creative writing topics year 4

Year 4 Writing Prompts

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Get your primary school student’s imagination flowing with these wonderful Year 4 writing prompts!

Story starters

“if i was…”.

• Opinion writing

General prompts

Story starters are perfect for generating writing ideas and enhancing story writing skills. These prompts help students quickly engage with their imagination, making the process of writingn short stories easy and enjoyable.

• I took off from Earth in a rocket ship…
• From her point of view, Samantha could only see darkness…
• On Christmas morning I woke up with a reindeer in my bedroom…
• I was frozen to the spot, afraid to move because…
• As Liam explored the abandoned theater, he discovered an old play script that seemed to come to life...

"If I was..." prompts are a fun activity that boost imagination and creativity. These prompts are excellent for helping students explore different scenarios by establishing the story setting and developing their story writing skills.

• If I was president…
• If I was a teacher…
• If I was an astronaut…
• If I was an engineer…
• If I was an adventurer…

Opinion prompts are great for helping a child develop their point of view. These prompts encourage critical thinking and debate, enriching the learning environment by allowing students to express and support their opinions. They are also excellent for practicing persuasive writing, as students learn to argue their points effectively. If you do this activity with multiple children, have them write their opinions on activity sheets, and then go around the room and put checkmarks next to other points of view they agree with.

• Has technology improved the world?
• Should students be allowed to choose what to study?
• Should violent video game apps be banned?
• Can you buy happiness with money?
• How can we slow down global warming?

Invention prompts are excellent for generating story ideas and engaging young children in the writing process. These prompts encourage creativity and imagination, helping children to think inventively and articulate their thoughts clearly, making the writing process more enjoyable and effective.

• How will people travel in 100 years?
• Describe the perfect robot. What features does it have and what can they do?
• Invent a new game and write instructions for it.
• Invent a new tasty smoothie!
• Write lesson plans for a subject you invented.

General prompts are excellent for sparking creativity and improving writing skills. General prompts help students quickly engage with an idea. Use this writing assignment as an enjoyable and effective activity.

What is your most memorable New Year celebration? What made it special, and how did you celebrate it with your family and friends?

• What would it be like to live with the Easter Bunny?
• What would be your dream birthday party?
• If you could have a super power, what would it be?
• Who do you look up to? This could be great athletes, composers, or family members. Anyone who inspires you!

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More writing prompts & activities

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115 Exciting 4th Grade Writing Prompts for 2024 (Free Slides!)

Journal writing, essay topics, story starters, and much more!

Fourth grade is a time for students to continue to hone their writing chops as they put to use the skills they’ve learned and gain confidence in their abilities. All writers can have a little trouble getting started, though, which is why you need this big collection of 4th grade writing prompts. They include essay writing prompts, creative writing story starters, journal prompts, and much more. Sharpen your pencils and get ready to write!

You can get 50 of these 4th grade writing prompts in a free Google Slideshow bundle! They make it easy to share these writing ideas with your students. Grab your free slideshow bundle by filling out the form on this page.

• Journal Writing Prompts
• Funny Writing Prompts
• Persuasive and Opinion Writing Prompts
• Descriptive Writing Prompts
• Narrative Writing Prompts
• Creative Writing Prompts
• Story Starters
• Current Events Writing Prompts

4th Grade Journal Writing Prompts

1. what’s the best book you’ve read recently what was it about, and why did you like it.

2. What is the worst book you ever read?

3. Write five rules for staying organized.

4. What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten? How did it make you feel?

5. One of your little cousins is very nervous about starting kindergarten. What would you tell them to make them feel better?

6. There’s an old saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” What do you think this saying means?

7. Write about an adult you look up to.

8. What’s the nicest thing anybody has ever done for you?

9. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

10. What makes your family unique?

11. What would you say is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?

12. Are you a patient person? Why or why not?

13. What is something you’ve never done that you would like to try?

14. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you?

15. What’s your favorite holiday? What makes it so special?

Funny Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

16. what is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you.

17. Imagine you came to school one day and found your teacher had turned into an animal. What animal would it be, and what would happen?

