image prompt for creative writing

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 for morning work or in your writing centers or lesson plans to get your students’ creative juices flowing.

The Benefits of Using Visual Writing Prompts

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 short 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 English language arts 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, character development by having them make up a history for a person (or animal) in the picture, or narrative writing by having them make up a story based on the picture.
• Warm-up Activity: Download the slides that accompany this post 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. This helps jumpstart the creative process before you move into your regular writing program.
• Independent Work: If you need a fun activity for kids to do when they’ve completed their assignment and are waiting for other students’ to finish, keep a supply of these images on hand and challenge them to write flash fiction of 250 words or less while they wait.
• Sub binders: Want to have some easy, no-prep projects on hand for those days when you’re unexpectedly away? Elementary picture writing prompts are perfect for substitute teachers to do with your students in your absence.
• Distance learning: If you are working with students whom you don’t see face-to-face, picture writing prompts are a great way to inspire them. You can use them in a virtual lesson to kickstart a discussion on brainstorming story ideas or post a few of these images to your learning management system and let students select the one they want to write about.

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.

Picture Writing Prompts for Kids

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 fill out the form below to grab your own copy.

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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.

Bear in mind though that some kids really struggle with these types of questions that ask them to make inferences about details that they can’t possibly know the ‘answer’ to. When you ask them things like, “What was the author probably trying to do?” they have no idea and won’t dare to hazard a guess. If you are working with kids who feel paralyzed by these questions, now is not the time to push them. Ignore the questions completely and have them simply focus on the picture.

It could be a good idea to write a few short stories yourself based on a single picture to show demonstrate how there are no wrong answers in this exercise—only endless possibilities.

70 Picture for Story Writing with Guiding Questions

• Whose cat is this? What is he looking at? Where is he?

2. What is the owl thinking about? Is he alone? What does he hope to eat for dinner?

3. Who are these frogs? What is their relationship with each other? Why are they taking photos?

4. How did the dog get a phone? Why is he taking selfies? What is he doing with the pictures he takes?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. Where do these lemurs live? What are they looking at? What is something unusual that might happen to them?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

11. 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?

12. Why is the dog wearing glasses? Can he see through them? What are he and the girl doing? How does he feel about it?

13. Who are these two little boys? What is their relationship with each other? What is the teddy bear’s story?

14. Who are these children? Why are they running? Is it a race or are they playing a game? Who’s going to win?

15. 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?

16. What is this boy reading? Does the book have a magical power? Does the boy? Do the stories in the book become real or does something else special happen?

17. Where is this man? How did he get there? What is he looking for?

18. Who is walking over the bridge? What’s on the other side? Is it worth the risk?

19. 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?

20. 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?

21. Whose typewriter is this? What important or secretive thing might they be working on? What could happen if the wrong person finds their work?

22. Who are these three stuffed animals? Are they living? What is their story?

23. Whose ukulele is this? Why did they leave it here? Who might find it?

24. Where is the owner of the bike? Where does this path lead? What if the bike’s not there when the owner returns?

25. Whose shoes are these? Why did they leave them here? Why are they so dirty?

26. Who was reading the newspaper? What was the most interesting thing they read? Where have they disappeared to?

27. 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?

28. Who set the table? Who are they expecting? What special occasion are they celebrating? What could go wrong?

29. 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?

30. Who lives here? How do they access their home? What is their life like?

31. Who built the igloo? Where is it? How does it feel to spend the night inside it?

32. What is the history of this castle? Who lives in it now? Does it have any special or magical features?

33. Is this barn abandoned or do people live on the property? What kind of animals might live here? How do they keep themselves entertained?

34. 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?

35. Where is this hut? Who lives here? What mystery might unfold if a stranger came knocking at their door?

36. 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?

37. How did this house get here? Does anyone live in it? What would life be like here?

38. Where is this festive street? Are the people there celebrating something? Where is everybody?

39. Who lives here? How did they build this house? Are they hiding from something? What does it look like inside?

40. 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?

41. What are these women doing? What are they supposed to be doing? Will they be in trouble if they get caught?

42. 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?

43. Where is this? Who is riding in the hot air balloons? Where are they going and why?

44. How old is this large tree? Where is it? What are some of the most fascinating stories it could tell?

45. 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?

46. What are these people thinking about? What’s at stake for them? What happens if one of them sneezes?

47. Where are these penguins? What are they talking about? Which one of them is the leader?

48. 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?

49. Who are these kids? Is this what they’re supposed to be doing? What happens when their teacher sees them?

50. Who is supposed to ride in this boat? Where are they going? Will they make it there?

51. Is this plane special to someone? What did they have to do to get it/build it? Where will they fly to in it?

52. Who decorated this train car? Which passengers will fill it up? What will they talk about?

53. Whose skis are these? Why are they sticking out of the snow? How did their owner get down the mountain without them?

54. Where does this gondola go? Who rides it? How does it feel to ride it?

55. Who’s driving the monster truck? Why is it at the beach? What is it going to crush? Who is watching?

56. Where is the boat going? Who is on it? What is their mission?

57. What city is the helicopter flying over? Why? Is the driver looking for something specific or do they have a special delivery?

58. What’s the little boy doing in the boat? Is he alone or is someone with him? Where is he trying to go?

59. Who is in the sub? What’s it like inside? What are they doing?

60. Whose book is this? What’s it about? What’s happening to it?

61. 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?

62. Who is this girl? Where is she? Who is she shooting at?

63. Where does this scene take place? Is the lizard/dragon good or bad? What is its relationship with the girl?

64. What do these books represent? What kind of world is this? What (or who) is inside the books?

65. What are these dinosaurs discussing? Where are they? What do they do for fun?

66. Whose cottage is this? Do they still live there? If not, where have they gone? If so, what do they do there?

67. What is the moth thinking about? Is it alone? What’s the biggest challenge it faces in this moment?

68. Who is the owl looking at? Has it read these books? What is its greatest talent?

69. Where are these trees? Why are they pink? Do they have any special powers or features?

70. What are these best friends thinking about? Do they have something to hide? What adventures do they go on together?

What do you think? Which kind of pictures do you like best for creative writing prompts ? Let us know in the comments.

Thursday 18th of July 2024

This was fun

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

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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 right into crafting a story to match. We rounded up a whole collection of intriguing images to help 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. Try asking general questions like these to get them started:

• What are the names of the people or animals in the picture?
• How do you think the people or animals in the picture are feeling?
• How would you describe the setting, including the weather, sounds, smells, etc.?
• What do you think the people or animals are saying or are about to say?
• What happened right before this picture was taken? What will happen next?

Included below are more questions for each image to boost creativity, along with potential titles and opening lines.

Opening Line Idea: When Larry fell in love, he fell hard.

Jump-Start Questions: Where did the dog get the rose? Who or what is the dog bringing the rose to? Can the dog talk like a human?

Ask for a Sign

Opening Line Idea: When the new sign appeared on Main Street, everyone in town wondered exactly what it meant. ADVERTISEMENT

Jump-Start Questions: Does the sign read “ask,” or do the letters A-S-K stand for something else instead? Who put up the sign, and why? Why is the sign lit up during the day when no other lights are on?

Snowy Footprints

Opening Line Idea: After that crazy day, all that was left to show for it was footprints in the snow.

Jump-Start Questions: How many different people made these prints? Is this snow, or could it be some other white substance? Were the people who made these prints walking or running?

Dinosaur Bones

Opening Line Idea: “Come with me if you want to live!” Ash said, reaching out a hand.

Jump-Start Questions: What creature is this the skull of? Why is the person inside the skull in the first place? Is the person in the picture asking for help or inviting someone to join them inside the skull?

Undersea Treasure

Opening Line Idea: For years, no one saw the locked treasure chest but the local fish, who wondered what it could contain.

Jump-Start Questions: Who left this treasure chest here, and when? What are three different things that could be inside? Do the bubbles mean there’s something alive inside the chest?

A Game of Fetch

Opening Line Idea: To Scout, it was a game, but to Mr. Freezy, it was much more.

Jump-Start Questions: Are the dog and snowperson friends? Who built the snowperson, and where did they get the hat? Who does the dog belong to?

Ladybug Gossip

Opening Line Idea: The ladybug’s picnic was an excellent chance to meet up with old friends and hear all the latest gossip.

Jump-Start Questions: Are these ladybugs friends or enemies? Are the leaves very small, or are the ladybugs very big? Was this picture taken in a garden, a wild meadow, or some other place?

Opening Line Idea: We met them when they peeked into our window, watching us as we watched cartoons.

Jump-Start Questions: Are these children looking into their own house or someone else’s? Do they want to come inside or would they rather stay outside? Who is looking at the children from the other side of the window?

King of the Jungle

Opening Line Idea: It wasn’t the crown that made Amari the king of all he surveyed.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this lion in the wild or in captivity like a zoo? Is the crown real, or is the lion imagining it? How does the person taking the photo feel about the lion?

The Final Pitch

Opening Line Idea: It all came down to this—the final pitch in a game that was tied 2-2.

Jump-Start Questions: Does the player hit the ball, and if so, do they make it to a base? What is the score of the game so far? How did the player get dirt on their knees?

Doggie Massage

Opening Line Idea: Every dog in the neighborhood knew that Rocky gave the best massages and was always willing to lend an ear too.

Jump-Start Questions: Do these two dogs know each other, or did they just meet? Is the dog on the right feeling happy, annoyed, or something else? Give three different reasons why the dogs are sitting like this.

Skateboard Life

Opening Line Idea: When Charli got her first skateboard, she made herself a promise.

Jump-Start Questions: What does the graffiti on the wall mean, and how did it get there? Where did this girl get her skateboard from? Who taught her how to skateboard?

Garden of the Past

Opening Line Idea: The woman walked in the garden every day, never saying a word.

Jump-Start Questions: Where and when does this garden grow? Who planted this garden and why? What will the woman do with the flowers she is picking?

Sunset Friends

Opening Line Idea: They met on the jungle gym every day at sunset, sharing everything about their days.

Jump-Start Questions: Was this photo taken in the morning or the evening? What time of year is it? Are the children playing on the jungle gym or just hanging out and talking?

Pink Umbrellas

Opening Line Idea: When the pink umbrellas first appeared, Toni thought they might be magic.

Jump-Start Questions: Where and when was this picture taken? Who hung the pink umbrellas? Who lives in the buildings along this alley?

Firefly Forest

Opening Line Idea: Olivia was surprised to discover that the fireflies didn’t just glow, they also sang.

Jump-Start Questions: Are all the lights in this picture fireflies, or is something else glowing? What does this forest sound and smell like? Would you want to be in this forest alone in the middle of the night?

Robot Spider

Opening Line Idea: When it first crawled ashore, the mechanical spider moved slowly.

Jump-Start Questions: Was this robot spider built by humans, or does it come from another planet? Does the spider run on its own, or is there a person or creature inside it? Where is the spider now, and where is it going?

Fallen House

Opening Line Idea: Staring at their house, which was now on its side, the whole family was in shock.

Jump-Start Questions: Who used to live in this house? Was anyone inside the house when it fell, and are they OK? What caused the house to fall but not be completely destroyed?

Red Riding Hood

Opening Line Idea: If only she’d been riding her faithful steed the day she’d met the Big Bad Wolf, things might have been very different.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is the girl barefoot? Why is the horse wearing a necklace? Who gave the girl her red hood and cape?

Kangaroo Fall

Opening Line Idea: “Well, this is embarrassing,” thought Bouncer, as laughter filled the air around him.

