September Writing Prompts

The month of September brings much inspiration to writers of all ages and backgrounds. Use these creative writing category prompts, designed specifically for the month of September, to generate original responses about the welcoming of autumn and beginning of the school year. 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.

September Writing Prompts

Category 1: Fall Season

As temperatures cool, leaves begin to brown and the textures of fall arrive. Let these creative writing prompts help you welcome the month of September. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, pictures, poems, narratives, and essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a short story about a day in the life of a squirrel during the fall season, including details about collecting nuts, playing in the leaves, and preparing for winter.
2. Draw a picture of your favorite thing about fall and write a sentence describing why you like it.
3. Design a piece of school spiritwear or a school uniform for the fall season.

Grades 3+:

1. Write a descriptive essay about your favorite fall memory.
2. Create an infographic to advertise a leaf-raking fundraiser run by students at your school.
3. Write a reflective piece on the symbolism of fall in literature, exploring how this season is often used to represent change, transition, and the passage of time.

Category 2: Heroes and Role Models

As people return to routine and back-to-school, it’s important to reflect on those who’ve helped us achieve our goals. Let these creative writing prompts help you welcome the month of September and honor the heroes and role models you’ll likely turn to throughout the successes and challenges ahead. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, infographics, essays, and narratives.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about your favorite hero or role model, including details about their admirable qualities, actions, and achievements.
2. Draw a picture of someone you look up to as a hero or role model, and write a sentence describing why they inspire you.
3. Create an infographic or flyer titled “How to Find a Role Model.” Where should people look? Where are there lots of heroes?

Grades 3+:

1. Write a persuasive essay advocating for the importance of having heroes and role models in our lives, and explaining how they can inspire us to be better individuals and contribute positively to society.
2. Write a narrative about a character’s journey, guided by a hero or role model they look up to.
3. Create an infographic for students at your school. Be sure to include a list of important people and resources, such as school counselors and nurses.

Category 3: Environmental Conservation

In many classrooms, students regularly discuss sustainability and responsible consideration of the environment. From water conservation, to upcycling, to thrifting, these topics are important for all to consider. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore the many aspects of environmental conservation. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, pictures, articles, and essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a young child who helps neighbors recycle plastic bottles.
2. Draw a picture of a garden. Identify where you’d grow certain fruits, vegetables, and other items. Explain how you’d use what you’d grow in what you cook.
3. Create a sign that reminds people of the ways that they can reduce how much water they use each day.

Grades 3+:

1. Write an article about how schools and restaurants in your community can reduce the amount of waste produced each day.
2. Write an article for your school newspaper about upcycling and how people can turn waste into art or functional products.
3. Write an essay about the value of thrift shopping. While some people prefer to buy brand new clothes for school, thrift shopping is a more sustainable and affordable option for many. Explain the many benefits of thrifting in your essay.

Category 4: Friendship

September is an exciting time to forge new friendships and strengthen connections with people we know. Let these creative writing prompts help you foster relationships for yourself and others. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories and scripts, draw pictures, write articles, and develop essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a new friendship that forms between two people who at first think they don’t have anything in common.
2. Design a friendship bracelet. What would the bracelet include and why?
3. Write about the qualities of a good friend, such as kindness, empathy, and loyalty.

Grades 3+:

1. Create a flyer for newcomers at your school. Invite new students to the group and add information about what the newcomers can expect. How will you help them learn about their new school?
2. Write a letter of introduction for a new teacher or staff member at your school. First, interview them and ask them to share a little bit about who they are.
3. Write a YouTube video script that includes five ways to make friends at school this year. Consider a wide range of age groups and be thoughtful in your recommendations.

Category 5: September Festivals

Across the country, many people enjoy the mild fall weather at indoor and outdoor festivals of all themes. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore different types of gatherings that honor the arrival of autumn and its holidays. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft stories, pictures, articles, and essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a story about a Labor Day celebration.
2. It’s time for the Fall Harvest Festival! Imagine you are at a farm, and write a descriptive paragraph about all the things you see and do, such as apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin decorating.
3. Create a picture book about an Autumn Festival, complete with colorful illustrations.

Grades 3+:

1. Research and write an informative essay about the significance of Oktoberfest, a popular festival held in Germany in September. Describe the history, traditions, and cultural aspects of the festival.
2. Imagine you are a young chef participating in a cooking competition during a local food festival in September. Write a short story detailing your culinary adventure, including the dishes you prepare and the challenges you face.
3. Imagine you are attending a music festival in September. Write a personal narrative describing your experience, including the performers you saw, the atmosphere, and the memories you made.

Category 6: September History

September has brought the arrival of many important events in history. Let these creative writing prompts help you explore significant events and their meaning. This set of creative writing prompts offers writers an opportunity to craft letters, stories, articles, and essays.

Grades K-2:

1. Write a letter to a friend describing the significance of Constitution Day. Explain why it’s important to learn about the U.S. Constitution.
2. September is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Look through your home or classroom library, and find one or two books written by Hispanic authors. Create an advertisement for each book.
3. Research and write a short biography of a famous historical figure born in September, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Roald Dahl, or Queen Elizabeth I. Describe their life, achievements, and impact on history.

Grades 3+:

1. It’s the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, a significant battle during the American Civil War that took place on September 17, 1862. Write a diary entry as a soldier, describing the events of the day, your emotions, and reflections on the battle.
2. During one September day in Ancient Athens, the Acropolis was attacked, resulting in extreme damage to the Parthenon. Research this event and write a catchy newspaper headline and article about the events that destroyed the Parthenon.
3. September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Explain why everyone should have a library card and how to get one.