An idea to make your own
12 writing prompts for kids to make a story together
A picnic interrupted by rain. A den that keeps falling down. A dragon whose tail gives away every hiding place.
These writing prompts for kids each give you a character, a place and something to work out. Choose one with your child and see where it goes. They can write the story, draw it or tell it while you take turns adding a sentence.
By StoryClub · Write, draw or tell together
Give your story somewhere to go
Start with three things:
- Someone: Who is the story about?
- Somewhere: Where are they?
- Something to work out: What do they want, or what has gone a little wrong?
Then let your character try something. It can work straight away, go sideways or lead to a better idea. Finish when something has changed.
If a blank page feels too big, offer two choices: “Shall they move the picnic indoors, or find somewhere sheltered?” Your child can choose a third idea. A picture or a few spoken sentences can be the whole story.
Writing prompts for kids: when plans go wrong
The rainy picnic
A child has packed a picnic for the park. Just as the family is ready to leave, it starts pouring. How could they still have the picnic they've been looking forward to?
The den that won't stay up
Two friends are building a blanket den in the sitting room. Each time they crawl inside, the roof falls down. What could they change so there's room for them both?
The bear left behind
A child is packing for a night at their grandparent's house and can't find their favourite teddy. Where did they last play together? What clues could help them look?
The birthday card
A child is painting a birthday card for a friend. A big drop of paint lands in the middle of the picture. How could they make it part of the card?
Something worth trying
A place in the game
A child wants to join a game in the playground but doesn't know anyone playing. What could they say? What might one of the other children do to help them join in?
The boat race
Two friends make toy boats for a race across the paddling pool. One boat keeps tipping over before it reaches the other side. What could its builder try differently?
The missing puppet
Two children have made a puppet show for their family. Just before it starts, they discover that the main puppet is still at school. Who could take its place, and how would the story change?
The treasure hunt
A child plans a garden treasure hunt for a younger cousin. The cousin gets stuck at the first written clue because they can't read yet. How could the child make clues they can follow?
Animal adventures and a little make-believe
The dragon at hide-and-seek
A young dragon joins a game of hide-and-seek in the woods. Wherever they hide, their long tail sticks out. How could the dragon find a hiding place that fits?
The bear's big drum
A bear is excited to play in the woodland band. At practice, the drum is so loud that nobody can hear the other instruments. How could the band make a song where everyone can be heard?
The mouse's delivery
A mouse bakes a birthday bun for a badger who lives across the meadow. The bun is too big to carry all that way. How could the mouse get it to the party?
The giant's garden
A giant wants to plant a flower garden beside the house. The seeds are so small that they keep slipping between the giant's fingers. Who could help, and what could the giant do in return?
Change anything you like. The picnic can become a camping trip. The dragon can become a dinosaur. Keep asking what your character wants and whether their next idea could help.
A complete example: The rainy picnic
Here's one original story using the first prompt. You can read it aloud, then invent a different answer together.
A story to read aloud
The picnic under the table
Nora put the last sandwich in the basket. She had chosen the park with the duck pond. Dad had packed a blanket.
Then rain began to patter against the window.
"Perhaps it'll stop," said Nora.
They put on their coats and waited by the door. The rain grew heavier. A puddle spread across the path.
Dad took off his coat. "We could have the sandwiches at the kitchen table."
Nora looked at the basket. They had sandwiches at that table every day.
"What about underneath it?"
She spread the picnic blanket between the table legs. Dad helped her drape a sheet over the top, leaving one side open.
Nora crawled inside. There was room for two people and a basket.
"We're missing the ducks," she said.
She drew three on a piece of paper. One had enormous feet. Dad drew the pond around them and propped the picture against a chair.
They ate their sandwiches beside it.
Halfway through lunch, Dad's sock appeared at the entrance.
"My foot's outside," he said.
Nora shuffled the basket along and made room.
"Mind the pond."
Dad lifted his foot carefully over the paper ducks.
Outside, the rain kept falling. Under the table, Nora opened the strawberries.
Make another version
Nora wanted a picnic at the park. The rain changed the plan. Waiting didn't help, so she found a way to have the picnic at home and added the part of the park she liked best.
Ask your child to try another solution. Where else could Nora have her picnic? What would she need to make it work? They can keep the rainy beginning and tell a different ending.
Make your own prompt cards
Write these choices on scraps of paper. Pick a character, give them something they want and choose a problem. Decide where the story happens, then think of something your character could try.
Someone
- A child
- A small dragon
- A mouse
- A giant
They want to...
- Make a new friend
- Take a present to a friend
- Build somewhere cosy
- Put on a show
But...
- Something they need is missing
- Their first idea doesn't work
- The weather changes their plan
- They can't do it alone
For example, a small dragon wants to take a present to a friend, but the weather changes the plan: it's too windy to fly. What could the dragon try instead? Pick a different problem if your combination doesn't make sense yet.
Our story plan
Use this little plan to tell, draw or write what happens:
One page is plenty. So is telling it together and leaving the paper blank.
These original prompts and the example story were prepared with AI assistance for StoryClub. They are creative activities for families.