Jump-Start Questions: Did this kangaroo fall over, or is it just lying down? Where does the kangaroo live? Is there anything in the picture to explain what the kangaroo is doing?

Opening Line Idea: Daci’s big brother said her signs wouldn’t help them find their runaway cat, but he was wrong.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this sign about a real lost cat? Who drew the picture? Does anyone ever find the lost cat?

Penguin Bookshop

Opening Line Idea: A visit to Sir Pickerel’s Penguin Bookshop is always an adventure.

Jump-Start Questions: Does the penguin own the bookstore, or is he only shopping there? Where did the penguin get his hat? What kind of books does the penguin like best?

Opening Line Idea: Of all the eggs in the carton, Ella was the one who could always crack you up.

Jump-Start Questions: Who colored these eggs? Are these real bird eggs or are they made of something else? Where are these eggs, and why are they there?

Opening Line Idea: That was the year Min was finally tall enough to ride the Sky Swings, but now she wasn’t so sure.

Jump-Start Questions: How high are these swings? Would you want to ride the swings? How would you feel if you were soaring through the air?

Rubber Duck Parade

Opening Line Idea: It was truly an honor to be asked to lead the Spring Duck Parade.

Jump-Start Questions: Who put these ducks in the gutter? Are the ducks having fun, or are they being forced to be there? What would you do if you were walking along and saw these ducks?

Teddy Story Time

Opening Line Idea: Every afternoon, the three friends gathered for story time in their favorite spot in the woods.

Jump-Start Questions: What book are the bears reading? Where did the bears get the book? Are the bears all the same age?

Underwater School

Opening Line Idea: Nia thought going to school underwater would be exciting, but some days she really missed going outside for recess.

Jump-Start Questions: How does the child in the picture feel as she looks out the window? Where is the child? Why does the room look so dark?

Opening Line Idea: The day Amos started his journey down the river, the sun was shining brightly.

Jump-Start Questions: What body of water is the ball floating in? How did it get there? Who does the ball belong to?

Turtle Trouble

Opening Line Idea: “None shall pass,” growled the old sea turtle, blocking the way.

Jump-Start Questions: What body of water is the turtle swimming in? How old is the turtle? How did the person who took the picture get so close to the turtle?

Dinosaur Race

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: What kind of dinosaur is this? Where are the girl and the dinosaur running to (or running from)? Is the dinosaur wild or the girl’s pet?

Finally Seeing Eye to Eye

Opening Line Idea: “So, we meet at last, face-to-face,” Lord Squeakerton said to his enemy, the Count of Catnip.

Jump-Start Questions: How did the mouse get onto the cat’s nose? How does the cat feel about the mouse being there? Are the cat and mouse friends or enemies?

Opening Line Idea: It takes a lot to surprise a monkey, but you don’t see something like this every day.

Jump-Start Questions: What is the monkey looking at? How was the monkey feeling at that moment? If there was a speech bubble coming out of the monkey’s mouth, what would it say?

Not Coming Out

Opening Line Idea: The day started out normally enough, but by the end, Chris knew he was in over his head.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the child hiding, playing, or doing something else? Is the child at home or at someone else’s house? Are the child’s feet cold without socks?

Life on Other Planets

Opening Line Idea: “Hurry up,” Grnklor told his robopup. “We have to get back inside before nightfall.”

Jump-Start Questions: What planet is this? Are the creatures robots, aliens, or something else? Could you breathe the air if you were standing on this planet?

Reindeer Games

Opening Line Idea: The wind had died down, but the setting sun seemed to take all the warmth of the day with it.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the sun rising or setting? Who does the tricycle on the right belong to? Where are the child and the reindeer going, and why is the deer wearing a harness?

Something To Celebrate

Opening Line Idea: Their classmates could hear their shouts of joy from all the way down the hall.

Jump-Start Questions: What is showing on the computer screen? How do these kids know each other? Where are these kids?

Home Sweet Mushroom

Opening Line Idea: When the fairies that lived in the garden invited her to stay with them for awhile, Maria wasn’t sure what to expect.

Jump-Start Questions: Who lives in the mushroom? Is this mushroom very big, or are the creatures who live in it very small? Did the mushroom grow this way, or did someone turn it into a house?

Loch Ness Mystery

Opening Line Idea: “There it is! I told you Nessie is real!” Angus whispered to Lee.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the creature in the picture real or a statue of some kind? If it’s a statue, who put it there and why? How was the person who took this picture feeling at this moment?

Lonely Bear

Opening Line Idea: It was hard to say who was lonelier that night, Amil or his lost stuffed bear, Jasper.

Jump-Start Questions: Who does the bear belong to? Is its owner nearby, or is the bear lost? How old is the bear?

Sometimes You Lose

Opening Line Idea: When his team lost the championship, Miguel was crushed, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is the boy upset? What would the boy’s friends say to him? What would his parents say to him?   

Middle school writing prompts can be a little more complex, with pictures that have a lot of potential interpretations. You can use the same questions to kick-start creative thinking as you would with elementary students (see above), plus deeper questions like these:

• How does the picture make you feel?
• Who took the picture and why?
• What incidents led up to the moment of the image?
• What are three different things that could happen next?
• Does this picture take place in the past, present, or future?

Opening Line Idea: Morgan was incredibly proud of those shoes, paid for entirely with money from after-school jobs.

Jump-Start Questions: Who is wearing the shoes? Would you like to have shoes like this? Imagine the shoes a year from now, dirty and worn; how did they get that way?

Never Lose Hope

Opening Line Idea: With his last bit of energy, Kai scrawled his message in the wet paint.

Jump-Start Questions: Who wrote this message and why? Where is this message written? Who might see and be inspired by the message?

Opening Line Idea: The keyboard button could only be used once, and no one knew exactly what happened when you pressed it.

Jump-Start Questions: Who created this keyboard? Would you press the button? How would you keep from pressing this button accidentally?

Piano Lessons

Opening Line Idea: Before she could even speak, Arya was drawn to the black and white keys.

Jump-Start Questions: Where is this piano, and who does it belong to? Will the child touch the keys gently or bang on them loudly? What song would you play on this piano?

Opening Line Idea: There was no doubt about it, this was was indeed a very special kind of garden.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this a very tiny baby or a very large fern? Who does the baby belong to? Would you like to sleep rolled up in a plant?

Opening Line Idea: No matter how you looked at it, it had been a very rough day to be the Easter Bunny.

Jump-Start Questions: How did the bunny get so dirty? Is this a large bunny, or a person wearing a bunny suit? Where has the bunny been, and where is it going?

Empty Chairs

Opening Line Idea: By sunset, all four chairs were empty, and the only signs of life were the gulls swooping down from above.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is one chair a different color from the others? Are these chairs abandoned or just empty temporarily? Why are the seagulls so interested in the chairs?

Floating Treasure

Opening Line Idea: To the birds, it was simply a convenient place to land, but Ali and I knew it was much more than that.

Jump-Start Questions: Would you open this chest if you found it, without knowing what’s inside? What are the spiky shapes on the left side of the picture? Is the bird on the right really there, or is it just a shadow?

Shadow Question

Opening Line Idea: That was the day they discovered that just because you were invisible didn’t mean your shadow was.

Jump-Start Questions: How was this image created, and why? Who do the shoes belong to? How do optical illusions make you feel?

Letter and Key

Opening Line Idea: The day she turned 12, Vivi’s aunt handed her an envelope containing a key … and the family secret.

Jump-Start Questions: What would you hope to find in an old letter like this? How old is the key? Where has this letter been before now?

Space Target

Opening Line Idea: Onyx paused, knowing that once their arrow hit the target, there was no knowing what would happen.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this planet in our galaxy? Is the person pictured a human, a robot, or an alien? What will happen if the person hits the target or misses it?

Mermaid Mystery

Opening Line Idea: It was a mermaid—or was it?

Jump-Start Questions: Is this creature floating in water or in the air? What would you do if you woke up like this one day? How is the creature feeling at this moment?

World on a String

Opening Line Idea: Her dad had promised to give her the world, but she wasn’t expecting three more planets as well.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is the girl holding a suitcase? Who gave the girl the balloons? What does it mean to “have the world on a string”?

Bee Standoff

Opening Line Idea: “This flower ain’t big enough for the both of us!” said Bianca.

Jump-Start Questions: Are the bees from the same colony or rival colonies? Why is this flower so special to the bees? Do you think the bees are cute or scary?

Solitary Seat

Opening Line Idea: For as long as anyone could remember, Angus McGee spent his evenings in the same chair next to the woodstove.

Jump-Start Questions: How long has it been since anyone sat in this chair? What are the books on the floor? What do you think is in the bag on the left?

Best Friends

Opening Line Idea: When you decide to run away from home forever, you can’t possibly leave your best friend behind.

Jump-Start Questions: How is the girl feeling? How far do you think she has already walked? If you were running away from home, what would you take with you?

Dinosaur Demise

Opening Line Idea: In retrospect, setting the time machine to randomly choose any day and time in the past might not have been such a good idea.

Jump-Start Questions: If you were standing here watching this scene, what would you do? Do these dinosaurs survive whatever happens next? Would you stop the asteroid from killing off the dinosaurs if you could?

Magic Lamps

Opening Line Idea: “Choose wisely,” said the old shopkeeper, “for only one of these lamps is truly magic.”

Jump-Start Questions: Are these lamps brand-new or very old and well cared for? Do you think a magic genie living in a lamp would be good or evil? What wishes would you make, and what would happen if they came true?

Message in a Bottle

Opening Line Idea: The message floated at sea for more than 50 years before the day we found it on the beach.

Jump-Start Questions: If you found a bottle like this, would you open it on your own or invite others to join you? What would you do with the letter inside? How far do you think this bottle has traveled?

Barrel Boat

Opening Line Idea: Of all the ways to impress someone, Jonah thought to himself, this had to be one of the most ridiculous.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is this person in a barrel instead of a boat? Do you think this looks like fun, or would it be scary? Why is the person wearing a life jacket?

Dragon Guardian

Opening Line Idea: When your parents give you your own dragon guardian, your childhood is bound to be enchanted.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this dragon real or the child’s imaginary friend? Is the dragon young or old? How does the child feel about the dragon?

Octopus’s Garden

Opening Line Idea: Wouldn’t you like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade?

Jump-Start Questions: Where was this picture taken? Is the octopus attacking the person or just swimming nearby? How much oxygen does the person have left in their tank?

Around the Corner

Opening Line Idea: After finally pressing “send,” she couldn’t resist peeking around the corner to watch him read the text.

Jump-Start Questions: Do these kids know each other? Does the person in front know the other person is watching them? Who does the car in the distance belong to?

Beam Me Up!

Opening Line Idea: Milo’s earliest memory was of watching his beloved tricycle float into the sky above him, caught in a beam of light.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the tricycle going up or coming down? Where is the light coming from? How does the child in the picture feel right now?

Poison Apple

Opening Line Idea: To join the club, all Aaron had to do was creep up and snatch the apple from the skeleton’s hand without being seen.

Jump-Start Questions: Whose skeleton is this? Is the apple safe to eat? Would you eat this apple?

Giraffe Council

Opening Line Idea: “It is now 3 p.m., and I call this meeting of the Mighty Council of Giraffes to order,” announced Imari.

Jump-Start Questions: Why are these giraffes gathered together? What do giraffes like to talk about? Would you like to be a giraffe?

