ways to Use Middle School Writing Prompts
- Morning Warm-Ups: 5-minute writing prompts help students transition into learning mode.
- Journaling Time: Daily or reflective journal-writing prompts encourage self-expression and fluency.
- Creative Breaks: Fun and funny writing prompts give students a chance to play with language and spark imagination.
- Mini-Assessment Check-Ins: Quick writing prompts for middle school are a great way to gauge understanding without assigning a full-length task. We also love them for exit tickets!
- Transition Activities: Give students a 3–5-minute writing prompt between subjects or after lunch to refocus and settle into the next lesson.
- Free Writing: Invite students to simply write, without worrying about spelling, grammar, or any other restrictions. The goal is to get words onto the page.
Now that you know how to choose and use them, take a look at our huge roundup of writing prompts for middle schoolers. Keep an eye out for Krista’s top picks, and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram (@whimsyandrigor) for more middle school English tips and ideas!
Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now. What advice would you give you?
- Imagine you discover a hidden door in your school. Where is it and where does it lead?
- Write a story from the perspective of your pet or a favorite animal.
- You wake up with the ability to speak any language fluently. What do you do with this new power?
- Invent a new holiday. What are its traditions and celebrations? Be sure to include when it is celebrated.
- You’re suddenly transported to the past, but no one believes you’re from the future. How do you prove it?
- Write a story about a week in the life of a character who gains the power to become invisible whenever they wear a special pair of sunglasses they found.
- You receive a one-way plane ticket to a destination of your choice, but there’s a catch: You must leave immediately. Where will you go and why? What will you pack?
- Explain what your school day would be like if all the teachers were replaced by robots.
- Write a mystery story where the main character is a detective solving a case involving a missing chameleon.
- If you could create a new rule that the entire world has to follow, what would it be and why? How would it change people’s lives and society as a whole?
Krista’s Pick: It was just a regular Saturday when I decided to clean out my closet. Among the junk, I found a small black velvet bag filled with …
“I love this one because there are just so many possibilities—funny, spooky, weird. Perfect for middle school. Plus, the concept of cleaning a messy room is so relatable to middle school kids!”
Fun Writing Prompts for Middle School Students
- Write a story about a school where students are the teachers and teachers are the students.
- You find a pair of magical socks that let you swap places with any living person for an entire day. Who do you swap with? Write about what that day looks like for you.
- Describe a mythical creature you found living in your neighborhood that only you can see.
- You’re an inventor and create a completely useless gadget. Describe the invention and its surprising effects.
- Write a story where you are the main character in a video game. What’s the objective, and what obstacles do you overcome to win?
- Describe an adventure you would have if you could shrink down to the size of an ant.
- You wake up one morning to find yourself in the year 1957. Explain how the lack of technology really affects your daily life.
- Write a letter from a character who has been stranded on a deserted island for seven years.
- Imagine you show up to school on a Tuesday to see that your school has turned into a giant amusement park overnight. What does your class do all day?
- You’re selected to be part of a top-secret mission to save an endangered animal. What species are you saving and what role do you play?
- Create a dialogue between a time traveler and a historical figure when they meet.
Krista’s Pick: Write a dialogue between two objects in your bedroom. What are they discussing?
“This is such a good way to practice writing dialogue and talking about point of view—two things essential to writing a good short story.”
Storytelling Middle School Writing Prompts
- “You won’t believe what I found in the attic,” she said, handing me an old family photo album.
- “I swear I saw him go in here,” he said, pointing to the abandoned house at the end of the street. “But the weird thing is that I never saw him come out.”
- “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked, handing me a mysterious key. “Once you open that door, there’s no turning back.”
- “It’s not just a game,” she said, her eyes wide with excitement. “What happens here will affect the real world.”
- “I’ve been working on a new invention,” my dad said with pride. “Want to be the first to test it out?”
- “We have to leave now,” she said, glancing nervously at the clock. “They’ll be here any minute, and we can’t get caught.”
- “You’re not going to believe this,” he said, holding up a peculiar-looking device. “But this little thing can change everything.”
