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70 Picture Prompts for Creative Writing (with Free Slides)
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Visual writing prompts help young writers generate new ideas and overcome writer’s block. We’ve put together 70 picture prompts for creative writing that you can use in your writing centers or lesson plans to get your students’ creative juices flowing.
![free images for creative writing 70 PICTURE PROMPTS FOR CREATIVE WRITING TEXT OVERLAY WITH TWO VISUAL WRITING PROMPTS](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/picture-writing-prompts-for-creative-writing-pin-683x1024.jpg)
Picture Writing Prompts for All Ages
Writers of all ages and experience levels can get stuck thinking about what to write. Writer’s block is not just a challenge for reluctant writers. Even professional writers have days when they feel less than inspired.
Visual prompts can result in a vast array of story ideas. A single image viewed by ten writers will result in ten completely different stories. Even if you use verbal cues to get students thinking about the picture, each student will still write a unique response to the image.
Visual creative writing prompts are fantastic for elementary school because younger students often relate more to a pictorial prompt than a written one, but don’t shy away from using these with high school and middle school students as well. Pictures make a fun alternative to your typical writing prompts and story starters and can help shake up your regular routine.
How to Use Picture Prompts for Creative Writing
There’s no limit to the ways you can use writing prompts. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate image prompts into your weekly lesson plans .
- Writing Center. Print cards or writing pages with these images on them and put them in a writing center for your students to discover at their own pace.
- Specific Skills. Use story picture prompts to help kids work on specific writing skills. For example, you could work on descriptive writing by having them describe the setting of the picture in detail. Or you could work on character development by having them make up a history for a person in a picture.
- Warm-up Activity: You could pop the pictures into Google slides and project an image on a screen or whiteboard for the first fifteen minutes of class and have students work on a short story as soon as they enter the class.
No matter how you decide to use them—whether at home or in the classroom—photographic writing prompts are a great way to cultivate a daily writing habit and encourage kids to explore new topics.
70 Pictures for Writing Prompts
We’ve selected 70 of the most interesting pictures we could find for this exercise. When choosing photos for writing prompts, we look for high-quality photos with intriguing subject matter, but we try to go beyond that. We want to share images that suggest a story, that make the viewer ask questions and wonder why things are the way they are.
We want to feel propelled to explore questions like, What happened before the photo that led to this moment? What are we witnessing in this photo? What’s about to happen?
A photo doesn’t make much of a story starter if it doesn’t suggest that there might be a bigger picture lurking beneath the surface.
We hope you and your students love these picture prompts for creative writing as much as we do. If you love them, go ahead and scroll to the bottom to grab your own copy.
We’ve included a couple of questions with each picture that you could use to spark pre-writing conversations in your classroom, which can be helpful when working with younger students who might need a little more direction.
![free images for creative writing free images for creative writing](https://bucket.mlcdn.com/a/3066/3066349/images/be8bebde0a84b5bfb07120fb63c8b9f4a759d76d.png)
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Whose cat is this? What is he looking at? Where is he?
![free images for creative writing a cat sits alone against a blue wall](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1.jpg)
What is the owl thinking about? Is he alone? What does he hope to eat for dinner?
![free images for creative writing an owl sits outside](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2.jpg)
Who are these frogs? What is their relationship with each other? Why are they taking photos?
![free images for creative writing two toy frogs stand in a field. One takes pictures of the other.](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/3.jpg)
How did the dog get a phone? Why is he taking selfies? What is he doing with the pictures he takes?
![free images for creative writing a dog lays on a field and takes selfies](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/4.jpg)
This cat doesn’t look too happy. What’s bugging him? Did he get too many phone calls or is he waiting on an important call that’s taking too long to come?
![free images for creative writing a black and white cat sits beside a phone](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/6.jpg)
What do these chicks think of the dog? What does the dog think of the chicks? Do you think they can communicate with each other? If so, what would they say?
![free images for creative writing a dog lies beside two chicks](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/7.jpg)
Where do these lemurs live? What are they looking at? What is something unusual that might happen to them?
![free images for creative writing a lemur lies on a branch while another hides in the background](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8.jpg)
What is this fox doing? Is he yawning and stretching or is he trying to scare someone away? What kind of mischief does he like to get up to?
![free images for creative writing a fox stretches and opens its mouth](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/9.jpg)
Is this wolf alone? If not, who is with him? What is he planning to do? Does he have a family to feed or protect?
![free images for creative writing a lone wolf stands in a misty clearing](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/10.jpg)
What is this child doing on the laptop? Can he actually read and type or is he just playing? If he can read and type, how did he learn that at such a young age? What other cool things can he do?
![free images for creative writing a toddler wearing a toque and glasses types on a laptop](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/11.jpg)
Where is this woman? Is she lost? How did she get to this street? What interesting things might she discover as she explores this new city?
![free images for creative writing a woman stands in an empty street holding a map](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/12.jpg)
Why is the dog wearing glasses? Can he see through them? What are he and the girl doing? How does he feel about it?
![free images for creative writing a woman holds a dog. Both wear glasses.](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/13.jpg)
Who are these two little boys? What is their relationship with each other? What is the teddy bear’s story?
![free images for creative writing two boys sit in a bath holding a teddy bear](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/14.jpg)
Who are these children? Why are they running? Is it a race or are they playing a game? Who’s going to win?
![free images for creative writing a group of children run across a field](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/15.jpg)
Whose horse is this? Does the little boy own it or does he just visit it? Can the horse talk? How does the boy feel when he’s with the horse?
![free images for creative writing a boy sits on a fence and feeds a horse](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/16.jpg)
What is this boy reading? Does the book have magical powers? Does the boy? Do the stories in the book become real or does something else special happen?
![free images for creative writing a boy reads a book that has some magical elements in it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/17.jpg)
Where is this man? How did he get there? What is he looking for?
![free images for creative writing a man dressed like a pirate looks through a telescope](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/18.jpg)
Who is walking over the bridge? What’s on the other side? Is it worth the risk?
![free images for creative writing a top-down view of a person crossing a bridge](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/19.jpg)
What are these people doing on the elephant? Where are they? Are they tourists or is the elephant their pet? What would life with an elephant be like?
![free images for creative writing two people ride an elephant through a field](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20.jpg)
Who made this map? It looks old. Has it been hidden away for a long time? Who discovered it and how? What does it lead to?
![free images for creative writing an old map](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/21.jpg)
Whose typewriter is this? What important or secretive thing might they be working on? What could happen if the wrong person finds their work?
![free images for creative writing an old typewriter](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/22.jpg)
Who are these three stuffed animals? Are they living? What is their story?
![free images for creative writing the backs of three stuffed animals](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/23.jpg)
Whose ukulele is this? Why did they leave it here? Who might find it?
![free images for creative writing a green ukulele sticks out of the sand](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/24.jpg)
Where is the owner of the bike? Where does this path lead? What if the bike’s not there when the owner returns?
![free images for creative writing a bike leans against a wooden railing](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/25.jpg)
Whose shoes are these? Why did they leave them here? Why are they so dirty?
![free images for creative writing a pair of dirty shoes in the mud](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/26.jpg)
Who was reading the newspaper? What was the most interesting thing they read? Where have they disappeared to?
![free images for creative writing a stack of newspapers, a white cup, and a pair of glasses](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27.jpg)
Who put this sign on the old truck? What do you think of it? How did the truck end up in its current condition and location?
![free images for creative writing a deserted old truck](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/28.jpg)
Who set the table? Who are they expecting? What special occasion are they celebrating? What could go wrong?
![free images for creative writing a fancy table setting](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/29.jpg)
Whose birthday cake is this? Are they having a party? Who is there? Who did they want to have there that didn’t show up?
![free images for creative writing a birthday cake](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/30.jpg)
Who lives here? How do they access their home? What is their life like?
![free images for creative writing a home surrounded by water](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/31.jpg)
Who built the igloo? Where is it? How does it feel to spend the night inside it?
![free images for creative writing an igloo](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/32.jpg)
What is the history of this castle? Who lives in it now? Does it have any special or magical features?
![free images for creative writing a castle](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/33.jpg)
Is this barn abandoned or do people live on the property? What kind of animals might live here? How do they keep themselves entertained?
![free images for creative writing a big red barn](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/34.jpg)
What is it like living on a houseboat? What kind of community do you think forms among the neighbors? Imagine you live on one of these boats and think about how your daily life might change. What interesting things could you do if you lived here? What would you miss the most?