18. Write a poem where most of the words start with the letter K.

19. Imagine you and your pet switched bodies for a day, and tell the story of what would happen.

20. Who is the funniest person you know? Describe them, and explain why they’re funny.

21. When was the last time you laughed so much you couldn’t stop? What happened?

22. What is something adults do that you think is funny or strange?

23. Write a review of a restaurant that serves the worst food in the world.

24. What is the funniest thing that someone could become famous for? Tell the story of how it happened.

25. Write a story about someone who could never lie, no matter what.

Persuasive and Opinion 4th Grade Writing Prompts

26. are 4th graders ready to stay home alone why or why not.

27. Would you rather be good at sports or good in school? Why?

28. Would you rather have lots of money or lots of friends? Why?

29. What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

30. Name two characters from different books that you think might be good friends. Why?

31. Which is more important for success, skill or luck?

32. Should kids be paid an allowance to do chores around the house? Why or why not?

33. Why are classroom rules important?

34. If you had a time machine, what era of history would you visit?

35. Why is math important?

36. Which would you rather read: a scary story that gives you goosebumps or a funny story that cracks you up? Why?

37. Why is science important?

38. Should 4th graders have cell phones? Why or why not?

39. If you could open a store, what type of store would it be and why?

40. What is the hardest thing about being a 4th grader?

41. If I were the ruler of the world, the first law I would pass would be … because …

42. Is it ever OK to tell secrets? Why or why not?

43. What animal makes the best pet? Why?

44. Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or an hour a day exercising? Why?

45. Do you like nonfiction books or fiction books better? Why?

Descriptive 4th Grade Writing Prompts

46. if you won a million dollars, how would you spend the money.

47. If you had a YouTube channel, what would you talk about?

48. Describe what you think of as perfect weather.

49. Describe how to build a birdhouse step-by-step.

50. Imagine you are in a hot-air balloon above your house. Describe everything you can see.

51. Describe the physical appearance of someone in your family in detail.

52. Describe how to play your favorite board game.

53. Explain the right way to do one of your household chores, like making your bed or cleaning your room.

54. Describe your perfect day.

55. Imagine you are an adult and describe your dream job.

56. Explain your morning routine in detail, from waking up to arriving at school.

57. Describe the perfect meal, including what you’d eat and where you’d dine.

58. Share what you do on a typical non-school day.

59. Describe your favorite room at home in detail.

60. How do you prepare for a big test? Describe the ways you study or practice.

Narrative Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

61. share one of the stories your family has told you about when you were a baby..

62. If you found a backpack filled with dollar bills, what would you do?

63. Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself.

64. Imagine your parents let you plan your next family vacation. Tell about what you’d do, and how your family would react.

65. Write about a time you felt like quitting but didn’t. How did you keep yourself going?

66. Tell about an event that happened recently at your school or in your town.

67. Start a story in the middle, and use “flashbacks” to fill in what happened earlier.

68. Describe the most exciting game or sports event you ever saw or participated in.

69. What is your earliest memory? Describe it in detail.

70. Write about a time you tried something new and how you felt before, during, and after.

71. Tell a story that a family member loves to share over and over again.

72. Tell the story of your favorite field trip of all time.

73. If you could relive any day in your life, what would it be? Would you want it to be the same or different?

74. Write about a time you visited a haunted house or other scary place.

75. Tell a story about a time you visited someplace new.

Creative Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

76. pretend you ate a magic pill that made you as tall as a redwood tree. where would you go and what would you do.

77. If you met an alien, what three questions would you ask them?

78. Pretend you drank a magic potion that made you as tiny as an ant. Where would you go and what would you do?

79. What would the world be like if dinosaurs still existed?

80. If you could invent something new the world really needs, what would it be? How would it work?

81. Describe a world where it rains fruit juice and snows M&Ms.

82. Come up with the most ridiculous excuse possible for why you are unable to turn in your homework today.

83. Describe a world where all the adults are robots, but kids are still human kids.

84. Imagine a conversation between yourself and a talking animal.

85. Describe the kind of creature you’d create if you were a mad scientist. Would it be scary and mean? Nice and friendly?

86. Invent a new kind of candy. Give it a name, and write a commercial jingle for it.

4th Grade Story Starters

87. retell a classic story, making the villain the hero instead..

