Looking for some fresh ways to ease your students into writing at the start of the school year? These fun back-to-school writing prompts will encourage them to write more enthusiastically than the typical “how did you spend your summer vacation?” prompt.

8 Short and Simple Back-To-School Writing Prompts

If you want to give your students a burst of inspiration as a warm-up to their writing time, consider the following prompts.

1. August is the only month that has no major holiday. Invent a new August holiday. How will you celebrate?
2. Did you visit a new place for the first time this summer? Describe this place and tell how you felt about it.
3. Think about your favorite activity from this past summer. What made it so much fun?
4. Describe something you did this summer that involved water.
5. Write about something you did this summer that you have never done before.
6. Write five words that describe your summer. Then explain why you chose each word.
7. Describe something you did this summer to help someone in need.
8. Write about a book you read this summer.

3 Back-To-School Writing Prompts For Deeper Thinking

Want a longer writing assignment? These prompts will inspire a more in-depth piece of work.

1. Optimal Conditions

Are you a night owl or a morning person? Do you prefer listening to music while studying, or do you need a quiet environment? Would you rather do schoolwork in your bedroom, the library, or another favorite place?

Write a short essay about your study habits, explaining when, where, and how you do your best school work. And when things don’t go according to plan, how do you adjust your behaviors and expectations so you can still focus on the task at hand?

2. Setting Goals

The beginning of a new school year is a natural time to think about setting new goals. Goal-setting doesn’t always mean aiming toward something grand. It can also represent the small, daily steps you can take to improve your health, education, or relationship with a sibling or friend.

Make a list of three small goals you want to work toward, and outline the steps you will take to succeed at each one.

3. Dear Me

Write a letter to yourself—a letter you’ll read again in the future.

Write about your current strengths, then mention a few areas where you want to improve. Finally, include some things you’d simply like to do differently. Seal your letter in an envelope and give it to a parent, who will return it to you at the end of the school year.

These back-to-school writing prompts are sure to get your students thinking creatively and set you up for a successful school year.

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