![free images for creative writing a row of houseboats](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/35.jpg)
Where is this hut? Who lives here? What mystery might unfold if a stranger came knocking at their door?
![free images for creative writing a round hut](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/36.jpg)
What is this lighthouse called? Who runs it? How often do they leave? What is the most memorable experience they’ve had as a lighthouse operator?
![free images for creative writing a lighthouse](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/37.jpg)
How did this house get here? Does anyone live in it? What would life be like here?
![free images for creative writing a house on a rock surrounded by water](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/38.jpg)
Where is this festive street? Are the people there celebrating something? Where is everybody?
![free images for creative writing a colorful European town](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/39.jpg)
Who lives here? How did they build this house? Are they hiding from something? What does it look like inside?
![free images for creative writing a hobbit house with a yellow door](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/40.jpg)
Whose notebook is this? Why did they leave it here? What’s written in it and how might it change the life of the person who finds it?
![free images for creative writing a notebook lying on a beach](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/41.jpg)
What are these women doing? What are they supposed to be doing? Will they be in trouble if they get caught?
![free images for creative writing two women playing on a piece of wood](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/42.jpg)
Who might be represented in this statue? Why is she being pulled by lions? What amazing things might she have done to deserve a statue in this prominent place?
![free images for creative writing a statue of a woman being pulled in a carriage by two lions](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/43.jpg)
Where is this? Who is riding in the hot air balloons? Where are they going and why?
![free images for creative writing hot air balloons fly over a town](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/44.jpg)
How old is this tree? Where is it? What are some of the most fascinating stories it could tell?
![free images for creative writing an old oak tree](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/45.jpg)
Where is this carousel? Who is riding it? Can you think of a special or strange story about how it came to exist in this particular place?
![free images for creative writing a woman rides a carousel](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/46.jpg)
What are these people thinking about? What’s at stake for them? What happens if one of them sneezes?
![free images for creative writing tightrope walkers walk on tightropes](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/47.jpg)
Where are these penguins? What are they talking about? Which one of them is the leader?
![free images for creative writing 4 penguins stand in a huddle](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/48.jpg)
What is this place? Was it designed to be open like this or was it once part of someone’s home or a public building? How have people’s opinions of this place changed over time?
![free images for creative writing a room with statues in it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/49.jpg)
Who are these kids? Is this what they’re supposed to be doing? What happens when their teacher sees them?
![free images for creative writing kids play around in a dance studio](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/50.jpg)
Who is supposed to ride in this boat? Where are they going? Will they make it there?
![free images for creative writing a small boat with a fancy seat](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/51.jpg)
Is this plane special to someone? What did they have to do to get it/build it? Where will they fly to in it?
![free images for creative writing a yellow plane](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/52.jpg)
Who decorated this train car? Which passengers will fill it up? What will they talk about?
![free images for creative writing an upscale train car with fancy seats](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/53.jpg)
Whose skis are these? Why are they sticking out of the snow? How did their owner get down the mountain without them?
![free images for creative writing two skis and two poles stick out of a snowbank](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/54.jpg)
Where does this gondola go? Who rides it? How does it feel to ride it?
![free images for creative writing a gondola](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/55.jpg)
Who’s driving the monster truck? Why is it at the beach? What is it going to crush? Who is watching?
![free images for creative writing a monster truck does tricks on a beach](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/56.jpg)
Where is the boat going? Who is on it? What is their mission?
![free images for creative writing a ship sails away from shore](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/57.jpg)
What city is the helicopter flying over? Why? Is the driver looking for something specific or do they have a special delivery?
![free images for creative writing a helicopter flies over a city](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/58.jpg)
What’s the little boy doing in the boat? Is he alone or is someone with him? Where is he trying to go?
![free images for creative writing a little boy holds an oar in a boat](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/59.jpg)
Who is in the sub? What’s it like inside? What are they doing?
![free images for creative writing a submarine](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/60.jpg)
Whose book is this? What’s it about? What’s happening to it?
![free images for creative writing a book that has water flowing out of it](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/61.jpg)
How did that piece of land with the house on it break off from the rest of the world? Why? Where is it going? Is anyone in the house?
![free images for creative writing a fantasy graphic with a piece of land separating from the earth and floating away](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/62.jpg)
Who is this girl? Where is she? Who is she shooting at?
![free images for creative writing a woman in the woods shoots a bow and arrow](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/63.jpg)
Where does this scene take place? Is the lizard/dragon good or bad? What is its relationship with the girl?
![free images for creative writing a girl standing on the tip of a cliff pats the nose of a giant lizard](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/64.jpg)
What do these books represent? What kind of world is this? What (or who) is inside the books?
![free images for creative writing a row of books designed to look like houses](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/65.jpg)
What are these dinosaurs discussing? Where are they? What do they do for fun?
![free images for creative writing two dinosaurs](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/66.jpg)
Whose cottage is this? Do they still live there? If not, where have they gone? If so, what do they do there?
![free images for creative writing a fairy tale cottage in the woods](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/67.jpg)
What is the moth thinking about? Is it alone? What’s the biggest challenge it faces in this moment?
![free images for creative writing a moth on a flower](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/68.jpg)
Who is the owl looking at? Has it read these books? What is its greatest talent?
![free images for creative writing an owl wearing beside a stack of books](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/69.jpg)
Where are these trees? Why are they pink? Do they have any special powers or features?
![free images for creative writing trees in a wood covered with something pink](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/70.jpg)
What do you think? Which kind of pictures do you like best for creative writing prompts ? Let us know in the comments.
Thursday 9th of May 2024
I love this website because I was using it with my kindergartners and it work so so so well!!!!
Monday 20th of May 2024
That's wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
Tuesday 5th of March 2024
I LOVE these! My daughter has always struggled with written story prompts and an internet search this week convinced me of the value of picture prompts for reluctant readers/writers (https://youcanjournal.com/journal-picture-prompts/ if you're interested!). I'll definitely be using these to help improve her writing skills. Thanks so much!
Tuesday 26th of December 2023
I think the idea of using picture prompts is a great idea. It initiates oral language thus building vocabulary. It allows lends itself to students working in small groups to stimulate new ideas. The prompts engage the students and gives the teacher the opportunity to focus on specific writing skills.
luke elford
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
cloey mckay
Tuesday 17th of October 2023
I tried this with myself and my 6th-grade students, and they love it. it gives room for so much creativity.
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150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity (Free Google Slides)
Use a picture to write a thousand words!
![free images for creative writing Picture writing prompts including a cartoon cat and mouse and a portrait of a Black family from the 1930s](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts.png)
Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can’t come up with anything to write about. That’s why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump right into crafting a story to match. We rounded up a whole collection of intriguing images for use with kids in grades K-12 along. Plus we designed a set of free Google Slides featuring all of the prompts so you can easily share them with students.
Tip: Start by showing students the picture (or let them choose from among several) without making any comment about what they’re seeing. For kids who still struggle to get started, suggest a potential title or opening sentence, like the examples included here.
Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab your full set of ready-to-go Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all of the prompts below.
Elementary Picture Writing Prompts
Middle school picture writing prompts, high school picture writing prompts, art picture writing prompts.
When kids first see these picture writing prompts, they may or may not immediately feel inspired. If they need some help, ask them questions like “What led up to this moment?” or “What’s going to happen next?”
![Writing Prompts: Puppy Love Dog holding a rose in its mouth, with a heart-shaped cloud in the sky](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/puppy-love-prompt.jpg)
When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.
![Picture Prompts: Ask Sign Lighted sign reading ASK hanging from a building](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/ask-sign.jpg)
When the new sign appeared on Main Street, everyone in town wondered exactly what it meant.
Snowy Footprints
![Picture Prompts: Snowy Footprints A series of random footprints in the snow](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/footprints-snow-prompts.jpg)
After that crazy day, all that was left to show for it was footprints in the snow.
Dinosaur Bones
![Picture Prompts: Hiding Place Child hiding inside a large toothy skull, reaching out a hand](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/skull-hiding-place-800x800.jpg)
“Come with me if you want to live!” Ash said, reaching out a hand.
Undersea Treasure
![Picture Prompts: Treasure Chest Goldfish swimming around a closed treasure chest sitting in the sand under the water](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fish-treasure-chest.jpg)
For years, no one saw the locked treasure chest but the local fish, who wondered what it could contain.
