August Writing Prompts

Welcome to our August writing prompts! The month of August brings much inspiration to writers of all ages and backgrounds. Use these creative writing category prompts, designed specifically for the month of August, to generate original responses about the final month and last sips of summer. Responses to these prompts can vary in genre. Writers are encouraged to use rich detail and language, as well as all steps of the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing), as best suited for their goals as a writer. Keep in mind that some prompts may demand contextualization depending on the learner’s age and needs.

August Writing Prompts

Category 1: Summer Memories

During the month of August, people continue to make summer memories ahead of the arrival of fall. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore treasured end-of-summer memories. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, poems, essays, and imaginative experiences.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about your favorite summer memory, including details about the activities, places, and people that made it special.
2. Draw a picture of your most loved summer memory and write a sentence describing why it is meaningful to you.
3. Imagine you live 2,000 years in the future. What are your summers like?

Grades 3+:

1. Write a descriptive essay about a vivid summer memory.
2. Write a story about a person who practices something every day in the month of August and becomes an expert by September 1
3. Write a diary entry from the perspective of someone who lived 200 years ago. The diary entry should detail a day in their life in the month of August.

Category 2: National Parks

During the month of August, people continue to enjoy adventures in small and large parks– including national parks. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore the many opportunities these spaces provide to individuals and groups. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers a chance to craft stories, flyers, and narratives.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a family trip to a national park, including details about the wildlife, landscapes, and outdoor activities they encounter.
2. Create a flyer for your favorite national park and create a list of activities to enjoy while there.
3. Write a simple informative piece about a national park, including basic information about its location, features, and significance.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a persuasive essay advocating for the conservation and preservation of national parks and the importance of protecting these natural treasures for future generations.
2. Write a short story about an unusual art installation in the center of a national park.
3. Write an informational essay about how parks become classified as national parks in our country.

Category 3: The Dog Days of Summer

As August brings the dog days of summer, writers can still find inspiration! Let these creative writing prompts help you write about the epic combination that is dogs and summer. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers a chance to craft stories, flyers, infographics, and narratives.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a short story about a dog who sits on a porch and watches people passing by. Explain what the dog observes and hears.
2. Design a sign or poster for dog owners reminding them to make sure their dogs stay hydrated this summer.
3. Write a story about two dogs who meet in a dog park and become best friends.

Grades 3+:

1. Take the perspective of a small dog who wants to be a big dog, but learns to accept his size as a strength.
2. Create an infographic about fun activities for pet owners and their pets this summer.
3. Design a map that includes trails suitable for dog walking. Don’t forget to add explanations or helpful advice about trail safety.

Category 4: Summer Storms

While summer can bring sunshine, it can also bring rain, thunder, and large storms. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore the beauty and

fury of summer storms. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers a chance to craft stories, poems, lists, articles, and posters supported by explanations.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a poem about summer rain that comes after many days of heat
2. Imagine you are a flower that enjoys summer rain storms and write a short story about a sun shower that arrives unexpectedly one day.
3. Write a list of indoor activities for families who might get trapped inside due to rainy weather during the summer.

Grades 3+:

1. Write an article about hurricanes. Provide information and tips about hurricane safety.
2. Create a poster for a local pool or lake that explains water safety during thunder and rain storms.
3. Write to a local newspaper about the need to build more pavilions or trail-based shelters in parks so that people can have a safe place to stay if it begins raining or storming while they are at the park.

Category 5: Back-to-School

The end of August often brings plans for the new school year. Some students visit their schools for the first time, while others prepare for another year ahead in a familiar place. Let these creative writing prompts help you get excited about going back to school. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers a chance to craft stories, poems, lists, articles, and posters supported by explanations.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a child’s first day of school, including details about meeting new friends, learning new things, and overcoming fears.
2. Draw a picture of you learning your favorite school subject and write about why you like it.
3. Write a short poem about the excitement of going back to school and the anticipation of a new school year.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a proposal for a new type of class at your school. Explain what students would learn, who could potentially teach the class, and what kind of classroom this class would require.
2. Write a night-before-the-first-day-of-school story about a character who is moving up from middle school to high school.
3. Design a “Welcome Back” sign for teachers that can be placed in the front of your school building. Include graphics (pictures) and explain why you chose each.

Category 6: August History

The month of August has brought the arrival of explorers in search of new opportunities and more. Let these creative August writing prompts help you journey into history. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, articles, and letters.

Grades K-2:

1. Imagine you are a pilgrim about to board the Mayflower, a ship destined for the New World (America). Write a letter to your friend describing your thoughts about the upcoming voyage.
2. You are a young indigenous child living in America when Christopher Columbus arrives late in the summer. Write a short story describing your first encounter with Columbus and his people.
3. Imagine you are a person who is hired to help Christopher Columbus and his crew sail and explore. Write a short story describing your responsibilities aboard the ship and what it’s like to work for Columbus.

Grades 3+:

1. It’s August 1781 and you are a spy for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Write a diary entry detailing a challenging mission you’re assigned.
2. It’s August 1945, and you are a journalist reporting on the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in Japan. Write an article describing the event.
3. In August of 1977, Elvis Presley, a rock ‘n’ roll legend passed away. Write an article or obituary that details his life, career, and impact on music history.