Mystery Creature

Opening Line Idea: At first glance, it was hard to tell whether the little creature was friend or foe.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this creature big or small? Is it alone, or are there others like it? Would you keep this creature as a pet?

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: Why is this person running? Do they make the jump or fall into the water? Is this person jumping or floating?

The End of Days

Opening Line Idea: Despite their best efforts, they arrived too late—the battle had already begun.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the person going to the city or away from it? Who is attacking and why? What would you do if you saw this scene taking place?

Out of the Book

Opening Line Idea: “Happily ever after” was about to take on a whole new meaning.

Jump-Start Questions: Where is the light coming from in the book? Does the woman know she’s a book character? What will the mouse do when it sees the woman?

Stopped Clock

Opening Line Idea: I was sure that the time on the broken clock was the clue to solving the mystery.

Jump-Start Questions: How long has this clock been stopped at 11:17? Does the clock still work? Who does the clock belong to?

Dueling Webs

Opening Line Idea: It’s never a good idea to build your web too close to another spider’s, but this time she had no choice.

Jump-Start Questions: How do spiderwebs and spiders make you feel? Were these webs made by one spider or two? Would you knock down these webs or leave them alone?

Do Shoes Grow on Trees?

Opening Line Idea: The day I threw my own shoes into the tree was the day I really started to grow up.

Jump-Start Questions: Who threw the first pair of shoes into the tree and why? If you saw a nice pair of shoes, would you try to get them down? Would you throw your own shoes into the tree?

Abstract Art

Opening Line Idea: “So,” asked their art teacher, “what do you think this painting means?”

Jump-Start Questions: Is the paint wet or dry? Is this the whole painting or a small part of a larger one? Who chose these colors and why?

Wandering Robots

Opening Line Idea: Everything about NB-317 was made of cardboard except his heart—that was made of flesh and blood and very capable of being broken.

Jump-Start Questions: Who built this robot? Can the robot smell the flowers? Does the robot belong to someone, or is it an independent being?

Dream Come True

Opening Line Idea: It all started when Quinn watched her favorite movie the night before they assigned partners for the eighth grade science fair project.

Jump-Start Questions: What is in the balloons to allow them to lift and carry a house? Is the house coming up or going down? Would you want to be inside the house right now?

Mysterious Cave

Opening Line Idea: The cave was unlike anything we’d ever seen before, and what was more, it almost seemed like the rock was alive.

Jump-Start Questions: What made these shapes? What do the shapes look like to you? If this were a rock formation, would you want to explore it?

Storm at Sea

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: Is anyone on the ship, or is it abandoned? If you were the captain, what would you be thinking right now? What would happen if the ship capsized or was struck by lightning?

Grasshopper Close-Up

Opening Line Idea: That’s when Javed realized it wasn’t that the grasshopper was too big—it was that he was suddenly very, very small.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this grasshopper cute or scary? What is the grasshopper looking at? Would you pick up this grasshopper or shoo it away?

UFO Parking

Opening Line Idea: “Well, that’s convenient,” Javdok remarked to Qabow when they saw the sign.

Jump-Start Questions: Where is this sign located, and who hung it? Would spaceships need parking lots on land, or could you just leave them in the sky and beam down? Do you think this parking lot is free, and if not, how much does it cost to park a spaceship?   

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. Try questions like these:

• What mood does the picture evoke?
• If your friend texted you this picture with no explanation, what would you think?
• What would you say to the person in the picture?
• Write five words for each of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) related to the picture.
• Is this picture the beginning, the middle, or the end of the story?

Cyborg Girl

Opening Line Idea: When she was 14, Tasha’s parents finally told her the truth about what she really was.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the cyborg crying or malfunctioning? Who chose the cyborg’s clothes? Has the girl always known she is a cyborg?

BBQ Cookout

Opening Line Idea: “So, I’m guessing no one told you I’m a vegetarian?” asked Sadie with a smile.

Jump-Start Questions: What would you do if you were invited to a meal where there was nothing you could eat? Does this meal look delicious or disgusting? Would you rather be the one grilling or the one cleaning up afterward?

Opening Line Idea: The latest app was like a time machine, allowing people to look back in time, but it also had a dark side.

Jump-Start Questions: What is the man thinking about? Why is the baby picture the only part of the image that’s in color? Would you like to be able to see a picture of what you’ll look like when you’re 80 years old?

Opening Line Idea: She was surrounded by people but never felt more alone.

Jump-Start Questions: What does the woman’s sign say? Is this person homeless, or is she sitting on the street for another reason? Where will this person sleep tonight?

Hippo Troubles

Opening Line Idea: Like all parents, hippos sometimes really need a break from their kids.

Jump-Start Questions: Where do these hippos live? Does the mother hippo feel love for her baby? What would happen if a bee flew into the baby hippo’s mouth?

iPad Farmer

Opening Line Idea: Grandpa Jack never failed to surprise us.

Jump-Start Questions: What will the man do with the vegetables on his lap? Is this man a farmer or just someone who likes to garden on the weekend? Does it surprise you to see this man using technology in this setting?

Marching Band Blues

Opening Line Idea: Kaleel sat sadly on the bench, watching the rest of the band march away in jaunty time to the music.

Jump-Start Questions: Where is the rest of the marching band, and why isn’t this man with them? How long has the man owned the instrument, and who taught him to play? What kinds of music does this man like to listen to?

Never-Ending Tunnel

Opening Line Idea: The tunnel seemed to stretch to infinity, but Jayma knew what was at the end, and it terrified her.

Jump-Start Questions: Does this tunnel scare you or intrigue you? Would you rather walk, run, Rollerblade, or ride a skateboard from one end to the other? If the lights suddenly went out, what would you do?

Carving Out Love

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: Would you ever carve someone’s initials in a tree? Is carving initials in a tree the same as spray-painting graffiti? Would you feel bad if you had to cut this tree down and burn it for firewood?

Glowing Globe

Opening Line Idea: Just then, the globe began to glow, and Jaxson knew he was about to leap through space and time once again—destination unknown.

Jump-Start Questions: What causes the globe to glow? Is the globe of Earth or another celestial body? What is the man pointing to?

See No Evil

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: Who put these skeletons here and why? Which is worse: seeing evil, hearing evil, or speaking evil? How would you feel if you knew these were actual human skeletons, not props?

Upside Down

Opening Line Idea: It’s an odd feeling to wake up one morning and find yourself able to walk on the ceiling.

Jump-Start Questions: What would the advantages and disadvantages of defying gravity be? Can this person go outside without floating away? Why is the microwave on top of the tall refrigerator?

Face at the Fence

Opening Line Idea: So much depended on which side of the fence you were on.

Jump-Start Questions: Is this child on the outside looking in or the inside looking out? What might the fence be separating the child from? What would happen if the child tried to climb the fence?

Bicycle Race

Opening Line Idea: Finley had trained too hard for this race to come in third—it just wasn’t good enough.

Jump-Start Questions: Are these bikers competing, working as a team, or just biking for fun? What does the front biker’s arm tattoo symbolize? Is coming in second or third the same as losing?

Family Travels

Opening Line Idea: In the picture, my grandmother’s expression is hard to interpret, but she’s told me the story many times.

Jump-Start Questions: What’s in the bags? If you saw this family pulled over on the side of the road, would you stop and ask if they needed help? Who gave the girl the ring she’s wearing on her finger?

Laundromat Antics

Opening Line Idea: Dani never expected to meet her first love feet first.

Jump-Start Questions: Is it safe for this person to be inside the washing machine? What would happen if someone closed the door and walked away? Would you ever crawl inside a washing machine or dryer?

Opening Line Idea: Molly’s mom probably didn’t mean for her to be the one to find the note, but that’s how things turned out.

Jump-Start Questions: What would you do if you found this note and ring? What is the writer sorry for? Would you ever leave a note like this?

Through the Storm

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: Do you think it would be fun to be driving this truck or too dangerous? What would make you drive around in a storm like this? What will the scene look like after the storm has passed?

Lifetime Friends

Opening Line Idea: They’d been friends for as long as they could remember—even longer, in fact.

Jump-Start Questions: Who is holding the babies, and how do they know each other? What are the expressions on the babies’ faces right now? Is the baby on the right reaching for the other baby’s pacifier?

Stray Kitten

Opening Line Idea: “I am NOT taking you home with me,” Kai told the tiny mewling kitten firmly.

Jump-Start Questions: Would you pick this kitten up and take it home? Is the kitten’s mother nearby? Why is the kitten meowing at the person?

Abandoned Greenhouse

Opening Line Idea: Willow was free to leave at any time, but she couldn’t make herself go.

Jump-Start Questions: Who built this structure and when? How did the woman get inside? Would you rather knock this structure down or renovate it?

Opening Line Idea: Amani’s earliest memory was razor wire—miles and miles of it.

Jump-Start Questions: Does this fence make you feel safe or anxious? What does this fence separate? If you had to get past this fence, what would you do?

Church Graveyard

Opening Line Idea: Everyone feels differently in a graveyard, but for me, they’re very peaceful places.

Jump-Start Questions: Who wrote the epitaphs on the front two graves? Do you find this cemetery peaceful or creepy, and would you feel differently at night? Does anyone ever bring flowers to these graves?

Orb of Death

Opening Line Idea: “Do you really want to know?” Death asked. “Because once you know, you won’t be able to forget.”

Jump-Start Questions: Is the globe showing a reflection or a vision? If Death offered to reveal your future, would you accept? Who did the skull on the left belong to in life?

Missed Shot

Opening Line Idea: Steve was sure his shot would make it, but it bounced off the rim just as the buzzer rang to end the game.

Jump-Start Questions: Is the player in front happy, sad, or something else? Would you rather be playing in the game or watching the game? What is the referee thinking about?

First Contact

Opening Line Idea: This was it—the moment that would change what it meant to be human forever.

Jump-Start Questions: What is reflected in the astronaut’s mask? Will the alien and the human be able to communicate with each other? How would you feel if you were the first human to meet an alien?

One Life To Live

Opening Line Idea: His face said his life had been a hard one, but his eyes told a different tale.

Jump-Start Questions: Where and when did this man get his hat? If you could ask this man one question, what would it be? Why did this man decide to grow a mustache?

Winter Walk

Opening Line Idea: Snow fell, creating a blank canvas to record the story of that fateful walk.

Jump-Start Questions: How would you feel if you were walking in the snow in this scene? How would you find out what made the tracks? How far from civilization was this picture taken?

Train to Nowhere

Opening Line Idea: 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.

Jump-Start Questions: What would it feel like to sleep here? Why has this place been abandoned? If you looked through the windows, what would you see outside?

Modern Mary Poppins

Opening Line Idea: She dropped into our lives on a gray day in midwinter, a hint of the spring that was to come.

Jump-Start Questions: What is in the person’s bag? What are they waiting for? Who made the tracks in this field?

All That Remains

Opening Line Idea: Dust motes filled the air of the abandoned hallway, replacing the voices once heard there.

Jump-Start Questions: Where is the light coming from? What is written on the walls? What would you hear if you were standing here?

Opening Line Idea: From the day he found the little creature, Luis refused to go anywhere without him.

Jump-Start Questions: How would you feel if you were talking to this person and the animal suddenly poked its head out? What will happen when the creature is too big to fit in the pocket? Would you like a pocket-size pet?

The Question

Opening Line Idea: Their happily ever after began quietly, with a bouquet of wildflowers.