A Game of Fetch
![Picture Prompts: Snowman and Dog A claymation dog bringing a stick to a snowman in a snowy scene](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/snowman-dog.jpg)
To Scout, it was a game, but to Mr. Freezy, it was much more.
Ladybug Gossip
![Picture Prompts: Ladybug Pair Of pair of spotted red ladybugs perched on a leaf](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/ladybug-pair.jpg)
The ladybug’s picnic was an excellent chance to meet up with old friends and hear all the latest gossip.
![Picture Prompts: Peek-a-Boo Two children peering in through a barred window](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/peek-a-boo.jpg)
We met them when they peeked into our window, watching us as we ate lunch and watched cartoons.
King of the Jungle
![Picture Prompt: Lion King Majestic lion perched on a log wearing a crown](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/lion-king.jpg)
It wasn’t the crown that made Amari the king of all he surveyed.
The Final Pitch
![Picture Prompt: Little League Small child waiting at home base for a baseball pitch that's about to arrive](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/little-league-player.jpg)
It all came down to this—the final pitch in a game that was tied 2-2.
Doggie Massage
![Picture Writing Prompts: Doggie Massage Two dogs sitting in a way that looks like one is giving the other a back massage](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/doggie-massage-prompt.jpg)
Every dog in the neighborhood knew that Rocky gave the best massages and was always willing to lend an ear too.
Skateboard Life
![Picture Prompts: Skateboard Girl Girl in a striped shirt and red headband posing with a skateboard in front of some graffiti](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/skateboard-girl.jpg)
When Charli got her first skateboard, she made herself a promise.
Garden of the Past
![Picture Prompts: Vintage Garden Painting of a woman in old-fashioned clothing walking in a cottage garden](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/vintage-garden.jpg)
The woman walked in the garden every day, never saying a word.
Sunset Friends
![Picture Prompt: Sunset Playground Two children on a jungle gym silhouetted against a setting sun](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sunset-playground.jpg)
They met on the jungle gym every day at sunset, sharing everything about their days.
Pink Umbrellas
![Picture Prompts: Pink Umbrellas A sunny alleyway with pink umbrellas strung across it](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/pink-umbrellas-prompt-800x534.jpg)
When the pink umbrellas first appeared, Toni thought they might be magic.
Firefly Forest
![Picture Prompts: Firefly Forest Illustration of a forest at night filled with fireflies](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/firefly-forest.jpg)
Olivia was surprised to discover that the fireflies didn’t just glow, they also sang.
Robot Spider
![Picture Prompts: Robot Spider A large mechanical spider standing on a stormy beach](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/robot-spider-prompt.jpg)
When it first crawled ashore, the mechanical spider moved slowly.
Fallen House
![Picture Prompt: Hurricane House House tipped on its side following a hurricane](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/hurricane-house.jpg)
Staring at their house, which was now on its side, the whole family was in shock.
Red Riding Hood
![Picture Prompt: Red Riding Hood A young girl wearing a red hooded cape riding a brown horse in the forest](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/girl-horse-prompt.jpg)
If only she’d been riding her faithful steed the day she’d met the Big Bad Wolf, things might have been very different.
Kangaroo Fall
![Picture Prompt: Kangaroo Fall A kangaroo sprawled on its back in the grass](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/kangaroo-fall-prompt.jpg)
“Well, this is embarrassing,” thought Bouncer, as laughter filled the air around him.
![Picture Prompt: Lost Cat A child's hand-drawn sign for a lost cat attached to a tree](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/lost-cat-prompt.jpg)
Daci’s big brother said her signs wouldn’t help them find their runaway cat, but he was wrong.
Penguin Bookshop
![Picture Prompt: Penguin Bookshop An illustration of a penguin wearing a top hat, standing in a booksshop](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/penguin-bookshop.jpg)
A visit to Mr. Pickerel’s Penguin Bookshop is always an adventure.
![Writing Prompt: Egg Faces A carton of colorful eggs with faces drawn on them](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/egg-faces-prompt.jpg)
Of all the eggs in the carton, Ella was the one who could always crack you up.
![Picture Prompts: Sky Swings Children writing a fairground swing ride](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fairground-swings-prompt.jpg)
That was the year Min was finally tall enough to ride the Sky Swings, but now she wasn’t so sure.
Rubber Duck Parade
![Writing Prompts: Rubber Ducks A row of rubber ducks in various costumes floating down a water-filled gutter](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/rubber-ducks-prompt.jpg)
It was truly an honor to be asked to lead the Spring Duck Parade.
Teddy Story Time
![Writing Prompts: Teddy Storytime Three teddy bears posed to look as if they're reading a book](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/teddy-bear-book-prompt.jpg)
Every afternoon, the three friends gathered for story time in their favorite spot in the woods.
Underwater School
![Writing Prompts: Underwater Child A child sitting at a desk, looking out the window at fish swimming by](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/underwater-child-prompt.jpg)
Nia thought going to school underwater would be exciting, but some days she really missed going outside for recess.
![Picture Prompt: Happy Ball A red ball with a smiley face floating on the water](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/happy-ball-prompt.jpg)
The day Amos started his journey down the river, the sun was shining brightly.
Turtle Trouble
![Picture Prompts: Sea Turtle A grumpy looking sea turtle floating in clear water](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sea-turtle-prompt.jpg)
“None shall pass,” growled the old sea turtle, blocking the way.
Dinosaur Race
![Writing Prompts: Dinosaur Race An illustration of a young girl racing alongside a dinosaur](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/dinosaur-race-prompt.jpg)
Pia was supposed to keep Balthazar on a leash, but once they reached the forest, she set him free and they both began to run.
Finally Seeing Eye to Eye
![picture writing prompts cat and mouse Cartoon illustration of a large bear with a tiny mouse standing on its nose, looking into its eyes (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-cat-and-mouse.jpg)
“So, we meet at last, face to face,” Lord Squeakerton said to his enemy, the Count of Catnip.
![Picture Writing Prompts Monkey face with mouth and eyes open in surprise](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-monkey.jpg)
It takes a lot to surprise a monkey, but you don’t see something like this every day.
Not Coming Out
![Picture Writing Prompts: Hiding Child Child hiding behind a heap of pillows on a beige couch (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-hiding-kid.jpg)
The day started out normally enough, but by the end, Chris knew he was in over his head.
Life on Other Planets
![Picture Writing Prompts: Space Scene A space scene showing a robot and robot dog standing on the surface of an alien planet, with a domed habitat behind them](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-space-dog.jpg)
“Hurry up,” Grnklor told his robopup. “We have to get back inside before nightfall.”
Reindeer Games
![Picture Writing Prompts: Boy and Reindeer Boy leading a reindeer along a snowy path into the setting sun (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-reindeer.jpg)
The wind had died down, but the setting sun seemed to take all the warmth of the day with it.
Something to Celebrate
![Picture Writing Prompts A young boy raises his arms in triumph as a young girl points at a computer screen, smiling (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-kids-computer.jpg)
Their classmates could hear their shouts of joy from all the way down the hall.
Home Sweet Mushroom
![Picture Writing Prompts: Mushroom House Illustration of a mushroom turned into a house, with a fence and lighted windows, under a full moon](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-mushroom-house.jpg)
When the fairies that lived in the garden invited her to stay with them for awhile, Maria wasn’t sure what to expect.
Loch Ness Mystery
![Picture Writing Prompts: Loch Ness Monster Model of the Loch Ness Monster rising from a lake](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-loch-ness.jpg)
“There it is! I told you Nessie is real!” Angus whispered to Lee.
Lonely Bear
![Picture Writing Prompts: Teddy Bear Worn teddy bear sitting on a stone bridge](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-bear.jpg)
It was hard to say who was lonelier that night, Amil or his lost stuffed bear, Jasper.
Sometimes You Lose
![Picture Writing Prompts: Boy Boy sitting on the ground with his face in his hands](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-boy.jpg)
When his team lost the championship, Miguel was crushed, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.
Middle school writing prompts can be a little more complex, with pictures that have a lot of potential interpretations. Encourage students to delve deeper into the story by describing how the characters feel and why they behave the way they do.
![Picture Prompts: New Shoes A pair of light blue Converse sneakers](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/new-shoes-prompt-800x533.jpg)
Morgan was incredibly proud of those shoes, paid for entirely with money from after-school jobs.