- “I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” exclaimed my classmate, showing me a mysterious invitation.
- “You won’t believe what happened at the used-book store,” he said, showing me a limited-edition comic book.
- “I dare you to press that big red button,” my brother challenged.
Krista’s Pick: You get a text from a friend you haven’t heard from in ages. They say they’ve found something important and need your help. The message includes a picture and an address. What do you find when you get there?
Kids love this kind of open-ended prompt where the story can truly go any direction. It’s a great way to get reluctant writers going!
Short Story Starters for Middle School
- As I walked into the kitchen for breakfast, I noticed a strange manila envelope on the counter with my name on it. Inside, there was a …
- I was getting ready for school when I discovered that my backpack had mysteriously transformed into a small, magical portal. You’ll never believe what happened when I stepped through it.
- Every day, I walk my dog along the same path in the park. But today, my dog started pulling me toward a secluded area where I found an old, forgotten book. As I opened it, the world around me changed.
- I opened my locker, but instead of my books, I found an old, dusty journal. The pages were filled with the same sentence written over and over and over again.
- As I got ready for bed, I noticed a peculiar, glowing object under my pillow. When I touched it, I was transported to a parallel version of my room where everything was eerily different.
- While browsing through the local thrift store, I found an antique mirror that seemed to call out to me. When I looked into it, I saw a reflection of a world that didn’t match my own.
- I was at the library, reading a book for a school project, when I noticed that the words on the page started to change, revealing a hidden message that was written just for me.
- When I got to school today, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The school was deserted, and a note was taped to the door. It said …
Krista’s Pick: I sat down at my desk to do some homework, but before turning my computer on, the screen started to flicker. Suddenly, a message appeared on the screen.
“This is such a fun way to fuse technology, instant messaging, and something mysterious. This would be a hit with students for sure! Plus, it can be a good discussion starter for internet safety and appropriate use of technology at school.”
Journal Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Write about a place where everyone can only speak in metaphors. How does this impact communication and relationships? Describe a day in this place.
- Imagine you are given the ability to communicate with animals for one week. Write about the conversations you have and what you learn from them.
- Imagine you’re a journalist covering a strange event that’s just happened in your town. Write an exciting news report detailing what happened, who was involved, and why it’s so unusual.
- If you could redesign the school curriculum, what subjects or activities would you add or change? How would these changes improve students’ learning experiences?
- Imagine you have the power to solve one global problem. What problem do you choose to address, and what are the steps you would take to solve it?
- Write a story where a character can change one event in history. What do they choose? How does it affect the world today?
- Imagine a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. How does this change society?
- Create a dialogue between two historical figures from different eras. What would they discuss?
- Write a story about a character who discovers a new planet. What do they find there?
- You’re a contestant on a reality TV show where you must survive on a deserted island for 30 days. You’re allowed to bring only three items with you. What three items do you choose, and how will each one help you survive?
- You find a time capsule buried in your backyard from 100 years ago. What items are inside? How do these items help you understand the past?
Grab your free slideshow with all 101 of these middle school writing prompts to use with your students!
SEL Middle School Writing Prompts
- Describe a moment when you felt incredibly proud of yourself. What did you achieve, and how did it impact your confidence and outlook?
- Imagine a world where everyone has a superpower related to kindness. What are some of those superpowers? What superpower would you have, and how would you use it to make the world a better place?
- Write a story where the main character learns an important life lesson through an unexpected event.
- Describe a person who inspires you. What qualities do they have that you admire, and how can you incorporate those qualities into your own life?
- Imagine you’re being helped by a stranger in a surprising and special way. Write a story from your point of view describing how this help makes you feel and what happens next.
- Describe a place where you feel completely at peace and happy. How does this place help you recharge and find inspiration?
- Imagine you are given the chance to start a new after-school club focused on making a positive impact on the school community. What would your club do, and how would it help others? What would it be called?
- Write a letter to a famous person you admire explaining why they inspire you.
- Imagine you are an inventor. What new gadget would you create and how would it help people?