Jump-Start Questions: What is the person in front about to say to the other person? Did they pick the flowers themselves, and do they have any special meaning? Where do the railroad tracks come from and go to?

Night Lights

Opening Line Idea: Misty rain both blurred and emphasized the lights that lit Suri’s way home that evening.

Jump-Start Questions: What is this person thinking about as they walk along? If this were you, would feel safe walking alone at night? What do you think the various signs say?

Forest of Fear

Opening Line Idea: At first, Mateo thought it was a joke, but the screams that followed told him there was nothing remotely funny about it.

Jump-Start Questions: Are there people behind the trees, or are the arms coming out of the trees themselves? Would you investigate or run away? What would you say to these people?

Opening Line Idea: At the elite level, being a spy meant serious commitments.

Jump-Start Questions: Would you like a cybernetic eye? What would you do if you woke up and found yourself with one against your will? Is this a human with an artificial eye or a very human-like cyborg?

The Yellow Door

Opening Line Idea: On their 14th birthday, every resident of Fresnia was required to stand before the Wall of Doors and make a choice.

Jump-Start Questions: Would you have painted this door yellow or chosen a different color? Do all the doors lead to the same place? Would you open the yellow door first, last, or not at all?

Graffiti Palace

Opening Line Idea: To strangers, it seemed random, but every mark on those walls had deep meaning for us.

Jump-Start Questions: Do you see this graffiti as vandalism or art? If you found a can of spray paint here, would you add your own contribution? What did this building used to be?

Fossil Fish

Opening Line Idea: Millions of years ago, the fish gave one final flop before lying still in the deep mud.

Jump-Start Questions: How did this fish die? How was it different from modern fish? What other fossils do you think might be found nearby?

On the Rails

Opening Line Idea: Aliyah stood on the tracks, uncertain of where to go next.

Jump-Start Questions: Is it safe for this person to be walking along these railroad tracks? What kind of music does the person like to play on their guitar? Is the person alone by choice?

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. We’ve also provided some opening line ideas.

The Dance Class (Edgar Degas)

Opening Line Idea: The studio was dusty, noisy, and crowded, but it was also home.

Greek Funerary Plaque (520-510 BCE)

Opening Line Idea: With one final tap and last dab of paint, the tablet was complete at last.

Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze)

Opening Line Idea: Was it bravery or sheer foolish bravado?

Kyōsai’s Pictures of One Hundred Demons

Opening Line Idea: “So this is where the wild things are,” she thought.

First Steps, After Millet (Vincent van Gogh)

Opening Line Idea: After so many years of hope and disappointment, this child made it all worthwhile.

Lady Lilith (Dante Gabriel Rossetti)

Opening Line Idea: Every night, without fail, 100 slow and steady strokes, just like her mother taught her.

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (Georges Seurat)

Opening Line Idea: At what point does afternoon become evening?

After the Hurricane, Bahamas (Winslow Homer)

Opening Line Idea: The skies were clearing, but the seas raged on.

Drawing Lots for Prizes (Kitagawa Utamaro)

Opening Line Idea: It was fun at first, but I soon grew tired of the never-ending parties, dancing, music, and false laughter.

Portions of Field Armor (Jacob Halder)

Opening Line Idea: The armor shone in the morning sun; by evening it would be scratched, worn, and covered in blood.

Sadie Pfeifer, a Cotton Mill Spinner (Lewis Wickes Hine)

Opening Line Idea: She’d never realized the factory would be so incredibly loud, the noise unrelenting and cruel.

Still Life With Monkey, Fruits, and Flowers (Jean Baptiste Oudry)

Opening Line Idea: “This is why we can’t have nice things,” she complained.

Man Leading a Giraffe, 5th Century Byzantine

Opening Line Idea: At this point, he couldn’t help but wonder: Was he leading the giraffe or was the giraffe leading him?

The Three Skulls (Paul Cézanne)

Opening Line Idea: Nothing bothered her more than the empty, vacant eyes.

The Madame B Album (Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier)

Opening Line Idea: “Definitely a new species,” confirmed the curator.

Coiled Trumpet in the Form of a Snarling Feline Face (c. 100 BCE to 500 CE)

Opening Line Idea: The trumpet called them all to attention, and the audience fell silent in an instant.

Crazy Quilt With Animals (Florence Elizabeth Marvin)

Opening Line Idea: Every stitch and scrap spun a story.

Storytime (Eugenio Zampighi)

Opening Line Idea: They could spend hours there, and they often did.

Cubist Village (Georges Gaudion)

Opening Line Idea: The Land of Oz looked very different from how Dorothy had described it.

Zig-Zag Passenger and Freight Train (Unknown)

Opening Line Idea: Frankly, I didn’t care where the train was going, or how long it would take to get there.

The Power of Music (William Sidney Mount)

Opening Line Idea: Sammy wanted to join in and lift his voice, but he knew they’d never welcome him in.

The Large Tree (Paul Gauguin)

Opening Line Idea: Outsiders saw it as paradise, and they weren’t far off.

After the Bath (Mary Cassatt)

Opening Line Idea: Motherhood was exhausting, but she found the rewards very sweet indeed.

Wedding Gown (Korea, Late 1800s)

Opening Line Idea: It was the most important gown she’d ever wear, and she begrudged every single stitch it took to make it.

The Contemplator (Eugène Carrière)

Opening Line Idea: Looking back, she seemed to see everything through a strange, dusty haze.

The Girl I Left Behind Me (Eastman Johnson)

Opening Line Idea: She was an old woman now, but when I thought of her, it was always as a brave, stoic child, standing tall atop the hillside as we trudged into the distance.

24c Curtiss Jenny Invert Single

Opening Line Idea: “Do you think anyone will notice?” asked Mr. Semple nervously.

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

Opening Line Idea: “Well, that’s mighty unsettling,” Pa said.

Wrecked Zeppelin (British Library)

Opening Line Idea: The wreckage drew crowds for weeks, but the great balloon’s demise made little difference in the end.

Skeleton (Tales of Terror Frontispiece)

Opening Line Idea: “Here we go again,” Cedric moaned, as the skeletons pulled him from the grave once more.

Get Your Free Picture Writing Prompt 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 .

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30 Creative Picture Writing Prompts

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: July 12, 2024

Picture prompt writing, as Carp et al. (2010) define it, is a technique that uses visual stimuli to inspire and guide students’ writing. Picture prompts are an excellent tool for overcoming writer’s block. They provide a visual stimulus that can ignite creativity and help students generate ideas and organize their thoughts, making the writing process more approachable and less intimidating.

In today’s post, I share practical tips for effectively using picture prompts in writing. I will start with some tips on how to best utilize picture prompts, discuss their numerous benefits, and provide examples to get you started. Additionally, I encourage you to read the references at the bottom of this page for a deeper understanding of this powerful educational tool.

All the picture prompts in this post are available for free download in PNG format. You can easily access and use these resources to enhance your teaching and engage your students in creative writing activities.

What Are The Benefits of Picture Writing Prompts?

The importance of picture writing prompts is well documented in the research literature. These visual tools have been shown to significantly enhance student engagement and creativity in writing tasks. By providing a concrete image to spark imagination, picture prompts help students of all ages and proficiency levels generate ideas more easily, organize their thoughts coherently, and express themselves more vividly.

Picture writing prompts offer a range of benefits supported by various studies:

• Enhanced Engagement and Motivation : Picture prompts capture students’ interest and motivate them to write, as they provide a stimulating visual context (Mukramah et al., 2023; Gonchar & Schulten, 2017).
• Improved Idea Formulation : Visual prompts help students generate and organize ideas more effectively, leading to richer and more detailed writing (Mukramah et al., 2023; Carp et al., 2020).
• Support for Diverse Learners : They are particularly beneficial for English Language Learners and students of different age groups, helping them overcome language barriers and express their thoughts clearly (Gonchar & Schulten, 2017).
• Encouragement of Creative Thinking : Picture prompts inspire creative storytelling and imaginative responses, allowing students to explore different narrative possibilities (Gonchar & Schulten, 2017).
• Facilitation of Critical Thinking : Analyzing and interpreting images encourages students to think critically about what they see and how they translate those thoughts into writing (Mukramah et al., 2023; Carp et al., 2020).
• Ease of Use Across Subjects : These prompts can be used in various subjects, not just language arts, to inspire writing related to science, social studies, and more (Gonchar & Schulten, 2017).

Tips for Using Picture Prompts in Writing

Using picture prompts in writing activities can be incredibly effective in enhancing students’ creativity and writing skills. However, to maximize their benefits, it’s essential to implement them thoughtfully. Below are some tips to help educators effectively use picture prompts in their writing lessons. These suggestions are designed to engage students, stimulate their imagination, and improve their overall writing abilities, making the writing process both educational and enjoyable.

• Select Diverse Images : Use a variety of pictures, including different subjects and settings, to cater to different interests and stimulate diverse ideas.
• Connect to Writing Goals : Choose images that align with specific writing objectives, such as descriptive, narrative, or persuasive writing.
• Encourage Observation : Ask students to closely observe details in the picture, fostering critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ask Guiding Questions : Provide prompts like “What is happening in this scene?” or “How do you think the characters feel?”
• Incorporate Group Activities : Use picture prompts for group discussions to generate collaborative story ideas.
• Allow Creative Freedom : Encourage students to interpret the images in unique ways, supporting creativity and individual expression.
• Combine with Other Prompts : Mix picture prompts with text or question prompts to provide more structure and support.
• Use for Various Genres : Adapt picture prompts for different genres, such as poetry, essays, and fiction.
• Reflect and Share : Have students share their stories with peers and reflect on how the images influenced their writing.
• Integrate Technology : Utilize digital platforms to display images and enable students to write and share their responses online.

Using Picture Prompt Writing with Students with Special Needs

Picture prompt writing is also beneficial for students with special needs, particularly those with developmental delays such as autism. The research conducted by Carp et al. (2012) found that picture prompts significantly improved the acquisition of auditory-visual conditional discriminations in children with autism, compared to pointing prompts and trial-and-error learning.

The study showed that picture prompts facilitated faster learning and greater accuracy by enhancing the participants’ ability to discriminate relevant features of the comparison stimuli. This suggests that picture prompts are a valuable tool in teaching complex skills to children with developmental delays, supporting their use in educational programs for individuals with autism.

Additionally, Fisher, Kodak, and Moore (2007) demonstrated that picture prompts facilitated the acquisition of auditory-visual conditional discriminations in children with autism. Their study found that picture prompts were more effective than pointing prompts in promoting correct comparison selections.

Carp et al. also cited additional studies that explored various prompting tactics and their effectiveness in teaching complex skills to individuals with developmental disabilities. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating picture prompts into educational strategies to support the learning and development of students with special needs.

Picture Writing Prompts Examples

In this section, I’ve categorized picture writing prompts into three groups to suit different age levels: kids, middle school, and high school. Each category contains tailored prompts designed to engage students at their respective developmental stages.

For Kids (Elementary School)

In this section, we will explore picture writing prompts designed for elementary school students. These prompts are tailored to engage young minds with topics that are both fun and educational. Whether it’s imagining a day in the life of a lion or describing the wonders of a magical garden, these prompts encourage creativity and help children develop their descriptive writing skills.

1. Animals and Nature

Prompt: “Write a story about a day in the life of a lion in the savannah. What adventures does the lion have? Who are its friends?”

Prompt: “Describe what happens in a magical garden that changes with each season. What do you see, hear, and smell during spring, summer, autumn, and winter?”