Never Lose Hope
![Writing Prompt: Never Lose Hope Splotch of green paint with the words](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/never-lose-hope-prompt.jpg)
With his last bit of energy, Kai scrawled his message in the wet paint.
![Picture Prompt: Rescue Button Computer keyboard with a red button reading Get Me Out of Here](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/rescue-button-prompt-800x444.jpg)
The keyboard button could only be used once, and no one knew exactly what happened when you pressed it.
Piano Lessons
![Picture Prompts: Piano Keyboard A young child's hands on a piano keyboard](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/piano-keyboard-prompt-800x533.jpg)
Before she could even speak, Arya was drawn to the black and white keys.
![Picture Prompts: Fern Baby Rolled fern front photoshopped to look as if a baby is sleeping inside](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fern-baby-prompt.jpg)
There was no doubt about it, this was was indeed a very special kind of garden.
![Writing Prompt: Sad Bunny A person wearing a dingy bunny costume standing on the end of a dock](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sad-bunny-prompt.jpg)
No matter how you looked at it, it had been a very rough day to be the Easter Bunny.
Empty Chairs
![Writing Prompts: Beach Chairs Four empty beach chairs on the shore, with seagulls flying overhead.](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/beach-chairs-prompt-800x500.jpg)
By sunset, all four chairs were empty, and the only signs of life were the gulls swooping down from above.
Floating Treasure
![Writing Prompt: Floating Chest Two black birds sitting on a chest floating in the water](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/floating-chest-prompt.jpg)
To the birds, it was simply a convenient place to land, but Ali and I knew it was much more than that.
Shadow Question
![Writing Prompt: Shadows A pair of sneakers and a person's shadow in a puddle](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/no-shadow-prompt.jpg)
That was the day they discovered that just because you were invisible didn’t mean your shadow was.
Letter and Key
![Writing Prompt: Letter and Key An old key lying on an old handwritten letter](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/letter-key-prompt.jpg)
The day she turned 12, Vivi’s aunt handed her an envelope containing the family secret.
Space Target
![Writing Prompts: Space Target An illustration of a woman aiming an arrow at a target against an outer space landscape](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/space-target-prompt.jpg)
Onyx paused, knowing that once their arrow hit the target, there was no knowing what would happen.
Mermaid Mystery
![Writing Prompt: Mermaid A mysterious figure that could be a mermaid, seen from below](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/mermaid-prompt-800x450.jpg)
It was a mermaid—or was it?
World on a String
![Writing Prompt: Planet Balloons A girl standing on a path, holding a suitcase and a bunch of balloons that look like planets](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/planet-balloons-prompt.jpg)
Her dad had promised to give her the world, but she wasn’t expecting three more planets as well.
Bee Standoff
![Writing Prompt: Bee Standoff Two bees face ot face on a purple flower](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/bee-standoff-prompt-800x533.jpg)
“This flower ain’t big enough for the both of us!” said Bianca.
Solitary Seat
![Picture Prompts: Fireside Chair A leather chair next to an old woodstove with a valise and old books](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fireside-chair.jpg)
For as long as anyone could remember, Angus McGee spent his evenings in the same chair next to the woodstove.
Best Friends
![Picture Prompts: Girl and Teddy A little girl holding a very large teddy bear, dragging it down a dirt road](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/girl-teddy-prompt.jpg)
When you decide to run away from home forever, you can’t possibly leave your best friend behind.
Dinosaur Demise
![Writing Prompts: Dinosaur Meteor Illustration of dinosaurs panicking as a meteor is about to hit the earth](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/dinosaur-meteor-prompt.jpg)
In retrospect, setting the time machine to randomly choose a day and time in the past might not have been such a good idea.
Magic Lamps
![Picture Prompts: Magic Lamps A collection of green](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/magic-lamps.jpg)
“Choose wisely,” said the old shopkeeper, “for only one of these lamps is truly magic.”
Message in a Bottle
![Picture Prompts: Message in a Bottle Glass bottle on a seashore with a rolled up paper inside](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/message-bottle-prompt.jpg)
The message floated at sea for more than 50 years before the day we found it on the beach.
Barrel Boat
![Writing Prompt: Barrel Race Man wearing a life jacket and paddling half a barrel in a lake](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/tub-race-prompt.jpg)
Of all the ways to impress someone, Jonah thought to himself, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.
Dragon Guardian
![Writing Prompts: Dragon Guardian A child sitting in the grass, with a dragon curled up around her](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/dragon-child-prompt.jpg)
When your parents give you your own dragon guardian, your childhood is bound to be enchanted.
Octopus’s Garden
![Picture Writing Prompts: Under the Sea Diver encountering a large octopus with fish in the background (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-octopus.jpg)
Wouldn’t you like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade?
Around the Corner
![Picture Writing Prompts: Around the Corner Girl peering around a corner at a boy walking a dog](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-girl-and-boy.jpg)
After finally pressing “send,” she couldn’t resist peeking around the corner to watch him read the text.
Beam Me Up!
![Picture Writing Prompts: UFO Small child sitting in a field watching a flying saucer beam up its tricycle (Middle School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-ufo.jpg)
Milo’s earliest memory was of watching his beloved tricycle float into the sky above him, caught in a beam of light.
Poison Apple
![Picture Prompt: Apple Skeleton A red apple held in a skeleton's hand](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/apple-skeleton-800x533.jpg)
To join the club, all Aaron had to do was creep up and snatch the apple from the skeleton’s hand without being seen.
Giraffe Council
![Picture Writing Prompts: Giraffes Three giraffes shown from the neck up against a cloudy blue sku](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-giraffes.jpg)
“It is now 3 p.m., and I call this meeting of the Mighty Council of Giraffes to order,” announced Imari.
Mystery Creature
![Picture Prompts: Mystery Monster Computer illustrated creature with blue scales, pink spikes, and large eyes](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/pastel-monster.jpg)
At first glance, it was hard to tell whether the little creature was friend or foe.
![Picture Writing Prompts: Jump Woman leaping across a chasm silhouetted by an orange sky](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-jump.jpg)
As the sky turned orange, Keisha ran faster than ever and used the last of her energy to push off and soar over the water below.
The End of Days
![Picture Writing Prompts: War A boy stands with his bicycle watching as bombs rain down on a city skyline (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-war.jpg)
Despite their best efforts, they arrived too late—the battle had already begun.
Out of the Book
![Picture Prompts: Out of the Book Woman dressed in a blue ball gown peering out of a book lit from inside, with a mouse nearby](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/cinderella-book-800x533.jpg)
“Happily ever after” was about to take on a whole new meaning.
Stopped Clock
![Picture Prompts: Broken Clock Old broken alarm clock stopped at 11:17](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/broken-clock.jpg)
I was sure that the time on the broken clock was the clue to solving the mystery.
Dueling Webs
![Picture Prompts; Spiderwebs Two dew-covered spiderwebs in the early morning sun](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/spiderwebs.jpg)
It’s never a good idea to build your web too close to another spider’s, but this time I had no choice.
Do Shoes Grow on Trees?
![Picture Writing Prompts: Shoe Tree A bare tree covered with hanging pairs of shoes against a clear blue sky](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-shoe-tree.jpg)
The day I threw my own shoes into the tree was the day I really started to grow up.
Abstract Art
![Picture Prompts: Abstract Art Closeup of splotches of colorful paint](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/abstract-art.jpg)
“So,” asked their art teacher, “what do you think this painting means?”
Wandering Robots
![Picture Writing Prompts: Cardboard Robot Small cardboard robot in a field of daisies (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-robot.jpg)
Everything about NB-317 was made of cardboard except his heart—that was made of flesh and blood and very capable of being broken.
Dream Come True
![Picture Writing Prompts: Balloon House Blue house floating in the sky above mountains, held up by blue balloons](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-house.jpg)
It all started when Quinn watched her favorite movie the night before they assigned partners for the eighth grade science fair project.
Mysterious Cave
![Picture Prompt: Fractal Cave Rocky cave with strange geometric patterns in the rock](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fractal-cave.jpg)
The cave was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and what was more, it almost seemed like the rock was alive.
Storm at Sea
![picture writing prompts ship A pirate ship on stormy seas, with a purple sky and dramatic streaks of lightning](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-ship.jpg)
As the rain lashed his face and lightning tore apart the sky, Kiran had to admit he’d always thought it would be a lot more fun being a pirate.
