4th Grade Writing Prompts

Welcome to our 4th grade writing prompts! Fourth grade is an important year for learning, growing, and for some, preparing for middle school. It’s important to ignite a love of writing through a variety of writing opportunities and topics. Use the categories of “Historical Fiction,” “Realistic Fiction,” “Fill-in-the-Blank Stories,” “Adventure Stories,” “Science Stories,” and “Fantasy Forays” to embrace the magic of writing. Writers are encouraged to plan and review their work. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s background and needs.

4^th Grade Writing Prompts

Category 1: Historical Fiction

History can provide an important source of inspiration for creative stories; this is also a great way to imagine the experiences of others and build a sense of empathy. Writers can use these prompts to develop stories, journal entries, infographics, and poems.

1. Write a story about a character who lived in colonial (1600s) America. Describe their journey to the United States and their life in the colonies.
2. Imagine that you could travel back in time to any moment in history. Write a journal entry that reflects on the experience.
3. Write a story about a character who does something that puts a crack in the Liberty Bell.
4. Pretend that you lived during a different time period and create a picture book that details a day in your life.
5. Identify an important figure from history and create an infographic about the person’s accomplishments and legacy.
6. Have an imaginary interview with a historical figure. Interview this figure about

lesser-known topics related to their lives, such as what they liked to do for fun or their favorite childhood memory.

Category 2: Realistic Fiction

Our lives can provide an important source of inspiration for creative stories. Writers can use these prompts to develop stories, journal entries, infographics, and poems.

1. Write a story about a day when you switch lives with someone in your family. What do you think it would be like to live as them for a day?
2. Write a story about a character who overcomes a very difficult challenge.
3. Write a poem about a business owner who learns an important lesson about friendship, teamwork, and communication.
4. Write a journal entry about a typical day in your life five years in the future. What will your life be like?
5. Imagine your parents tell you about a distant relative who has invited you to start at their house for a week. Write a journal entry about your visit to a distant relative’s home.
6. Create an infographic about how to write a short story when you don’t have many ideas. What are some “elements” a writer would need to include? Where can they get inspiration?

Category 3: Fill-in-the-Blank

Use these fill-in-the-blank prompts to continue your story. These types of prompts are a good solution for when you don’t feel inspired OR want to welcome a new challenge.

1. Even though Mom usually packs a sandwich for me for lunch, today she gave me ____________, and that made me wonder …
2. I walked to the end of the driveway, opened the mailbox and discovered  _____________ inside. Then, …                        
3. I was baking cookies and I wanted to add chocolate chips. But then I noticed that there were      _____________ inside of the bag instead of chocolate chips. Then,…
4. One morning, my best friend and I found a(n) ____________ while we were on the playground during recess. Then,…
5. When I woke up, I discovered a(n) ______________ in the center of the floor. As soon as I stood up,…
6. While we were picking apples, I noticed a strange fruit shaped like a(n) _________________ hanging from a branch. Then, …                            

Category 4: Adventurous Times

Don’t be surprised if you find adventure in every corner of the world. Use these prompts to develop stories, do research, create learning tools for others, and write articles about exploration, adventure, treasure, and the great unknown!

1. Write a story about a character who has a beachside treasure hunt.
2. Write a short story about a small island that mysteriously appears in the center of a lake one foggy morning.
3. Write a story about a character who lives in a place where people go from place to place by ziplining and swinging on ropes.
4. Imagine that you could be a character inside an existing or never-before-played video game. Write a story about the adventures you would have.
5. Write a story about a board game that allows players to teleport to other places.
6. Create an around-the-world itinerary for interested travelers. You must include at least one stop on each continent. Where would you go and why? What would you do while there?

Category 5: Science Stories

New planets, inventions, rare species, and more are all important when learning about science! Writers can use these prompts to develop stories, do research, create learning tools for others, and write articles.

1. Write a story about a character who discovers a new planet while looking through their telescope one night.
2. Imagine that you become a scientist in the field of marine biology. How would you spend each day? Write a journal or log that explains your day-to-day activities.
3. Design a new technology. Explain why you’ve invented this technology and who you think could benefit from its design.
4. Create an infographic that helps science students understand the scientific method. You may wish to refer to science resources you have. Make sure your design is eye-catching and clear.
5. Write a story about a character who discovers a new species of plant while helping a grandparent in their garden.
6. Create a robot or drone that can deliver food to people who live in places where delivery service is hard to get. How do people order the food? How do restaurants “load” the food onto/ into the robot? Be sure to include a clever name for your robot/ drone!

Category 6: Fantasy Forays

Whether it’s a magical journey, mythical creature, hidden world, or magic power, let these creative 4th grade writing prompts take you further into worlds unlike ours. Writers can use these prompts to imagine encounters with magical creatures, fantasy powers, dragons, enchanted forests, and fairies.

1. Write a story about a character who goes on a magical adventure after discovering their washing machine is a portal to a new world.
2. Imagine that you could be any mythical creature. Write a story about the adventures you would have.
3. Write a poem about a magical sprite that loves to get into trouble.
4. Create a presentation about fire safety… for dragons.
5. Write a story about a group of teenagers who discover a hidden world when they wrench open a locker that’s been locked for fifty years.
6. Imagine that you have a magical power– what would you do with your power? How would you “replenish” your power if your power became weak?