2. Fantasy and Adventure

Prompt: “Imagine you found a dragon egg. Describe what happens when it hatches and the adventures you go on with your dragon.”

Prompt: “Write about a group of friends who find a treasure map and go on a pirate adventure to find the hidden treasure.”

3. Daily Life

Prompt: “Describe a fun day at the park with your friends. What games do you play? What do you see around you?”

Prompt: “Write a story about your family cooking dinner together. What do you make, and how do you all help?”

4. Holidays and Celebrations

Prompt: “Write about the most exciting Halloween night you can imagine. What costumes do people wear? What surprises do you find?”

Prompt: “Describe a special family tradition during Christmas. What activities do you do together? How does it make you feel?”

5. Community and Helpers

Prompt: “Imagine you spent a day with a firefighter. Describe the different tasks you help with and how you save the day.”

Prompt: “Write a story about a community event like a parade or fair. What different activities and people do you see?”

For Middle School

Middle school is a time of expanding horizons and growing curiosity. This section focuses on picture writing prompts that challenge students to think critically and creatively. From historical events to futuristic cities, these prompts are designed to foster deeper thinking and help students make connections between their writing and the world around them.

1. Historical Events

Prompt: “Imagine you are a reporter covering the moon landing. Describe the events as you see them unfold and how people react.”

Prompt: “Write a diary entry from the perspective of a child living in ancient Egypt. What is your daily life like?”

2. Science and Technology

Prompt: “Describe a futuristic city where robots help with everyday tasks. How do people live and interact with these robots?”

Prompt: “Write about an environmental project you would start to help reduce pollution in your city.”

3. Mystery and Suspense

Prompt: “A foggy forest path leads to an abandoned house. Write a story about what you find inside and the mystery you uncover.”

Prompt: “Describe the events of a night when you and your friends decided to explore a rumored haunted house.”

4. Emotions and Relationships

Prompt: “Write about a time when you felt incredibly happy. What caused this happiness, and how did it change your day?”

Prompt: “Describe a friendship that started unexpectedly and became very important to you.”

5. Exploration and Travel

Prompt: “Imagine you are exploring the Great Wall of China. Describe your journey and the sights you see.”

Prompt: “Write a story about a scuba diving adventure where you discover a hidden underwater city.”

For High School

High school students are ready to tackle more complex and abstract themes in their writing. In this section, we provide picture writing prompts that encourage them to explore social issues, abstract concepts, and literary inspirations. These prompts are intended to provoke thoughtful responses and help students develop their analytical and expressive abilities.

1. Social Issues

Prompt: “Write an essay on the impact of climate change on your community. What changes have you observed, and what solutions do you propose?”

Prompt: “Describe a protest you attended or would like to attend. What is the cause, and what do you hope to achieve?”

2. Abstract and Symbolic

Prompt: “Look at an abstract painting and describe what it represents to you. How does it make you feel, and what do you think the artist was trying to convey?”

Prompt: “Write a story inspired by a symbolic image, such as a broken chain or a lone tree in a vast field.”

3. Literary Inspiration

Prompt: “Imagine you are a character in a classic novel like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ Write a new scene that fits into the story.”

Prompt: “Describe a painting from the Renaissance era and create a story based on the characters and setting.”

4. Career and Future

Prompt: “Write a day in the life of your dream job. What tasks do you perform, and what challenges do you face?”

Prompt: “Describe your first day at college. How do you feel, what do you do, and who do you meet?”

5. Cultural Diversity

Prompt: “Describe a cultural festival you attended. What traditions did you observe, and what did you learn?”

Prompt: “Write a story about a family from a different culture moving to your town. How do they adapt, and what do they teach you?”

Related: 9 Great Books on Essay Writing

Final thoughts

In this post, I talked about picture writing prompts and covered their importance, practical tips for using them, their benefits, and examples to get you started. Picture prompts are excellent tools for overcoming writer’s block and enhancing students’ creativity and writing skills. I hope these insights and strategies will inspire you to incorporate picture prompts into your writing activities. For further reading and a deeper understanding, I encourage you to explore the references provided.

• Carp, C. L., Peterson, S. P., Arkel, A. J., Petursdottir, A. I., & Ingvarsson, E. T. (2012). A further evaluation of picture prompts during auditory-visual conditional discrimination training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis , 45 (4), 737–751. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2012.45-737
• Dube, W. V., & McIlvane, W. J. (1999). Reduction of stimulus overselectivity with nonverbal differential observing responses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 25-33. doi:10.1901/jaba.1999.32-25
• Fisher, W. W., Kodak, T., & Moore, J. W. (2007). Embedding an identity-matching task within a prompting hierarchy to facilitate acquisition of conditional discriminations in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 489–499. doi:10.1901/jaba.2007.40-489
• Gonchar, M., & Schulten, K. (2017). A Year of Picture Prompts: Over 160 Images to Inspire Writing. The new York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/01/learning/lesson-plans/a-year-of-picture-prompts-over-160-images-to-inspire-writing.html
• Mukramah, C., Mustafa, F., & Sari, D. F. (2023). The Effect of Picture and Text Prompts on Idea Formulation and Organization of Descriptive Text. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 7(2), 325-341

Further Readings on Picture Prompt Writing

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the benefits and applications of picture prompts in writing, here are some valuable resources:

• “5 Reasons to Use Pictures as Writing Prompts” by The Write Practice
• “How to Use Images to Inspire Creative Writing” by Edutopia
• “ 144 Picture Prompts to Inspire Student Writing” by The Learning Network

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100 Picture Writing Prompts to Spark Your Creativity

What is picture prompt writing?

100 pictures prompts for creative writing

Nature and Landscapes

Urban settings, fantasy and sci-fi, everyday life and emotions, mystery and intrigue.

Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking mockingly as your creativity takes an unexpected hiatus? I get it, we've all been there. But what if I told you there's a magical portal to a realm of inspiration, where a single image can set your imagination ablaze? Intrigued? I know I was when I stumbled upon the transformative power of picture writing prompts. 'Can a simple picture really unlock a floodgate of ideas?' you might wonder. The answer? A resounding yes! Join me on a journey through 100 captivating visuals that will not only jumpstart your writing but might just redefine your creative process altogether. Let's embark on a quest to turn images into stories, one prompt at a time.

WHAT IS PICTURE PROMPT WRITING?

If you're new to the concept of picture prompts, they serve as a unique form of writing stimuli employing images to initiate storytelling.

Students are tasked with crafting a narrative, utilizing the image either as the backdrop for their tale or as a creative springboard. The advantage of these visual prompts lies in their ability to provide a solid starting point for students. Not only does this method offer guidance, but it also fosters the use of vivid adjectives and the construction of more intricate sentences.

While students often require more direction than a generic "write about this," bombarding them with excessive details can be overwhelming. Picture prompts strike a balance, offering just enough information to serve as a stress-free launchpad. Subsequently, students can weave their own narratives.

Although not indispensable for every writing exercise, picture prompts inject an element of enjoyment and simplicity into the process, igniting creativity and prompting students to think (and write!) beyond conventional boundaries.

100 picture prompts for creative writing

• A serene sunrise over a mountain range.
• An ancient, mystical forest with towering trees.
• A secluded beach at sunset, waves gently kissing the shore.
• A vibrant, otherworldly waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.
• A desert oasis with a lone camel resting in the shade.
• A snowy wilderness with footprints leading into the unknown.
• A vast field of wildflowers stretching to the horizon.
• A moonlit night over a calm lake, reflecting the stars.
• A city skyline viewed from a rooftop during a thunderstorm.
• A meandering river through a peaceful countryside.
• A group of hot air balloons floating over rolling hills.
• A tropical rainforest with colorful birds and exotic flowers.
• A thunderstruck landscape with a rainbow breaking through the clouds.
• A serene pond surrounded by weeping willows.
• A canyon bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun.
• A mysterious cave entrance with a soft glow emanating from within.
• A futuristic city on another planet, with alien architecture.
• A serene Japanese garden with a stone bridge over a koi pond.
• A dense fog rolling over a tranquil lake.
• A field of sunflowers stretching towards the sun.
• A bustling marketplace with diverse characters and colors.
• An abandoned amusement park with rusted rides.
• A futuristic cityscape with hovering vehicles.
• A hidden alleyway filled with street art.
• A crowded subway station during rush hour.
• An old bookstore with dusty shelves and hidden corners.
• A rooftop garden overlooking a city skyline.
• An antique clock tower in the heart of the city.
• A vibrant street festival with food stalls and performers.
• A quirky, colorful neighborhood cafe.
• A neon-lit cyberpunk street with holographic advertisements.
• A dilapidated industrial district with overgrown vegetation.
• A retro diner with checkered floors and red vinyl seats.
• A contemporary art gallery with avant-garde installations.
• A bustling harbor with ships coming and going.
• A street musician performing in a busy city square.
• A skyscraper under construction with cranes in action.
• A trendy coworking space with people collaborating.
• A vintage cinema with a marquee displaying classic films.
• A serene canal in a European city with historic architecture.
• An alien landscape with strange flora and fauna.
• A magical door hidden in a tree, leading to another realm.
• A steampunk-style airship soaring through the clouds.
• A dragon's lair filled with treasures and mysteries.
• A time-traveling device with intricate dials and buttons.
• A futuristic space station with advanced technology.
• A hidden portal in an ordinary-looking wardrobe.
• A wizard's library filled with enchanted books.
• A floating island in the sky with gravity-defying landscapes.
• An underwater city inhabited by merfolk.
• A mechanical golem standing guard in an ancient city.
• A celestial observatory on a distant planet.
• A futuristic cityscape with flying cars and neon lights.
• A mystical potion laboratory with bubbling concoctions.
• A parallel dimension where gravity works differently.
• A cyberspace landscape with digital structures.
• A mythical creature market with vendors selling magical items.
• A space explorer's ship floating in the vastness of space.
• A cosmic library containing knowledge from across the universe.
• An enchanted forest with talking animals and sentient plants.
• A child's messy room with toys scattered about.
• A moment of joy captured in a family photo.
• An old suitcase filled with travel memorabilia.
• A rainy day seen through a window with raindrops.
• A pair of hands holding a handwritten love letter.
• A solitary figure in a quiet library reading a book.
• A crowded cafe with people engrossed in their laptops.
• A broken mirror reflecting fragmented images.
• A person staring out of a window lost in thought.
• A worn-out pair of shoes with stories to tell.
• A kitchen filled with the aroma of baking cookies.
• A cozy fireplace in a cabin with snow falling outside.
• A child's drawing taped to a refrigerator door.
• A musician composing a song in a cluttered studio.
• A couple dancing under a starlit sky.
• A gardener tending to a vibrant flower bed.
• A student studying in a sunlit library.
• A group of friends sharing laughter around a bonfire.
• An artist's studio with canvases and paintbrushes.
• A parent teaching a child to ride a bike in a quiet neighborhood.
• A vintage key with an ornate design.
• A torn map with cryptic markings.
• A closed book with a mysterious symbol on the cover.
• A locked door with light seeping through the keyhole.
• A secret passage hidden behind a bookshelf.
• A message in a bottle washed ashore.
• A vintage magnifying glass on a detective's desk.
• A dusty attic with forgotten artifacts.
• A moonlit graveyard with ancient tombstones.
• A dimly lit room with a single flickering candle.
• A mysterious coded message written on an old parchment.
• A hidden treasure chest buried in the sand.
• A detective examining a crime scene with clues scattered.
• A conspiracy board with interconnected strings and notes.
• A mysterious silhouette in a foggy alley.
• A locked briefcase with unknown contents.
• A secret society meeting in an underground chamber.
• A haunted mansion with creaking doors and shadows.
• A mysterious figure in a dark cloak leaving a cryptic note.
• A forgotten diary with entries hinting at a hidden secret.