- If you had the opportunity to start a charity or nonprofit organization, what cause would you support? How would you use your skills and resources to make a difference in the world?
Fantasy Writing Prompts for Middle School Students
- Describe an unusual friendship between two animals from different species.
- Imagine you are an inventor who creates a machine that can bring fictional book characters into the real world. Which characters would you invite, and how do they adjust when they arrive?
- Write a story where the main character discovers a hidden talent they have every time they pick up a certain object.
- You find a pair of glasses that let you see the hidden world of magical creatures living among us. Describe what you see.
- Imagine a world where every person’s shadow has a life of its own. What adventures does your shadow embark on?
- You receive a magical painting kit that brings whatever you paint to life. What do you paint, and how do your creations interact with your world?
- You find an old video game console in your attic. Once you plug it in, it pulls you into the game world. What game do you enter, and what happens next?
- You receive a letter from a mysterious pen pal who lives in a different dimension. What do you learn from their world, and how do you communicate with them across dimensions?
- Describe a world where you can only communicate through drawings. What happens?
- A UFO with three aliens lands in your town, and you’re the only one who can communicate with them. What do they want?
- A mysterious box arrives at your doorstep with a note that says, “Open me when you’re ready for an adventure.” What’s inside?
- You’re the new superhero in town with an unusual power. Describe your power, your superhero name, and your first big challenge.
Krista’s Pick: You wake up one morning to find that you’ve switched bodies with your pet. Describe your day as you navigate your new life.
“I actually can’t even imagine what wacky things the kids would write with this one! Middle school kids typically love their family pets, so this one could be especially inspiring for many students.”
Unique Middle School Writing Prompts
- Write about a character who can read minds but struggles with the responsibility that comes with it.
- Describe a world where people can only speak in song. How does that society function?
- You wake up to find that all the objects in your room have switched places. What happens when you try to rearrange them?
- You play a board game that transports you to a magical land. What’s your quest and how do you return home?
- Imagine your favorite fictional movie character enrolls in your school. Write about how they adapt to school life and what challenges they face.
- Create a story where your favorite inanimate object comes to life. How does it interact with you and the world around it?
- Imagine you find a magical pen that writes stories on its own. Pick it up and let it write one epic tale.
- Write about a character who finds a pair of shoes that lets them walk on any surface, e.g., water, walls, or even the sky. What incredible adventures do they set off on?
- In your dusty attic, you find an old photo of a relative with an unusual pet. When you start researching the pet, you uncover a surprising family history. What do you learn?
- Create a story where the mayor of your town wakes up with a new, random rule. What is the rule, and how does it affect your community?
- Write about a character who can only speak in riddles. What do their daily interactions with others look like?
- Write about a character who receives a mysterious message in a bottle. What does it say?
- You invent a new sport that combines elements from your favorite games. Describe the rules, how it’s played, and why it would be exciting to watch.
Funny Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Write a story where every character has an unusual phobia. How do they cope?
- A talking dog shows up at your door and insists it’s here to help you with your homework. What kind of ridiculous advice does the dog give you?
- Your classroom’s pet hamster builds a tiny amusement park inside its cage. What kind of rides and attractions are there, and how does your hamster become the park’s star performer?
- All the teachers in your school have been turned into over-the-top cartoon characters. Write about a day at school with your new wacky teachers.
- Write a story about a secret society of animals living in your backyard and planning to take over the town. What is their plan?
- You’re selected to test a new “ultimate prank” machine that causes harmless but hilarious pranks. What outrageous pranks do you play on your friends and family?
- Your backpack starts giving you unsolicited advice on how to improve your life. What wacky tips does it offer and how do you respond?
- Imagine your refrigerator decides to go on vacation and leaves a note saying it’ll be back in a week. Write a story about where the refrigerator went and what adventures it had during its vacation.
- Your bedroom lamp starts hosting a nightly talk show with your toys as the guests. What kinds of interviews and performances do they give?
- Imagine you wake up one morning to find that your pet cat is now a world-class chef. What kinds of gourmet meals does your cat start preparing for you and your family?
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