Grasshopper Close-Up
![Picture Prompts: Grasshopper Closeup A closeup view of a grasshopper looking directly at the camera](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/grasshopper-closeup.jpg)
That’s when Javed realized it wasn’t that the grasshopper was too big—it was that he was suddenly very, very small.
UFO Parking
![Picture Prompt: UFO Parking Sign saying UFO Parking with picture of a flying saucer](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/ufo-parking-800x600.jpg)
“Well, that’s convenient,” Javdok remarked to Qabow when they saw the sign.
High school writers are ready to dig deep, exploring character development and detailed plots. These pictures offer a jumping-off point to set their imaginations free.
Cyborg Girl
![Picture Writing Prompts: Cyborg Girl An altered image showing a young girl in a black dress with a white collar, with a neck made of mechanical gears](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/cyborg-girl.jpg)
When she was 14, Tasha’s parents finally told her the truth about what she really was.
BBQ Cookout
![Picture Prompts: BBQ Grill Barbeque grill with many different kinds of meat](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/bbq-grill-800x476.jpg)
“So, I’m guessing no one told you I’m a vegetarian?” asked Sadie with a smile.
![Picture Prompts: Faces Hands holding up a phone with a picture of a baby's face in front an old man's face](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/faces-prompt.jpg)
The latest app was like a time machine, allowing people to look back in time, but it also had a dark side.
![Picture Prompts: Hopeless Woman sitting on a sidewalk with her head on her knees as others walk by](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/hopeless-prompt-800x600.jpg)
She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.
Hippo Troubles
![Picture Prompts: Hippo Mom and Baby A hippo mother and baby with its mouth open](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/hippo-mom-baby-800x571.jpg)
Like all parents, hippos sometimes really need a break from their kids.
iPad Farmer
![Picture Prompts: iPad Farmer Old man in overalls using an iPad while snapping green beans](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/ipad-farmer-prompt.jpg)
Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.
Marching Band Blues
![Picture Prompt: Sousaphone Player Black man in a red shirt sitting on a bench, wearing a sousaphone](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sousaphone-player.jpg)
Kaleel sat sadly on the bench, watching the rest of the band march away in jaunty time to the music.
Never-Ending Tunnel
![Picture Prompt: Tunnel A white-tiled tunnel stretching far into the distance](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/tunnel-prompt.jpg)
The tunnel seemed to stretch to infinity, but Jayma knew what was at the end, and it terrified her.
Carving Out Love
![Picture Prompt: Initials in a Tree A birch tree with](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/tree-initials-prompt.jpg)
For years, we wondered who “WP” was, and who it was who loved them so much they carved it into a tree for all to see.
Glowing Globe
![Writing Prompts: Glowing Globe Man holding a glowing globe in a misty library](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/glowing-globe-prompt.jpg)
Just then, the globe began to glow, and Jaxson knew he was about to leap through space and time once again—destination unknown.
See No Evil
![Picture Prompts: Posed Skeletons Three skeletons posed in the classic](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/posed-skeletons-prompt.jpg)
It seemed like a funny joke to pose the skeletons in front of old Mrs. Petoski’s house, but then she turned up dead, and the police said it was murder.
Upside Down
![Writing Prompt: Upside Down Woman hanging upside down from the ceiling in a kitchen](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/upside-down-prompt.jpg)
It’s an odd feeling to wake up one morning and find yourself able to walk on the ceiling.
![](http://omraadeinfo.online/777/templates/cheerup1/res/banner1.gif)
Face at the Fence
![Picture Prompt: Face in a Fence Child with their face pressed up against a wire fence](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/boy-fence-prompt-800x537.jpg)
So much depended on which side of the fence you were on.
Bicycle Race
![Picture Prompts: Bicycle Race Three people competing in a bicycle race](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/bicycle-race-prompt.jpg)
Finley had trained too hard for this race to come in third—it just wasn’t good enough.
Family Travels
![Writing Prompt: Family Travels Vintage photo of a Black family strapping luggage to a car, with a young girl posing in front](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/family-travels-prompt.jpg)
In the picture, my grandmother’s expression is hard to interpret, but she’s told me the story many times.
Laundromat Antics
![Picture Prompt: Dryer Legs A pair of legs waving out of a dryer in a laundromat](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/dryer-legs-prompt.jpg)
Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.
![Picture Prompts: Ring and Note Black and white photo of a wedding ring lying on a sheet of notepaper saying "I'm sorry!"](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/ring-and-note-800x533.jpg)
Molly’s mom probably didn’t mean for her to be the one to find the note, but that’s how things turned out.
Through the Storm
![Writing Prompts: Truck in a STorm Pickup truck driving through flooded streets in a storm](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/truck-storm-prompt.jpg)
Javier knew it would have been smarter to stay put, but he had to make sure his mom was safe before the worst of the storm arrived.
Lifetime Friends
![Writing Prompts: Baby Friends Two babies holding hands while being held by adults](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-friends-prompt.jpg)
They’d been friends for as long as they could remember—even longer, in fact.
Stray Kitten
![Writing Prompts: Stray Kitten A small kitten facing a person's legs, in black and white](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/stray-kitten-prompt.jpg)
“I am NOT taking you home with me,” Kai told the tiny mewling kitten firmly.
Abandoned Greenhouse
![Writing Prompts: Abandoned Greenhouse Woman inside an abandoned ramshackle greenhouse in the woods](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/abandoned-greenhouse-prompt-800x532.jpg)
Willow was free to leave at any time, but she couldn’t make herself go.
![Writing Prompts: Razor Wire A fence topped by rolls of razor wire against a blue sky](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/razor-wire-prompt.jpg)
Amani’s earliest memory was razor wire—miles and miles of it.
Church Graveyard
![Picture Prompts: Church Graveyard An old graveyard outside a stone church](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/church-graveyard-prompt.jpg)
Everyone feels differently in a graveyard, but for me, they’re very peaceful places.
Orb of Death
![Writing Prompts: Crystal Ball A hooded figure folding out a crystal ball with a spooky image in it](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/crystal-ball-prompt-800x450.jpg)
“Do you really want to know?” Death asked. “Because once you know, you won’t be able to forget.”
Missed Shot
![Writing Prompts: Wheelchair basketball Men in wheelchairs playing basketball, as one laments a missed shot](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/wheelchair-basketball-prompt.jpg)
Steve was sure his shot would make it, but it bounced off the rim just as the buzzer rang to end the game.
First Contact
![Picture Writing Prompts: Alien Alien figure with a human in a spacesuit visible in the window behind them (High School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-alien.jpg)
This was it—the moment that would change what it meant to be human forever.
One Life To Live
![Picture Writing Prompts: Man An old man wearing a cowboy hat sits in front of a house (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-man.jpg)
His face said his life had been a hard one, but his eyes told a different tale.
Winter Walk
![Picture Writing Prompts: Winter Scene Snow-covered field with a winding trail of footprints](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-snow.jpg)
Snow fell, creating a blank canvas to record the story of that fateful walk.
Train to Nowhere
![Picture Prompts: Abandoned Train Car Sepia-toned image of an old sleeper train car in disrepair](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/abandoned-train-car.jpg)
It certainly wasn’t the most luxurious way to travel, but then again, no one really wanted to make this trip in the first place.
Modern Mary Poppins
![Picture Writing Prompts: Mary Poppins Woman standing in the middle of a wheat field on a gray day, holding an umbrella and bag](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-mary-poppins.jpg)
She dropped into our lives on a gray day in midwinter, a hint of the spring that was to come.
All That Remains
![Picture Writing Prompts: Empty Hallway A chair sits in the hallway of an abandoned building under a shaft of light from above (High School Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-school.jpg)
Dust motes filled the air of the abandoned hallway, replacing the voices once heard there.
![Picture Prompts: Pocket Pal A very small bunny being carried in a shirt pocket](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/bunny-pocket.jpg)
From the day he found the little creature, Luis refused to go anywhere without him.
The Question
![Picture Writing Prompts: Question Figure holding flowers behind its back, with a woman turning to look in the background](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-happy-ever-after.jpg)
Their happily ever after began quietly, with a bouquet of wildflowers.
Night Lights
![Picture Writing Prompts: Night Lights A person holding an umbrella walks down an alley toward a street filled with neon lights](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-night.jpg)
Misty rain both blurred and emphasized the lights that lit Suri’s way home that evening.