Still wondering how a simple image can be the key to unlocking a hundred different stories? Curiosity sparked? That's the magic of our 100 Picture Writing Prompts journey. Delve into landscapes that stir your imagination, explore urban settings bustling with stories, and venture into the realms of fantasy and sci-fi. Witness the beauty of everyday life and the emotions it evokes, or unravel mysteries that await your keen detective eye. Picture prompts transcend words, sparking creativity beyond limits. So, are you ready to transform a single frame into a hundred tales? Join me on this visual odyssey, where every prompt is a portal to endless possibilities, inviting you to weave your own narrative magic.

Image & Imagination: 95+ Photo Prompts to Ignite Your Storytelling

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on August 17, 2023

Categories Writing

You’ve hit a creative wall, haven’t you? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

But what if you could unlock inspiration with a glance at a photo? That’s the power of writing photo prompts. They’re not just images; they’re catalysts for your creativity.

So grab your pen, open your mind and let’s dive into the world of photo prompts – where every picture can spark a thousand ideas!

Key Takeaways

• Photo prompts unlock inspiration and trigger ideas, emotions, and memories in writing.
• Images serve as untapped reservoirs of inspiration and are catalysts for compelling narratives.
• Photo prompts engage the senses, evoke emotions, and create narratives through visual storytelling techniques.
• Visual cues in photo prompts spark creativity, help overcome writer’s block, and stimulate the senses in writing.

95 Photo-Inspired Writing Prompts

A picture is worth a thousand words—or so the saying goes. But what if a photo could be the spark that ignites a thousand stories?

Here are 95 intriguing photo prompts, each designed to stimulate your creativity and beckon your words onto the page. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for fresh inspiration or a budding author eager to explore new narratives, these images will transport you to myriad worlds, emotions, and possibilities.

So, grab your pen, gaze into the captured moments, and let the stories unfold. The power of visual storytelling awaits.

• An aerial mountain landscape – describe the view.
• A lighthouse on a cliff overlooking the ocean – write about a day in the life of the lighthouse keeper.
• A young girl standing in an open field holding a metal detector – what might she find?
• An abandoned amusement park – what memories linger?
• A small boat alone in the ocean – what journey lies ahead?
• A rain-streaked window looking out on a city street – describe the view.
• A winter cabin in the woods – describe a day there.
• A boardwalk at sunset – describe the scene.
• A small boat floating down a foggy river – set the scene.
• A dark landscape lit by lightning – set the scene.
• An empty rocking chair on a porch – imagine who sat there.
• A deer silhouetted in a forest – describe the moment.
• A closeup of an eye with a reflection – what does the eye see?
• Cherry blossoms blooming – describe their significance.
• A bridge over water at golden hour – imagine looking over the edge.
• A pier stretching out into a misty lake – describe the atmosphere.
• A child holding a conch shell to their ear – imagine what they hear.
• A photo of a solar eclipse – describe the experience of viewing one.
• A grove of redwood trees stretching up to the sky – imagine wandering among them.
• A rocky beach at sunset – describe the colors and mood.
• An underwater shipwreck – reveal its secrets.
• A golden field of wheat swaying in the wind – describe its beauty.
• A mountain climber scaling a cliff – describe their thoughts.
• A bear standing in a river catching fish – tell the surrounding story.
• An aerial view of rice terraces carved into a hillside – consider their creation.
• A flaming fire poi spinner at a festival – describe their dance.
• Rooftop terraces looking out over a city – bring the view to life.
• Peeling paint on an abandoned building – contemplate its decay.
• A magnifying glass over an eye – describe what’s revealed in the eye’s reflection.
• A bike parked in an alley with a picnic spread next to it – imagine the scene.
• A path winding through a field of wildflowers – describe the walk.
• A twisted tree growing sideways out of a cliff – describe its resilience.
• A whale’s tail breaching the ocean surface – imagine the moment.
• A cat perched on a windowsill gazing out – describe what it sees.
• A couple dancing under string lights at a summer wedding – what are their names and how did they meet?
• Friends gathered around a campfire under the stars – what are their stories?
• A woman sitting alone on a bench with a suitcase – where is she headed?
• Two people shaking hands on a business deal – what deal are they striking?
• A young man walking down train tracks – where does he come from and where is he going?
• A mother laughing with her child – describe a moment between them.
• A person staring at a wall of missing person flyers – what are they thinking?
• A photobooth strip of friends making silly faces – give them a story.
• A child walking along the beach with an empty leash – describe the significance.
• Two old friends laughing over coffee – reveal their conversation.
• An elderly man on a park bench feeding pigeons – give him a story.
• A teenage girl’s bedroom with band posters on the wall – imagine who lives there.
• A fisherman sitting alone at the end of a dock – give him a story.
• A winding road disappearing into a forest – where does it lead?
• An old black and white photo of a crowded city street – what’s the story?
• An old home with a ‘for sale’ sign on the overgrown lawn – what’s its history?
• A historic downtown with old shops and neon signs – pick a store and describe it.
• A young girl peeking into a small door in a tree trunk – what world lies inside?
• A historic theater with old movie posters out front – imagine attending on opening night.
• A historic courthouse – imagine a trial that once took place there.
• A worn ‘Route 66’ highway sign – describe a road trip down this famous route.
• A rundown diner on an empty road – what memories live within its walls?
• A crumbling stone house – reveal its secrets.
• A locker full of yearbooks – flip through the memories.
• A maze of library bookshelves – explore the space.
• A rundown gas station – imagine its place in someone’s story.
• A street performer playing guitar for a crowd – describe the experience.
• An empty house with old furniture covered in sheets – what happened here?
• A dimly lit dive bar – explore its secrets.
• A bookshelf filled with antiques – focus on one item and its history.
• Billboards lighting up Times Square – describe the energy.
• A crumbling gothic mansion – reveal its past.
• An overhead view of a sprawling hedge maze – tell the story of someone lost inside.
• Stack of old vinyl records – choose an album cover that intrigues you and explore its story.
• A grand hotel lobby – imagine yourself passing through.
• A drive-in movie theater – paint a scene under the stars.
• An empty carnival at night – explore the space.
• A typed letter scattered on the floor – piece together the story.
• A room with paintings covering every inch of wall space – explore the collection.
• A crumbling stone tower – reveal its purpose and history.
• A mansion with ivy climbing up the facade – explore inside.

Imagination

• A child sitting on a suitcase looking out a train window – where are they going?
• A band performing live on a stage – describe the scene.
• A bag of money sitting on a hotel bed – describe how it got there.
• An abandoned car on the side of a desert road – how did it get there?
• A mixed media collage – describe it in detail.
• A closeup of a face with eyes closed – what are they thinking about?
• A camper driving down an empty desert road – describe the journey.
• A room full of candles and mirrors – imagine yourself inside.
• A crumbling hourglass with sand spilling out – consider the fragility of time.
• A rusted old key sitting on a table – what does it unlock?
• A suitcase with stickers from all over the world – imagine whose it is and their travels.
• A room filled with candles – set the mood.
• A lone house in a sweeping desert landscape – imagine who lives there.
• A woman whispering into a glass bottle – share the secrets inside.
• A rollercoaster speeding down its tracks – describe the experience.
• A room with photos linked together on string – explore the connections.
• An open book with a ribbon bookmark placed carefully inside – share a passage.

The Concept of Photo Prompts in Writing

You’re probably wondering how photo prompts can enhance your writing, aren’t you?

Think of it as a gateway to your subconscious, where the realm of ‘photo prompts psychology’ comes alive. A single image can trigger an avalanche of ideas, emotions, and memories that were previously unnoticed.

Imagine the world of journalism. A photo prompt isn’t just another picture; it’s a story waiting to be narrated—a crucial element in ‘photo prompts in journalism’. A war-torn street, a jubilant crowd, or even a solemn sunset—all carry stories worth telling.

You see these images and they speak to you, sparking creativity that translates into compelling narratives. So next time you’re stuck for words, remember: A picture isn’t just worth a thousand words—it’s also an untapped reservoir of inspiration.

How to Effectively Use Photo Prompts

It’s crucial to understand how to utilize these visual cues effectively in order to enhance your creative process. Here are some visual storytelling techniques you can use with photo prompts for poetry:

• Engage Your Senses
• Explore the scene: What do you see, hear, smell, or feel?
• Evoke emotion: How does the image make you feel?
• Create a Narrative
• Identify characters: Who/What is in the photo?
• Plot a story: What happened before this moment? What will happen next?
• Incorporate Symbolism
• Find deeper meaning: What symbolic elements can you identify?
• Create metaphors/similes based on these symbols.

Creative Ideas for Writing Photo Prompts

Let’s delve into some innovative ways to harness imagery for your poetic inspirations.

Imagine a cascade of photo prompt variations, each one a different snapshot of life waiting to evoke emotion within your words. Consider the raw intensity of a stormy ocean or the vibrant bustle of a city street at dusk. These visuals aren’t just prompts; they’re catalysts for creativity.

Try pairing contrasting images to showcase the dichotomy in your narrative. A barren desert against an urban jungle can ignite riveting tales of survival and adaptation. Experiment with evoking emotions using prompts that resonate on personal levels; perhaps an old family photo or a poignant childhood memory captured in pixels.

The key is to let these images inspire, guide, but never limit your imagination’s flight into the realm of poetry!

Advantages of Using Photo Prompts in Writing

Using visual cues in your storytelling has several perks. It sparks creativity and provides a tangible point of reference, like opening a treasure chest of inspiration. Visual prompts such as images, colors, and patterns/textures can boost creativity and help overcome writer’s block.

Images are powerful tools that can paint a thousand words. Just one photo can spawn countless ideas. Colors, on the other hand, evoke emotions and set the mood for your story. They add depth and detail to your descriptions. Patterns and textures also play a role in enhancing your storytelling. They add depth and detail to your descriptions.

Imagine you’re viewing an image of an abandoned house with peeling paint. The eerie silence is palpable. The faded blue color speaks volumes about its forgotten history. The rough texture narrates tales of weathered storms. Your mind races, fabricating a compelling narrative around this lone structure.

With visuals stimulating your senses, writing becomes an exciting exploration!

Case Studies: Successful Use of Photo Prompts in Writing

You’ve no doubt heard of successful authors who’ve used visual cues to inspire their narratives, haven’t you? There’s an art to it; a dance between image and imagination that births captivating tales.

Through prompt selection techniques, they find the perfect photo prompt challenges and transform them into vibrant prose.

Imagine a sepia photograph: old, faded around the edges. Every wrinkle and crease tells a story of its own. The author studies it, peeling back layers of time with every glance. Suddenly, characters rise from the shadows – whispers of forgotten eras transforming into roaring dialogues.

This is the power of photo prompts! They’re not just pictures; they’re keys unlocking worlds within your mind. So next time you’re facing writer’s block or seeking fresh inspiration, remember this secret weapon – Photo Prompts!

So, you’ve explored the vibrant world of photo prompts! You’ve grasped their power to spark creativity and seen them transform writing. You’ve marveled at their success stories.

