Have you ever wondered how to use writing prompts with pictures in your classroom? Are you tired of using structured writing units and ready to switch things up a bit? You’re not alone! Sometimes the kids (and YOU!) need a little break to keep things interesting.
Writing with picture prompts can be an engaging way to add a little spice to your writing day. Before we get into the nitty-gritty below, though, how awesome would it be if you could get free elementary writing prompts sent straight to your inbox each month?
Just think: No more scouring the internet for the perfect photo to inspire your students. Or trying to think of catchy sentence starters. Let me do that for you!
Kids love pictures. They love to draw pictures, they love to take pictures, and they love to scroll through pictures on the internet. Most kiddos are visual learners. So, why not use pictures for writing, too?
But how, exactly, do we do that? Is it really as simple as throwing a prompt on the board and letting your students go at it? Well, not exactly…
For the best outcome when using writing prompts with pictures, let’s take a look at these tips:
How to Use Elementary Writing Prompts with Pictures
Beginning writers are still learning how to write. Meaning: they still need a lot of scaffolding and modeling to grow. We can provide that by doing the following before they begin:
- Brainstorm as a class: Raise excitement about the photo by having a lively classroom discussion. Who is in the picture? What is happening? Why? Make an anchor chart on the board with some of your students’ questions.
- Give students an organizer: Help students stay focused by providing a graphic organizer. Otherwise, you may end up with a stream-of-conscious, directionless story.
- Create sentence starters together: Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part. Encourage students to come up with their own sentence beginnings and share them with the class. Write them on the board for all to see!
Tips for Elementary Narrative Writing Prompts
Many writing prompts with pictures lend themselves to narrative story writing. Take this chance to teach a minilesson on these 3 essentials in a narrative writing:
Story structure: All stories should have characters, a setting, a problem, and a solution. They should also have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Model how to use a narrative graphic organizer to stay on track when writing a story.
Bold beginnings: No one wants to read a story with a “blah” beginning. Show students how to grab a reader’s attention with:
- Dialogue: “Would you like a tasty treat?” the witch asked.
- Sound: Pop! And just like that, she was gone.
- Action: All of a sudden, the pumpkin rose out of his hands and started to sparkle.
Different points of view: Students may not realize there are different points of view in a story. Have a discussion about the unique characteristics of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person. Read excerpts from various picture books to illustrate their differences. Before students respond to a prompt, ask them to identify which point of view they plan to use.
Check out the list of narrative mentor texts below to supplement your lessons!
Funny Prompts for Writing
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Keep writing class fun by using silly prompts you can all giggle over together!
My go-to subjects? Animal pictures. You can get lost for hours ogling over crazy animal photos on the internet. Don’t have time to do the research yourself? I’ve gotcha covered.
Free Elementary Writing Prompts
Writing prompt topics can be about everyday subjects, but they can also be seasonal! Get students in the spirit of the holidays with these popular themes. Sentence starters are included, as well!
- Halloween: Who left this mysterious witch hat on the ground? Hand out a piece of candy (or witch fingers!) while students are working on this prompt.
- Thanksgiving: Will a hungry puppy ruin Thanksgiving dinner? Simmer some apple cider in a crock pot throughout the day. Serve with a dash of cinnamon while students share their stories with the class.
- Christmas: Who left a secret present and what will it be? Warm hot cocoa in a crock pot as a special treat. Serve with peppermint when students are finished and ready to share.
Writing with Picture Prompts Wrap-Up
If you haven’t tried writing with picture prompts yet, now’s the time! Let’s get those imaginations goin’! When used with the tips above, you’re sure to get creative stories that will bring out the smiles.
Happy writing, my friend!
Sarah
Looking for more seasonal writing prompts with pictures? Check these out!
- 10 Writing Prompts with Pictures for Halloween
- 10 Writing Prompts with Pictures for Fall
- 10 Writing Prompts with Pictures for Christmas
Use mentor texts, pictures, and journaling to supplement narrative writing lessons:
Yep! Even MORE prompt ideas below!
Who is Sarah from Sarah’s Writing Spot?