Forest of Fear
![Picture Writing Prompts: Fear Forest Black and white photo of tree trunks with arms and hands reach out from behind them (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-tree.jpg)
At first, Mateo thought it was a joke, but the screams that followed told him there was nothing remotely funny about it.
![Picture Prompts: Eye Camera Closeup of a human eye, with the pupil represented as a camera lens](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/eye-camera.jpg)
At the elite level, being a spy meant serious commitments.
The Yellow Door
![Picture Writing Prompts: Doors A row of white doors with one yellow door (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-doors.jpg)
On their 14th birthday, every resident of Fresnia was required to stand before the Wall of Doors and make a choice.
Graffiti Palace
![Picture Prompt: Graffiti Palace Abandoned warehouse with graffiti on the walls](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/graffiti-place.jpg)
To strangers, it seemed random, but every mark on those walls had deep meaning for us.
Fossil Fish
![Picture Prompt: Fossil Fish Fish fossil in light-colored stone](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fossil-fish.jpg)
Millions of years ago, the fish gave one final flop before lying still in the deep mud.
On the Rails
![Picture Writing Prompts: Rail Girl Woman standing on railroad tracks holding a guitar and looking off into the distant sunset (Picture Writing Prompts)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/picture-writing-prompts-rail-girl.jpg)
Aliyah stood on the tracks, uncertain of where to go next.
These picture prompts are all works of art, some more well known than others. Try providing them to students without sharing the titles first, then offer up the titles if they need some help getting started.
The Dance Class (Edgar Degas)
![The Dance Class by Edgar Degas The Dance Class by Edgar Degas](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/the-dance-class-degas.jpg)
Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)
![Greek Funerary Plaque Greek Funerary Plaque](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/funerary-plaque-greek.jpg)
Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)
![Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/washington-delaware-leutze.jpg)
Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons
![Kyosai Pictorial Record of One Hundred Goblins (Kyosai hyakki ga Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/kyosai-one-hundred-demons.jpg)
First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)
![First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh First Steps by Vincent Van Gogh](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/first-steps-van-gogh.jpg)
Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)
![Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rosetti](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/lady-lilith-rosetti-800x934.jpg)
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)
![A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sunday-grande-jatte-seurat.jpg)
After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)
![After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer After the Hurricane, Bahamas by Winslow Homer](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/after-the-hurricane-homer.jpg)
Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)
![Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro Drawing Lots for Prizes by Kitagawa Utamaro](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/drawing-lots-kitagawa.jpg)
Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)
![Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder Portions of a Field Armor by Jacob Halder](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/field-armor-prompt.jpg)
Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner (Lewis Wickes Hine)
![Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner by Lewis Wickes Hine](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/sadie-pfeifer-spinner.jpg)
Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers (Jean Baptiste Oudry)
![Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers by Jean Baptiste Oudry](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/still-life-monkey-oudrey.jpg)
Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine
![Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/man-leading-giraffe-byzantine.jpg)
The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)
![The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne The Three Skulls by Paul Cézanne](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/three-skulls-cezanne.jpg)
The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)
![The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier The Madame B Album by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/madame-b-album.jpg)
Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)
![Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE) Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/coiled-trumpet.jpg)
Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)
![Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin Crazy Quilt with Animals by Florence Elizabeth Marvin](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/crazy-quilt.jpg)
Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)
![Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi Storytime by Eugenio Zampighi](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/storytime-zampighi.jpg)
Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)
![Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion Cubist Village by Georges Gaudion](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/cubist-village-gaudion.jpg)
Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)
![Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown) Zig-zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/zig-zag-train.jpg)
The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)
![The Power of Music The Power of Music by William Sidney Mount](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/the-power-of-music.jpg)
The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)
![Picture Prompts: The Large Tree The Large Tree (Paul Gaugin)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/the-large-tree.jpg)
After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)
![Picture Prompts: After the Bath After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/after-the-bath.jpg)
Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)
![Picture Prompts: Korean Wedding Gown Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/wedding-gown-korean.jpg)
The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)
![Picture Prompts: The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière) The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/the-contemplator.jpg)
The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)
![Picture Prompts: The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson) The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/the-girl-i-left-behind-me.jpg)
24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single
![Picture Prompts: 24c Curtiss Jenny invert single 24c Curtiss Jenny invert single](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/inverted-jenny.jpg)
Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model
![Picture Prompt: Creeping Baby Doll Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/creeping-baby-doll.jpg)
Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)
![Picture Prompt: Wrecked Zeppelin Wrecked Zeppelin photograph from The British Library](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/wrecked-zeppelin.jpg)
Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)
![Picture Prompts: Tales of Terror Skeletons Frontispiece from Tales of Terror](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/tales-of-terror.jpg)
Get Your Free Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides
Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Picture Writing Prompts Google Slides with all the prompts included above.
How do you use picture writing prompts in your classroom? Come share ideas and ask for advice in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .
![Picture-Writing-Prompts-1 These picture writing prompts are a unique way to excite young creative writers. Find options for all grades on a variety of subjects.](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-Writing-Prompts-1-683x1024.jpg)
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The Fiction Collection
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Photo-04-04-2017-20-29-43-1.jpg)
This collection doesn’t need much of an introduction from me… These are brilliant images to inspire brilliantly creative writing.
The questions are included because ‘reading and writing float on a sea of talk’ (Britton, 1983) – the quality ideas, language and structures come from a rich discussion of the picture and the possibilities for writing.
This sheet is a good starting point for generating ideas: See think wonder , and this one is great for collecting and developing vocabulary: Vocabulary builder .
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Tim-OBrien-A-Prince.jpg)
Credit: Tim O’Brien
- What can you see? What do you think? What do you wonder? Discuss and/or record your ideas here: See think wonder .
- Who – or what – smashed the glass?
- Was the frog there before, or did it enter the frame afterwards?
- Why are there water droplets inside the frame?
- Who holds the key?
- Why is there a tag reading ‘Prince’?
- Is the frog a prince?
- Why is the title ‘ A Prince’? Why not ‘ The Prince’? What’s the difference? (Y3 grammar link)
- Does this remind you of any stories you know? How is it similar/different?
- Write this story – choose your perspective, style and structure. Do you want your story to feel like a fairy tale? How will you make yours stand out?
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Erik-Johansson-Angry-Ants.jpg)
Credit: Erik Johansson
- What is happening here?
- What was the girl doing before this? How do you know?
- Why are the ants angry?
- Did she fall over or get pulled over by the ants?
- What is she saying? What is she thinking? How is she feeling?
- Does anyone know that she’s there?
- What do you think is going to happen?
- Write a short narrative of this event. Try to create tension through your sentence and language choices. Choose what you want your reader to feel and check that you have achieved this by reading your writing to someone else. [Or, better still, comment it here and I’ll respond!]
- Slow writing challenge (to support with/extend the above task): You can only write 9 sentences. You can use 2 long, 4 medium and 3 short sentences. Which order will you use them in? Experiment with the different sentence lengths and structures. Once you have written a piece that you’re proud of, explain your sentence choices and the effect you wanted them to have. Find this challenge and examples here: Angry Ants slow writing .
INVISIBLE MAN
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/6.3.16-Franco-Matticchio-Invisible-Man.jpg)
Credit: Franco Matticchio
- What can you see?
- Who is the Invisible Man? Why is he invisible?
- Why is he carrying someone in his briefcase? Who is that? How did he get there? Is he trying to get out? Does the Invisible Man know that he’s there?
- Where is he going?
- Tell this story.
THE SUMMONER
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/USED-2-jakub-rozalski-.jpg)
Credit: Jakub Rozalski
- What can you see? Look closer.
- What/who is the figure in the mist?
- How did it get there?
- What does it do?
- Are there more of them?
- Who is the person standing on the cliff top?
- What are they doing?
- What is their story?
- Share the title & meaning of ‘summon’ – who is ‘The Summoner’? How do you know?
- Where do you think this could be?
KEEPER OF THE KEYS
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Lena-Gnedkova-Keeper-of-the-keys.jpg)
Credit: Lena Gnedkova
- Who is the person? Are they the ‘keeper of the keys’? Give evidence to support your opinions. Have they always been the keeper of the keys? How did they become this? Do you need to have certain qualities or qualifications to be the keeper? Is it a good thing? How does this person feel about being keeper of the keys?
- Why is this person wearing one key around their neck?
- Why are there keys hanging from this branch? Why is the branch connecting two trees? How?
- Why are the keys glowing? What do the white lines on the branches and the ground represent?
- Where is this place? Is it special? Do the keys have to be kept here? Why?