Remember, it’s your turn now. Grab a photo prompt and let its story sweep you away. Spill those words and unleash that creative beast within you. Because with photo prompts in your arsenal, the sky is just the beginning!

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15 Inspiring Picture Prompts To Help Your Creative Writing

Writer’s block – is there anything worse? You know that you can write a masterpiece but sometimes your mind is empty of ideas. 

If you’re a student starting the world of creative writing or just someone looking to shake up your literacy skills, hitting the well-known creative wall is a rite of passage. It happens to all writers – even J.K. Rowling!  Head here to learn about 25 famous writers who experience writer’s block.

But here’s a little secret: it’s not always about drumming up ideas from thin air, sometimes you just need a little nudge to get into your writing flow, and that’s where the magic of an image prompt comes in. Combine these with some creative writing techniques and you’ll have a killer story in your hands.

This guide will introduce you to 15 must-have picture prompts designed to inspire your creative writing. Each prompt has been carefully selected to cover a wide selection of creative writing examples, ensuring that you find the perfect match when story ideas are difficult to find. 

What Are Picture Prompts?

Think of it as a creativity spark —a simple image that acts as a writing prompt. They kickstart your writing and generate so many ideas for characters, plots and even new worlds that you’ve never thought of.  No matter whether you’re piecing together a short story, starting the first chapter of a novel, or just in the mood for a fun writing exercise, weaving inspiring pictures into your routine can unlock storytelling abilities you never thought you had. 

How Do I Use Picture Prompts?

Below I’ve carefully selected 15 pictures that all depict different stories and will get your imagination clogs turning and spark creative ideas. 

But the best element of picture writing is that I’ve written questions above each photo that are designed to push you deeper into the narrative of each image, encouraging you to explore various angles and perspectives. By asking yourself these questions, you’re not just observing; you’re actively engaging with the scene, considering the emotions, backstories, and hidden details that might not be immediately apparent.  So jot down observations, ideas, emotions, or anything that comes to mind from the picture prompts. 

Ready to get started? Let’s turn those blank pages into a writing masterpiece!

1. Ancient Stories

Who drew these drawings? Why did they draw them? What story do they tell?

2. Takeoff Countdown

Where is man travelling and why? What is he thinking as he looks out onto the aeroplane? What does his outfit say about his character? 

3. Nature’s Nightlights

How does the light from the mushrooms and fireflies create a sense of magic? Who visits this spot when humans aren’t looking? 

4. Small But Mighty

Can you think of other people that appear insignificant to others but are strong in other ways? 

5. Wild Playgrounds

What smells, textures and sounds do you hear in the forest? Why are the children laughing? Is this in the present or a memory? 

6. Gateway to the Unknown

Where does the gateway lead to? Who put in this field and why? Does something happen to you as you enter the portal?

7. The Wolf’s Counsel

Is the wolf helping the woman or viewing her as prey? What is their relationship? What do the crows and moonlight signify? 

8. Corridors in the Cosmos

Where is this corridor? How do the metallic walls and clinical lights effect the image’s mood? What is behind the locked door? 

9. The Mountain Pass 

Where does this path lead? Home or an adventure? How does the stormy weather and snow-topped mountains set the mood for this scene? 

10. Cloud Wanderer

Is the traveller looking for something or simply taking in the view? What does the contrast of the tiny viewer and the vast scenery symbolise? 

11. Charting the Uncharted 

What land is this map showing? What does it show? What do the illustrations and style of the map say about the people who created it? 

12. A Handful of Mystery 

What emotions does this image evoke? How does the shadow of the hand add mystery to the image?

13. The Case of the Broken Door

Why did someone break into the door? Are they friend or foe? Where is the door located? 

14. The White Cover-Up

Who is the man painting the wall? Is he painting a new design or covering something he wants to stay hidden?

15. Sunshine Ride 

What do the colours, objects and scenery of this image evoke? Why has the driver chosen to travel here? 

End Writer’s Block For Good With Picture Prompts 

So, if you’re ever stuck or just looking for a fresh spark, remember the power of picture prompts. They’re an incredibly easy and effective way to turn a daunting blank page into the first chapter of your novel. Whenever I hit a creative roadblock, picture writing prompts have been my go-to solution for reigniting my imagination.  Let us know in the comments how you get on! 

Marie is a blogger who loves to share writing and reading tips online. If you want to learn more about literature or how to improve your creative writing, this is the blog for you.

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• Image Prompts

How to Use Picture Writing Prompts & 25 Images to Inspire You

They say a picture is worth a thousand words…And in my opinion, this is so true. When you’re sitting there, staring at a blank page there are a couple of ways you can get inspiration . One of the best ways to get inspiration is through picture writing prompts. The same image could have so many different meanings depending on who you show it to and the questions you ask yourself when you try to explore the image in detail. But how do image prompts inspire you and how exactly do you use image prompts? To help you out, we have collected over 25 images from around the internet and provided some guidance on how to use image prompts. To go an extra step further you might want to take a look at these fun video writing prompts for kids.

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.

25+ Images to Inspire Writing

Check out this mega list of over 85 random picture writing prompts , plus a free printable for more inspiration!

How to Use Image Writing Prompts to Inspire You

Some of these images might give you an idea for your story straight away, others may need some more thinking about. Here are some tips on how to use image prompts to inspire you. You might want to take a look at these fun image prompt storytelling games to help you further.

• Give yourself time to look at each image prompt, maybe around 1 minute to just observe what is actually happening in the image.
• Spend a further 10 minutes writing everything that comes to mind when you look at the picture.
• Don’t just look at the image or its appearance – go deeper. Think about how the image makes you feel and imagine if you were in the image what would you be doing?
• What: What is happening in the image?
• Where: Where is this place or location? Is it on Earth or on a faraway planet?
• Why: Why is this image important?
• When: When do you think these events took place? Think about the history of the image or what will happen in the future.
• Who: Who is in the image? Can you link any characters to the image?
• Don’t focus too much on telling a story just yet. First, make as many notes as possible on a piece of paper relating to the image. After a good 10 minutes of note writing, you should have a load of ideas to help you with writing a story.

How do you use image prompts?

Do you like using image prompts? Do they help inspire you when you have nothing to write about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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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The Fiction Collection

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 .

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?

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

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

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

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

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

© 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

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?

• 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

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

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

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.

AFTERNOON STROLL

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

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

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.

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.

20 Picture-Based Writing Prompts and Ideas for Kids

A picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s certainly the case with visual writing prompts! 

Be it a simple object or a fantastical scene, a picture is all it takes to spark a child’s imagination. 

That’s why I love picture writing prompts for kids who are learning how to write. 

They help alleviate the burden of not knowing where to start while providing creative flexibility for students to pen their own stories.

I especially like to use picture prompts for teaching descriptive writing . They encourage children to focus, study, and evaluate an image with all its colors and scenery, which naturally sparks more descriptive text .  

get this picture prompt printable for free!

What is picture prompt writing.

If you’re unfamiliar with picture prompts, they are a type of writing prompt that uses an image to start a story. 

Students then create a story, using the picture as either the setting or simply a jumping off point. 

The benefit of visual writing prompts is that it gives students a place to start. Not only that, it encourages them to use more adjectives and write in more detailed sentences.

Most students need some guidance beyond “write about this.” The again, too many details can be overwhelming. 

Picture prompts give kids just enough information to act as a stress-free starting point, and from there, they can tell their own stories.

They aren’t necessary for every writing activity, but they’re a fun and simple way to spark creativity—and they often prompt students to think (and write!) outside the box.  

How to Use Picture Writing Prompts

Students who struggle to write may naturally gravitate towards picture prompts. 

In fact, picture writing for kids is particularly helpful for reluctant writers who struggle with expressing themselves in words.

The prompts can be paired with any number of writing activities, from freewriting to journal writing to creative writing.

Choosing pictures for kids to write about will largely depend on the skill level and age of your student.

As a general rule of thumb, you want to use the most interesting pictures for writing prompts you can find.

As kids get older, their writing world expands, so their prompts can be more in-depth and structured.

You can even try using two unrelated prompts and have your students develop a story that incorporates both perspectives.

Here are a few more specific ways to use visual writing prompts:

1. Choose pictures that aren’t so clear-cut. Ambiguous images lead to more brainstorming, providing plenty of room for interpretation and creativity.

2. Give students ample time to look at and study the image. 

3. Give them 5-10 minutes to write everything they can think about when they look at the picture. 

4. Use the 5 Ws to start the conversation. This encourages young writers to look closely for clues about a possible storyline.

• What? What’s going on in the image?
• Where? Where is it taking place?
• Who? Who or what is the subject of the scene?
• Why? What caused the scene in the image? Why did it happen?
• When? What happened before the picture? What happens after?

5. You can also give them a series of pictures for story writing . This is a great option for older elementary up to middle school students. 

As you can see, picture prompts are pretty open-ended. You can tweak and use them whichever way works best for your student. 

Want to try using picture prompts?

We’ve provided 20 creative, engaging visual prompts below.

Have fun! 

For more writing fun, try these fall-themed prompts , winter writing prompts , or one-sentence story starters .

20 Picture Writing Prompts for Kids

The icebreaker.

• Something mysterious caused the cracking.…
• What do you think is underneath this sheet of ice?
• How far will the cracks spread? What will happen?

The Gardener and the Magical Plant 

• It’s not an ordinary seed sprouting…
• What do you think will grow?
• Who is planting the seedling?

Adventures Of The Dive Club

• Did they find treasure under the sea?
• What did they capture on camera?
• Where in the world are they? 

The Lion and the Lost Lambs

• It was an unlikely friendship…
• Do the lambs feel safe with the lion?
• What is the lion thinking?

Runaway Cow

• Why is the cow so far away from the rest of the herd?
• What is the cow looking at?
• What’s going through her mind?

Sunset at the Meadow

• The tire swing was still swaying as they left…
• Who was playing here?
• Where are the birds going?

A Kitty of a Different Kind

• Why does the cat have different eye colors?
• It’s not just his eyes that made him different…
• What is the cat’s name?

The Missing Plane

• Where is the plane going?
• How did it get lost? 
• What happens next?

Best Friends in a Snowstorm

• What are their names?
• How did they become friends?
• What are they talking about?

The Icky Sticky Ice Cream Cone

• The person who dropped this ice cream was startled…
• What made them drop their ice cream?
• Describe the scene, the emotions, etc.

A Bug’s Life

• What is the bug doing?
• What is his name?
• His friends made fun of him because he was green…

The Secret Spy Frog

• What or who is the frog watching?
• Why is the frog hiding?
• What is his secret mission?

The Surprise of a Lifetime

• What is this little boy’s story?
• What or who surprised him?

The Hidden House in the Woods

• There is something very special about this house…
• Could this be the house everyone in the village spoke of?
• Who lives there?

Beneath the Waves

• Who took this photo?
• Where are all the fish going?
• Are they running away from someone/something?

The Boy and the Giant Roly-Poly Pumpkin

• It was no ordinary pumpkin…
• What’s inside the pumpkin?
• What is the boy going to do with it?

The “Cat-tastrophe” Shower

• The cat made such a mess…what happened?
• What is the cat thinking?
• What does he do after getting bathed?

World-Famous PupStar

• What is the dog’s name?
• What made this dog famous?
• Why is he taking the photo?

The Sinking House

• What do you think caused the house to sink?
• Where are the people who lived in the house? Are they still there?
• Use your imagination!

The Dinosaurs and the Broccoli Forest

• Why are these dinos eating broccoli? 
• Where are all the other dinosaurs?
• Are there other animals in the forest?