88. Write a story that includes these five words: keys, spaghetti, uncle, jellyfish, spaceship.

89. Imagine that one day you woke up and found everyone in the world could no longer talk. What would happen next?

90. Write about a day where kids are in charge instead of grown-ups.

91. Imagine you’re lost in a haunted wood, and tell the story of your escape.

92. Describe a night in the life of the tooth fairy.

93. Tell a story that ends with these words: “… and that’s how we all learned to fly.”

94. Use these words to start a story: “When I opened the box that came in the mail, I never expected to find …”

95. Write a new chapter of your favorite book, with yourself as a new character.

96. Imagine you woke up one morning with a superpower, like invisibility or the ability to fly. Describe your experiences learning how to use that power.

Current Events Writing Prompts for 4th Grade

97. learn about an endangered animal, and describe what we can do to help it..

98. If you made a time capsule for this year, what would you put in it?

99. Describe something that you saw in the news recently and how it made you feel.

100. What do you think is one of the world’s biggest problems right now, and how would you solve it?

101. Read a news story about something happening in another country and summarize it.

102. Write a news article about something important that happened to you this week.

103. Create a poem about something in the local news right now.

104. Write a letter to the editor about a current issue, explaining your opinion.

105. Find a “good news” story, and share why it makes you happy.

106. What living famous person do you most admire and why?

107. What do you think kids today can do about climate change and global warming?

108. What does the word “racism” mean to you?

109. What is one thing you would do to make your school or town a better place?

110. Choose an upcoming sports event, and explain who you think will win.

111. Describe a current fashion trend or something that’s very popular in your school right now and how you feel about it.

112. What can we do to help people with different opinions get along with one another better?

113. Interview a grown-up you know, and write a news article about them.

114. What do you think is the best new song right now? The worst? Why?

115. Describe an event that’s happening in the world right now that you don’t understand. What questions would you ask a grown-up about it?

Looking for more? Check out 150 Inspiring Picture Writing Prompts To Spark Creativity !

How do you use writing prompts with your students come share your ideas and ask for advice in the we are teachers helpline group on facebook ., you might also like.

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10 Writing prompts for year 4 students

In this guide

• Narrative writing prompts
• Opinion writing prompts
• Creative writing prompts
• Fun writing prompts
• Finish the story writing prompts
• Descriptive writing prompts
• Informative writing prompts
• Emotive writing prompts
• Thankful writing prompts
• Holiday writing prompts

In Year 4, students begin to write to express themselves rather than just learn the mechanics of writing. Writing prompts are an excellent way to give students an entry point into creative expression.

Often writing can feel as if it is overwhelming to young writers, but prompts can alleviate that feeling.

The purposes of a writing prompt are to encourage the student’s interest in a topic and encourage them to write about it in a thoughtful and creative way. Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, University of Connecticut

The wide range of topics included in this article allows for differentiation for student needs, as well as variety in writing genres. 

Students can use prompts to demonstrate an understanding of a specific genre of writing, such as narrative or informative. They can also be used as quick write prompts or journal topics. 

As all teachers know, not every student in a classroom is on the same level. Students have differing needs and skills. 

There are two ways to address the array of students in a classroom. 

The first is through the prompts themselves. Scaffolding writing assignments for specific students is pivotal to their success. Prompts can be modified to accommodate student skill levels. High-achieving students, for instance, will typically require more challenging writing prompts. 

The second way comes when a teacher is evaluating, or grading, a writing assignment. At this time, the teacher can take into account each student and what is appropriate for them. 

For example, a student at the beginning levels of English language development may need to write in the present tense because the ability to write in the past tense develops later. 

Differentiation can take whatever form is best for student success. 

1) Narrative writing prompts

Narrative texts are a great place to start teaching the writing process. Telling a story is a way for students to build a personal connection to their writing.

Making a personal connection to text is an excellent way to “hook” students into writing. Stories help students build confidence in their writing abilities.  

• Describe the most meaningful event in your life. 
• Write a story about what you would do if you were the teacher for a day.  
• Write about your favourite memory. 
• Write about a moment when you were proud of yourself.
• Tell a story about a time when you were sad. 
• Create a story about a porcupine and a skunk going on an adventure. 
• Have you ever been hurt? Describe what happened. 

Take a look at available videos and resources on ClickView’s Parts of a Story Topic .

2) Opinion writing prompts

Primary school students love to give their opinions! 

Learning to construct reasonable arguments with evidence is a pivotal writing skill. Evidence to support opinions gives student writing authenticity. 