- Does anyone else come here?
- How does the ‘keeper of the keys’ get these keys? Why do the keys need to be ‘kept’?
- What is each key for? Choose a key and tell its story.
POST-APOCALYPTIC NYC
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Henrik-Evensen-post-apocalyptic-NYC-1.jpg)
Credit: Henrik Evensen
- Describe this setting. Try to use new and adventurous vocabulary e.g. decay, desolation, vacant, shrouded in fine dust, smog, splintered metal, deafening silence…
- An apocalypse is a great disaster; an event involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale. What happened here? What caused the destruction of New York City? When did it happen?
- Is it only NYC, or does it go further? (Locate NYC on a map, discuss the cause and how far it would spread.)
- Who is the person? Are they riding a horse? Where did they come from? How did they survive? Is that the only survivor?
THE STORY OF THE GIANTS
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Shaun-Tan-The-Story-of-the-Giants.jpg)
© Shaun Tan ‘The Arrival’ Lothian Books/Hachette Australia
- Who are the giants?
- Where did they come from?
- What are they doing? Why?
- Why are the people running away?
- Why do the giants need lights in their helmets? Why are they wearing helmets and overalls?
- How do you feel towards them? Why do you think this is?
- Tell ‘The Story of The Giants’. What kind of story will it be? How will it end?
YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Tyler-Carter-Bigger-Boat.jpeg)
Credit: Tyler Carter
- Who are the people?
- Where is this?
- Where did the T-Rex come from?
- What are the characters thinking?
- What do you think will happen next?
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Tyler-Carter-Tentacles.jpg)
- What do the tentacles belong to?
- How do the man and the dog feel about it? How do you know?
- Was the man expecting to see this behind the door?
- Who opened the door?
- What will happen next?
- Tell this story. What form will your story take? (Could you wr
CAPTAIN NEMO
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Burda-Captain-Nemo.jpg)
Credit: Burda
- Who is onboard the ship?
- Who is Captain Nemo?
- Where did the robot come from?
- What is it doing?
- Why is it in the water? Will the water damage it?
- How would you feel if you were on the ship?
OLD MAN OF THE WOODS
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Matt-Dixon-Old-Man-of-the-Woods.jpg)
Credit: Matt Dixon
- What is the ogre doing? Why?
- Why is there a glowing light over the flower? Where is it coming from?
- What do you think is in the pouches on the ogre’s bag strap?
- Why were the children in the woods?
- Does he know that they are watching him?
- Do the children want him to know that they’re there?
- Does this remind you of any other stories you know? Why? What’s similar and what’s different?
- Write this story in the style of a fairytale. Who will be your main character/protagonist(s)?
- Are ogres normally good or bad characters? Find as many examples as possible before you draw any conclusions.
MOON GARDEN
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Jen-Betton-Moon-Garden.jpg)
Credit: Jen Betton
- What is the boy doing?
- Who are the other people in the background?
- Where are they?
- What time of day is it? How do you know?
- Why are the people all here so late?
- Why does one man have his arm in the air? Why does a woman have her hand to her face? What might they be saying?
- Can you tell anything about how the boy is feeling?
- What is he going to do with the flower?
- Why is the picture called ‘Moon Garden’?
- After discussing and exploring the picture, share the following two and use them to tell the story.
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Jen-Betton-Moon-Garden-2.jpg)
AFTERNOON STROLL
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Matt-Dixon-afternoon-stroll.jpg)
Credit: Matt Dixon
- Who is the person?
- Where are they going?
- What are they carrying?
- Do they know what’s behind them?
- Describe the creature behind them. [Look at the eyes, the fangs, the scales…] What is it? Where did it come from? Was it there all along?
- What is it going to do?
- Describe the moment when the person realises that there is something behind them – try to build the atmosphere and make the reader feel tense. How do they find out? [rumbling? growling? a single rock bouncing across their path?] How will they react?
- Tell this story. What structure will your story take? When does this scene happen?
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE THE NIGHT
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Adrian-Borda-the-nightmare-before-the-night.jpg)
Credit: Borda
- Describe the trees. Can you use a simile/metaphor/personification?
- What animals might you find here?
- Who do you think took this photograph? Why are the trees all around and above them?
- Why isn’t there any colour in this photograph?
- How does this image make you feel?
- What kind of story would this setting suit? Why?
- Write a spooky story using this setting; use the title of the image as the title for your story.
- Write a fairy tale using this setting.
- Write from the perspective of one of the trees.
DRAGON HUNTER
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Ryan-Lang-sword-monster.jpg)
Credit: Ryan Lang
- Who is this?
- Why do they have a sword?
- Where did the dragon come from?
- What kind of dragon is it?
- Why are there skeletons on the ground?
- How is the person feeling?
- Write your own myth or legend inspired by this picture.
![free images for creative writing](https://www.onceuponapicture.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/jungho-le-fall.jpg)
Credit: Jungho Le
- Who is the old lady?
- What is she doing?
- What is the shadow? Why isn’t it the same silhouette as her?
- How does she feel as she’s looking at this shadow? What might she be remembering?
- Why is it in a book?
- Why did Jungho Le call this picture ‘Fall’?
- What world events has she lived through?
- What changes has she seen?
- What was her childhood like?
- Is she alone now? Has she always been alone? Was she ever married? Did she have children?
- What are her favourite memories?
- What’s her personality like? How will you show this through the writing?
- How might you structure your story?
LIGHTHOUSE TOWN
- What happened here?
- Why are the buildings under water?
- Why are the lights still on in the buildings?
- Who is the person on the street below? What are they doing there?
- Why did they build a lighthouse in the middle of a town?
- Why is the girl standing on top of the lighthouse?
- What is the ‘break’ in the sky?
- Tell the story of the Lighthouse Town.
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Make something awesome
- Image Prompts
85+ Picture Writing Prompts For Kids (+ Free Printable)
A picture is worth a thousand words. So how many words can you write for these 85 picture writing prompts for kids and grow-ups alike! Pictures, whether something as simple as an apple or as complex as an action scene can spark the imagination in more ways than one.
Of course, when looking at pictures you can take the literal route, and describe whatever you see in front of you. Or you can explore your imagination, and think about the ‘What Ifs..’ of a picture. What if that person is actually upset? What if this picture is of a broken family? What if the world looked like this years ago? A picture can have so many hidden meanings and can hide so many secrets. The slightest detail could mean everything. Just imagine you’re a detective solving a crime from one picture alone. Examine every detail, write it down and think why? Only then can you fully understand a picture.
For more inspiration take part in our daily picture writing prompt challenge . Each day you will be given a new picture prompt to write about.
Picture Prompt Generator
In this post, we have included a mix of simple pictures, story picture prompts, photographs, fantasy images and even some action-packed images.
You can find the complete list of our picture writing prompts below. We’ve also created a smaller PDF version that includes 30 random picture prompts. Download the printable PDF here .
You might also be interested in the following posts:
- 30 Christmas Pictures To Get You Writing ‘Tis Jolly Season
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- How to Use Image prompts To Inspire You
150 Picture Prompts To Inspire
Over 85 picture prompts for creative writing, story-telling and descriptive writing assignments:
![free images for creative writing picture writing prompt 1](https://www.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/girl-6746028_640.jpg)
How to Use these Prompts
Picture prompts are the perfect writing stimulus especially when you hit writer’s block . Here are a number of ways you can use these picture writing prompts to spark your imagination:
- Descriptive Writing: Directly describe everything you see in extreme detail. You could even go beyond the physical appearance of things, and explore your other senses, such as smell, hear, feel and taste.
- Story-Telling: Pick just one image, and tell a whole story based on this one image.
- Story Starter: Similarly you can pick one image, and use it as the starting place of your story.
- Collaborative Story-Telling: In a group of 5 – 7 students, each student can have a random picture. The first student uses their picture as the story starter, and then the next student continues the story based on their own image. Keep going until the final student ends the story.
- Idea Generation: Pick one image and try to think of at least 3 story ideas related to that one image.
- Daily Writing Challenge: Give your students 7 images, and tell them to write a description for each image every day.
These are just some ways to use images as writing prompts. You can also check our post on 8 fun story-telling games using image prompts for more ideas. Did you find our picture writing prompts useful? Let us know in the comments below!
![free images for creative writing picture writing prompts](https://assets.imagineforest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/picture-writing-prompts-683x1024.png)
Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.