Download and Print FREE Picture Prompts (PDF)

No matter what grade your kids are in, they will love these fun (and often funny!) elementary picture writing prompts.  

The concepts are suitable for a wide age range and can be used by first graders all the way up to middle school students.

Now when you hear the dreaded, “ I have nothing to write about! ” just pull out these picture prompts, provide pencil and paper, and let your young writers create!

About The Author

Jordan Mitchell

100 Thanksgiving Writing Prompts (Gobble Gobble)

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun—and what better way to celebrate than by getting those creative juices flowing?

Whether you’re a teacher looking for engaging prompts for your students, a student ready to dive into a writing adventure, or a writer searching for inspiration, this list is packed with 100 unique and creative Thanksgiving writing prompts.

Get ready to gobble up some inspiration.

1. Turkey Tales: Creative Thanksgiving Stories

Table of Contents

Thanksgiving is the perfect backdrop for some imaginative storytelling.

Let your mind wander as you craft tales of talking turkeys, mysterious pilgrim adventures, and unexpected holiday surprises. This category is all about letting your creativity soar!

• Imagine a turkey that can time travel—where does it go, and what does it do to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner?
• Write a story about a Thanksgiving feast that takes place in space. What do the astronauts eat?
• A pilgrim and a Native American discover a magical cornucopia—what powers does it have, and how do they use it?
• A turkey and a pumpkin team up to save Thanksgiving from being canceled. How do they do it?
• You wake up on Thanksgiving morning to find your house has turned into a giant turkey! What happens next?
• A family receives a mysterious invitation to a Thanksgiving dinner in an enchanted forest. Describe their experience.
• Write a story from the perspective of a cranberry sauce can—what does it think of Thanksgiving?
• A group of animals plans their own Thanksgiving feast in the woods. What do they serve, and how do they celebrate?
• A mischievous elf decides to swap out all the traditional Thanksgiving foods with something unusual. What does the meal look like?
• A young pilgrim finds a secret diary from the first Thanksgiving. What secrets does it reveal?
• The Thanksgiving parade balloons come to life and have their own celebration. Describe the chaos that ensues.
• A magical turkey feather grants wishes on Thanksgiving. What does the main character wish for?
• Write about a Thanksgiving where the food magically transports everyone who eats it to a different time period.
• The family turkey runs away the night before Thanksgiving. How does the family track it down?
• A Thanksgiving dinner goes wrong when all the food suddenly comes to life. How does the family handle the situation?
• A group of kids discover a portal to the first Thanksgiving. What do they learn, and how do they get back?
• Write a story where the Thanksgiving turkey turns out to be a superhero in disguise.
• A child receives a magical cornucopia that fills with their wildest Thanksgiving wishes. What happens?
• A Thanksgiving wishbone grants a family member the ability to speak to animals. What do they learn?
• The main character accidentally shrinks to the size of a cranberry and must navigate Thanksgiving dinner.
• A turkey and a pilgrim switch bodies on Thanksgiving Day. How do they navigate the holiday?
• A family tradition involves telling ghost stories on Thanksgiving night. What’s the spookiest story they tell?
• A young chef competes in a Thanksgiving cooking contest with a surprise twist ingredient. What happens?
• Write about a Thanksgiving where everyone forgets how to cook, and they must improvise a feast.
• A magical snowstorm on Thanksgiving leads to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What happens?

2. Gratitude Chronicles: Reflective Thanksgiving Writing

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and these prompts encourage you to reflect on what you’re thankful for.

Whether it’s people, experiences, or even challenges, these prompts will help you express your appreciation in unique ways.

• Write a letter to someone you’re thankful for, explaining why they mean so much to you.
• Reflect on a challenge you faced this year and how you’re thankful for the lessons it taught you.
• Create a gratitude journal entry where you list 50 things you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving.
• Write about a time when someone showed you kindness and how it impacted your life.
• Describe a Thanksgiving from your past that you’re particularly grateful for and why.
• Write a poem about the little things in life that bring you joy and gratitude.
• Imagine a world where Thanksgiving didn’t exist. How would you create a new holiday focused on gratitude?
• Reflect on a person who has passed away and write about the impact they had on your life.
• Write about a difficult decision you made this year and why you’re thankful for the outcome.
• Describe a tradition you’re grateful for and how it has shaped your Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Reflect on how your perspective on gratitude has changed over the years.
• Write about a moment this year when you felt overwhelming gratitude.
• Imagine you’re a Thanksgiving dish. What are you, and why are you grateful to be part of the meal?
• Write a story where gratitude transforms a character’s life in an unexpected way.
• Reflect on a book, movie, or song that you’re thankful for and explain why it resonates with you.
• Describe a place that fills you with gratitude and why it’s special to you.
• Write about a family member who inspires gratitude in you and how they do it.
• Imagine you could only keep three possessions. What would they be, and why are you grateful for them?
• Reflect on a time when you had to express gratitude in a challenging situation.
• Write about a community or group you’re thankful to be a part of and what it means to you.
• Describe a moment of quiet gratitude you experienced this year.
• Write a fictional story where a character discovers the true meaning of gratitude.
• Reflect on how gratitude has played a role in your personal growth.
• Write about a Thanksgiving tradition you’d like to start and why it would bring gratitude to others.
• Imagine a world where everyone had to express gratitude before receiving their Thanksgiving meal. How would this change the holiday?

3. Thanksgiving Traditions: Exploring Festive Customs

Thanksgiving traditions vary from family to family, but they all have one thing in common—they bring people together.

These prompts explore the customs, rituals, and special moments that make Thanksgiving unique.

• Write about a unique Thanksgiving tradition your family has and how it started.
• Imagine you’re starting a new Thanksgiving tradition. What is it, and why is it important to you?
• Describe a Thanksgiving tradition from another culture or country that you find interesting.
• Write about a Thanksgiving where your family tries a completely new tradition. How does it go?
• Reflect on a Thanksgiving tradition that has been passed down for generations in your family.
• Imagine a future Thanksgiving—how will traditions change, and what new ones might emerge?
• Write about the most memorable Thanksgiving tradition you’ve experienced and why it stands out.
• Create a story where two families with very different Thanksgiving traditions come together for the holiday.
• Reflect on a tradition you wish your family had and why you think it would be meaningful.
• Write about a Thanksgiving tradition that involves giving back to the community.
• Imagine you’re in charge of creating a Thanksgiving parade float. What tradition would it represent, and why?
• Write about a tradition that your family has discontinued and how you feel about it.
• Describe a Thanksgiving where the main tradition is all about storytelling. What stories are shared?
• Write a fictional story where a new Thanksgiving tradition brings a family closer together.
• Reflect on a Thanksgiving tradition that makes you feel most connected to your loved ones.
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the tradition is to cook everything from scratch—how does it go?
• Write about a Thanksgiving tradition that involves nature, like a hike or outdoor activity.
• Reflect on a tradition that involves a special dish or recipe—how did it become a tradition?
• Create a story where a family discovers a forgotten Thanksgiving tradition from their ancestors.
• Write about a Thanksgiving tradition that focuses on gratitude rather than food.
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the tradition is to exchange handmade gifts. What would you give?
• Reflect on a tradition that involves music or singing—how does it enhance the holiday?
• Write about a Thanksgiving where the tradition is to invite someone new to the celebration each year.
• Imagine you’re creating a Thanksgiving tradition for a group of friends. What would it involve?
• Reflect on how Thanksgiving traditions have evolved in your family over time.

4. Thanksgiving Adventures: Action-Packed Writing Prompts

Not all Thanksgiving stories need to be about sitting around the dinner table.

These prompts are for those who love a bit of action and excitement in their writing. From daring rescues to thrilling chases, these Thanksgiving adventures are sure to get your heart racing.

• Write a story where a group of friends embarks on a Thanksgiving treasure hunt. What do they find?
• A Thanksgiving Day parade goes awry when a balloon breaks loose—how do the characters save the day?
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the main character has to rescue a family member lost in a corn maze.
• A Thanksgiving road trip turns into an unexpected adventure when the family car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
• Write about a character who has to save the Thanksgiving turkey from a group of mischievous kids.
• A Thanksgiving Day football game turns into a fierce competition—who wins, and how?
• Imagine a Thanksgiving dinner where all the guests have to solve a mystery before they can eat.
• Write about a Thanksgiving where the characters get stranded in a snowstorm. How do they make the best of it?
• A character has to track down the perfect pumpkin pie recipe in a race against time. What obstacles do they face?
• Write a story where a Thanksgiving cooking disaster turns into the best meal ever through a series of unexpected events.
• A Thanksgiving hike turns into an adventure when the characters discover a hidden cave.
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the characters accidentally time travel to the first Thanksgiving. How do they interact with the Pilgrims and Native Americans?
• A Thanksgiving dinner is interrupted when the main character receives a mysterious message. What does it say, and what do they do next?
• Write about a Thanksgiving where the characters have to compete in a series of challenges to earn their meal.
• A group of kids discovers a hidden map in the attic on Thanksgiving Day—what adventure does it lead them on?
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the family pet runs away, and the characters must track it down before dinner.
• A Thanksgiving camping trip turns into an adventure when the characters encounter a wild animal.
• Write a story where a Thanksgiving parade float becomes the setting for an epic showdown.
• A character has to retrieve a forgotten ingredient from a haunted house before Thanksgiving dinner.
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the characters are transported to a world where everything is made of food. What happens?
• A Thanksgiving Day bike ride turns into a thrilling race against time to save the holiday.
• Write about a character who must overcome their fear of flying to make it home for Thanksgiving.
• A Thanksgiving scavenger hunt leads the characters to discover a long-lost family secret.
• Imagine a Thanksgiving where the main character has to deliver a meal to someone in need—what obstacles do they face?
• Write a story where a Thanksgiving prank goes too far and leads to an unexpected adventure.

Here are a few more writing prompts that you can easily apply to Thanksgiving:

Teacher Tips for Using Thanksgiving Prompts

Thanksgiving is a great time to inspire creativity and reflection in your students. Here are some tips for making the most of these prompts in the classroom.

• Mix and Match – Encourage students to choose prompts from different categories to create a diverse writing experience.
• Group Discussions – After students write their stories, have them share in small groups or with the class to foster discussion and exchange ideas.
• Creative Illustrations – Pair the writing prompts with an art project. Students can illustrate their stories, bringing their words to life visually.
• Incorporate Technology – Have students type their stories and create a digital Thanksgiving storybook or presentation.
• Story Circle – Organize a story circle where each student adds a paragraph to a class-wide story based on a chosen prompt.
• Journaling – Use the reflective prompts as daily journal entries leading up to Thanksgiving.
• Peer Review – Encourage students to give constructive feedback on each other’s stories, focusing on creativity and adherence to the Thanksgiving theme.
• Cross-Curricular – Integrate history lessons with the storytelling prompts by discussing the origins of Thanksgiving and how it has evolved.
• Gratitude Wall – Have students write about what they’re thankful for and create a classroom gratitude wall.
• Writing Contest – Organize a Thanksgiving-themed writing contest with fun prizes to motivate students.

Sample Rubric for Teachers

Final Thoughts: Thanksgiving Writing Prompts

As the turkey roasts and the pies cool, let your imagination sizzle with these Thanksgiving writing prompts.

Whether you’re spinning a wild tale or reflecting on gratitude, there’s a prompt here to spark every creative fire. So grab your pen, dive into these ideas, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember.

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