Teach students to provide reasons for their opinions. Giving reasons for their opinions will be beneficial as student writing develops to higher levels and deeper subjects. 

 “Would you rather” questions and topics that are centred on familiar subjects provide a quick and easy way for students to give opinions and evidence. 

Starting writing activities with students verbally sharing their opinions with each other can result in a richer writing experience. This will help students to formulate their ideas before they put pen to paper. This strategy also supports students who are learning English or who struggle with writing tasks.  

• Which makes better pets: cats or dogs? 
• What is the best sweet? What makes it the best?
• Would you rather visit the beach or the mountains?
• Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
• What is the best sport to play?
• What is the best sport to watch someone else play?
• Choose an animal, why is it the coolest animal?
• Would you rather that schools have a longer Christmas holiday or a summer Holiday?

All students have attended school, therefore school-related topics eliminate the concern of limited background knowledge. 

These prompts provide an easy access point for students to give opinions with evidence that is familiar to them. 

• We should/should not have to go to school on Mondays. Give reasons to support your opinion. 
• Teachers should not give homework, explain your opinion. 
• The summer holiday should be longer. Explain why or why not.
• Which is more important – Maths or English? Explain why.
• Should students have to wear uniforms in school? Why or why not?
• Should we have year-round school? Explain reasons why we should or shouldn’t.

Alternatively, use video prompts like Spot and Stripe to get students thinking, and discussing before they start writing.

3) Creative writing prompts

Topics for creative writing give students an outlet to express their individuality and imagination. 

Creative writing prompts are great for journal entries and quick writing. 

Maybe you need a quick activity to fill a few minutes before the next activity. 

Maybe your students need something to help them refocus after a high-energy activity. 

Whatever the purpose, creative writing prompts provide a quick resource for fun. 

• If you could create a new animal, what would it be? 
• Write a journal entry as an explorer discovering a new world. 
• If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
• Write a story about meeting a famous person.
• If you could build your dream house, what kind of rooms would be in it?
• What would you do if you were an adult for a day?

4) Fun writing prompts

These sorts of writing prompts go hand-in-hand with creative writing prompts. They serve a similar purpose and provide the same creative outlet for student expression. 

• If you had a superpower, what would it be? What would you do with your superpower?
• What superhero would you like to meet? 
• Describe your perfect day.
• Imagine being trapped in a store overnight, what would you do?
• Describe the perfect ice cream sundae. 
• What is your dream job?

5) Finish the story writing prompts

Students often struggle with where to start when writing. While creativity may come easily for some, it does not for everyone. 

Use these prompts as a starting place. 

“Finish the story prompts” makes excellent resources for journal entries. 

• She walked into the room and everyone stopped talking and stared. 
• The screen went blank and a message appeared…Do Not Trust Anyone.
• I was walking on the beach and tripped over something half-buried in the sand.
• The astronaut stepped out of the ship and was surrounded by aliens. 
• He looked down the long, dark hallway, took a deep breath, and began walking. 
• The mashed potatoes flew across the school canteen and landed on my face. 
• She walked through the hidden door and into the enchanted forest.
• He opened the journal and found a note from his grandmother. 

6) Descriptive writing prompts

Sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing are good catalysts for descriptive writing for young writers.  

• You walk into an enchanted forest, and describe what you see, hear, touch, and smell. 
• Using all of your senses, describe your favourite food. 
• Describe your favourite place.
• Describe what it is like on a really hot day.
• Describe what it is like on a really cold day. 
• Your pet has gone missing. Create a missing pet poster describing your pet. 
• What is something you would like to invent?
• Describe an important place in your city.

Descriptive writing can be aided by the use of pictures. Visuals allow all students to access the information regardless of experience.

Conducting a classroom discussion about the image before writing can increase the writing level of the students as well. 

There are places, other than Google Images, that have photos and images of various people, places, and things to spark creativity. 

• Nasa’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
• National Geographic – Best Photo of the Day
• The Guardian – Photos of the Day
• https://www.voanews.com/p/5341.html  

*A note about images . – It is up to the educator’s discretion when choosing appropriate images for students. 