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Picture Prompts
A Year of Picture Prompts: Over 160 Images to Inspire Writing
![free images for creative writing](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/08/04/us/04DOOR-LN/04DOORcombo-articleLarge-v3.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale)
By Michael Gonchar and Katherine Schulten
- June 1, 2017
Update, Feb. 15, 2019: Learn more about how to use our 1000s of writing prompts by watching our free on-demand webinar: “ Give Them Something to Write About: Teach Across the Curriculum With New York Times-Inspired Daily Prompts. ”
This school year we added a new feature to our daily lineup of student activities. Called “ Picture Prompts ,” these short, accessible, image-driven posts feature photographs and illustrations from The Times, and invite a variety of written or spoken responses — from creative storytelling to personal narrative to constructing an argument or analyzing what a work of “op-art” might be saying.
Teachers tell us they use these prompts to inspire student writing — whether in their journals , as a timed opportunity or to practice inferring meaning “without worrying about getting the right or wrong answer.”
They also use them with a variety of learners, from high school to middle or elementary school students to English Language Learners of all ages. As one teacher put it, she uses them “for helping teenagers to start talking to each other. ”
Below, we’ve categorized the 160+ prompts we published during the 2016-17 school year based on the type of writing they primarily encourage students to do. All are still open for comment. Plus, we have a lesson plan on how to teach with Picture Prompts, along with other Times images , in case you’re looking for more inspiration.
If you use this feature with your students, or if you have other ideas for how to use images and writing prompts with students, let us know in the comments section.
What’s the story behind this photo? Use your imagination.
Floating You and Me Mysterious Doors Underwater One Night Dog at the Counter Cats in Clothes Sneaker Collection On the Street Beware of Zombies Big Numbers Pool of Sprinkles Secret Spaces A Narwhal’s Life Inspiration From an Illustration Dancers in Masks Frozen Fish Go-Karting Cards in the Air Opening the Door The Badger and the Cow Icebergs Dogs and Stars
Share experiences from your own life.
Sneakers Flavors of Home Toy Trends Meteor Shower In the Park Sports Fans A Trip to Mars Confronting Stereotypes A Remarkable Find Optimists and Pessimists Simone Biles $100 A Favorite Store Kindness Across Divides Winter Comforts Christmas Lights The Celebrity Next Door A Celebrated Tree Kindergarten in a Stadium Advice for New Students Favorite Olympic Athletes Social Media and Body Image Growing Old Staycations An Act of Kindness Fashion Week’s Street Style Reading and Diversity The Effects of Living to Age 122 Distractions Terrifying Encounters Give a Country a Compliment Smashing Pumpkins Day of the Dead World Series Champions Extreme Sports Breathing and Stress Thanksgiving Traditions Giving Tuesday Magic Shoes Breaking Barriers Favorite Mobile Games Your Holiday Traditions National Pride Public Art Fascinating Animals Offbeat Interests Repair Cafes Lunar New Year Protesting Healthy Habits Super Bowl Spending Valentine’s Day Winning Streak Virtual Reality Old-School Skills Dinner An Early Spring 360 Degrees of Holi Blizzards Then and Now Bucket List Good Conversations Escape Steps in a Day Your Five Senses YouTube Stars Losing Things Shoelaces A Good Night’s Sleep Wristwatches 3-D Printing No Fear Exhibits for a Museum of Failure Dresses at the Met Gala Fidget Spinners On the Billboard Chart Water Escapes Forest Kindergarten Body Image Ariana Grande A Mother’s Help Dream Houses Fasting and Food for Ramadan ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Dancing in the Streets A Comic Take on the News The N.B.A. Finals ‘Wonder Woman’
What do you think this image, chart or cartoon is saying?
In Your Head Money and Happiness Moving and Sitting Policing Large Man Speech Bubble Above and Below Lady Liberty #2 Across the Fence Blue and Red Map, 2012 Red and Blue Map, 2016 Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Lady Liberty #1 In Case of Emergency Break Glass The American Dream ‘Check-In’ Norman Rockwell’s ‘Four Freedoms’ Hair-Raising Answers to an Open-Ended Question Shredding Blue and Red Mr. Olympia A Seasonal Scene 100 Days Social Media
What’s your opinion on this issue?
Device Addiction? Self-Driving Cars An Invention the World Needs Creepy Clowns Beyoncé at the V.M.A.s Parenting Robot Greeters Arriving at Ellis Island Colin Kaepernick’s Protest Pennies Feminism An 18-Karat Throne Mandatory Voting? Tattoos A Hug Seen Around the World Mermaid School Anger Rooms Dabbing in Congress Hitler and History Gender and ‘Genderless’ Solving Global Problems Fashion-Show Diversity The Role of Public Broadcasting Children and Cell Phones U.F.O.s ‘A Man Needs His Nuggs’ Parenting Skills
Images for STEM Classes: Questioning, Explaining and Solving
![free images for creative writing Video player loading](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2017/02/01/us/kilauea-volcano/kilauea-volcano-superJumbo.jpg)
A Fire Hose of Lava Math Problem Fall Foliage Basketball Dreams Insect Mysteries Goats in a Tree
Want more writing prompts?
We also have over 1000 Student Opinion questions we’ve asked over the years, gathered together in two lists: 650 prompts for narrative and personal writing and 401 prompts for argumentative writing . Plus, we have a collection of “ 40 intriguing images to make students think ,” taken from four years of our weekly “What’s Going On in This Picture?” feature.
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Creative Writing Images
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- book illustration
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- contest winner
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![free images for creative writing Free vector creative pencil design illustration concept for creative process](https://img.freepik.com/free-vector/creative-pencil-design-illustration-concept-creative-process_460848-14810.jpg?size=626&ext=jpg)
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![free images for creative writing Photo person signing a document person writing on a notebook closeup of bussinessman hand](https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/person-signing-document-person-writing-notebook-closeup-bussinessman-hand_179935-19023.jpg?size=626&ext=jpg)
- office top view
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537 Free images of Creative Writing. Find an image of creative writing to use in your next project. Free creative writing photos for download. notebook desk paper. girl woman working. wordpress blogging. office startup business. pens brushes. art writing pencil. ai generated woman. scribbling writing.
Writing Center. Print cards or writing pages with these images on them and put them in a writing center for your students to discover at their own pace. Specific Skills. Use story picture prompts to help kids work on specific writing skills. For example, you could work on descriptive writing by having them describe the setting of the picture in ...
Now we're rounding up years of these storytelling prompts all in one place. Below you'll find 125 photos, illustrations and GIFs from across The New York Times that you can use for both ...
150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity (Free Google Slides) Use a picture to write a thousand words! Creative writing is a challenge for many students, often because they can't come up with anything to write about. That's why we love picture writing prompts. Each one sparks the imagination and helps young writers jump ...
These are brilliant images to inspire brilliantly creative writing. The questions are included because 'reading and writing float on a sea of talk' (Britton, 1983) - the quality ideas, language and structures come from a rich discussion of the picture and the possibilities for writing. This sheet is a good starting point for generating ...
These short, accessible, image-driven prompts invite students to pen short stories, poems and memoirs; share experiences from their lives; analyze illustrations, graphs and charts; and tell us ...
Write a short story, poem or memoir inspired by this illustration. Related Picture Prompt Glenn Harvey. Trapped Inside. Wilderness Wayfaring. Magical Chores. I'm Sorry. Dollar Bills. Dinosaurs ...
Download the perfect creative writing pictures. Find over 100+ of the best free creative writing images. Free for commercial use No attribution required Copyright-free
546 Free images of Creativ Writing. Related Images: writing creative blog pencil write business writer creativity blogger office. Select a creativ writing image to download for free. High resolution picture downloads for your next project. ...
85+ Picture Writing Prompts For Kids (+ Free Printable) December 18, 2021. A picture is worth a thousand words. So how many words can you write for these 85 picture writing prompts for kids and grow-ups alike! Pictures, whether something as simple as an apple or as complex as an action scene can spark the imagination in more ways than one.
Called "Picture Prompts," these short, accessible, image-driven posts feature photographs and illustrations from The Times, and invite a variety of written or spoken responses — from ...
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Let these images spark your memory of a joyous moment you spent with family, friends, or by yourself. You may choose one image or link a few together to tell/show a deeper-more detailed memoir. With thanks to Stephen Yost - Neil Armstrong Middle School - Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, USA for the pictures and ideas.
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