Prompts to accompany images:

• Describe the image: What does it sound like?; What does it feel like?; What does it smell like?; What does it taste like?
• How does the image make you feel?
• Tell a story about what is happening in the picture. 
• Imagine you are in the picture, use all of your senses to describe what is happening. 
• Where is this picture taking place?
• What happened before this picture?
• What will happen next?

To extend an activity such as this, ask students to include figurative language devices such as similes and metaphors , alliteration , onomatopoeia and even personification .

I also recommend taking a look at the available videos and resources on ClickView’s Figurative Language Devices topic .

7) Informative writing prompts

One type of informative writing is the “how to”. This writing allows students to be very descriptive and to demonstrate their knowledge of how to do a task.

Explaining how to do something has a two-fold benefit for students. 

First, they can gain confidence in writing because they are familiar with the topic.

Second, writers can practise the informative genre in a focused way. 

• Describe how to make your favourite sandwich. (Other appropriate food items can be substituted.)
• Choose a maths problem and explain how to solve it. 
• Explain to a younger student how to play your favourite game. 
• Describe how to make a cake.
• Explain three ways that someone can help the Earth. 
• Compare and contrast summer and winter. 

Another form informative writing takes is research. 

In this type of writing, a student learns information about a topic and then shares that information in a formal writing assignment. 

This provides an opportunity for students to learn about age-appropriate research strategies.

• Write about an influential person. Include specific details about this person’s life. 
• Research and write about a state (or country). Include important information such as language spoken, type of government, landmarks, and types of businesses.  
• Write about an example of extreme weather – tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, etc. 
• Choose a scientist or inventor. What did they do? Why is what they did helpful to us?

Informational writing videos & resources

Discover informational writing with videos and teaching resources for your students.

8) Emotive writing prompts

Young children often have big emotions. Expressing feelings and emotions in writing can benefit students’ social-emotional learning and development. 

SEL enhances young people’s coping skills, resiliency, and emotion identification, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in the short term. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

The emotional development of children is so important, especially in their formative years. 

Giving students an outlet for expressing their happiness, anger, fear, and all other emotions is a gift teachers can give to their students. 

• What makes you feel safe?
• What moment in your life is your happiest?
• What would you tell a friend who is feeling scared?
• Create a list of things that help you when you feel sad or overwhelmed.
• What makes a good friend?
• Describe what makes you unique.
• What do you like about yourself?
• How do you feel when faced with a challenge?
• Write about a mistake you have made. What did you learn from your mistake?
• What is something you accomplished today?

9) Thankful writing prompts

It does not have to be Thanksgiving for students to be thankful. Expressing gratitude is part of the social-emotional development of children. 

• Why is it important to be thankful?
• What are you most thankful for?
• Is it always easy to be thankful? Why or why not?
• Think of a person who makes you feel loved and thankful. Why do they make you feel that way?
• Write a thank you letter to someone important in your life. 
• What does gratitude mean to you?

World Kindness Day videos & resources

Celebrate World Kindness Day with videos and teaching resources for your students.

10) Holidays and celebrations writing prompts

Holiday prompts can be a contentious subject. Not all students celebrate all holidays. Knowing your students is the key to successfully writing about holiday celebrations.

The following prompts are useful for a wide range of students and holidays:

• Describe a holiday tradition or celebration in your family.
• If you could invent a national holiday, what would it be?
• What is your favourite way to celebrate?
• Write about your favourite season and what activities you do during that time.
• What makes a great gift?
• My favourite holiday is … because …
• Compare and contrast your Christmas traditions with another person’s. 
• What is your favourite Christmas present that you have received?
• Write a letter to Santa.
• Write a letter to the Grinch. 
• Write an adventure story told from the point of view of a reindeer. 
• Write a Christmas poem.
• Tell a story about being a Christmas elf in Santa’s workshop.  

Other Holidays

• Write a Valentine’s Day poem.
• My New Year’s resolution is…
• Who would you give something to and why?
• My favourite Halloween memory is …
• I want to be ___________ for Halloween because … 
• Write about your day as the Easter bunny. 
• Write a story about a magical Easter egg. 
• Describe your dream birthday party. 
• Developing Writing Prompts – Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning – University of Connecticut 
• Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

Mattie Farrer

AVID Site Coordinator / Content Curator

Mattie Farrer has been an educator in various grade levels and capacities during her career. She has a passion for supporting English learners and their language development. She also loves helping teachers reach all students.

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