36 Back to School Writing Prompts to Kick Off the New School Year

Back to school writing prompts help kids ease into the new school year with simple, creative activities that support reflection and expression.

These printable activities make great first day of school worksheets, encouraging students to reflect, imagine, and express themselves right from the start.

With 36 themed prompts to choose from, they offer just enough structure to get kids writing without feeling like an assignment.

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Back to School Journal Prompts

Get ready to kick off the new school year with a fun and engaging journaling adventure using these free printable writing prompts.

With 36 unique prompts, students will have plenty of opportunities to reflect, imagine, and express themselves during the first week of school.

Plus, the free printable makes it easy to get started right away!

Here are a few fun and flexible ways to use the prompts:

• Lucky Draw: Cut out the prompts and place them in a hat or container. Let each student draw one at random—this element of surprise adds excitement to their writing time.
• Personalized Prompts: Assign a prompt to each student and have them glue it to the top of their notebook page. This gives them a sense of ownership and encourages personal reflection.
• Student’s Choice: Hand out the full list and let students pick the prompt that speaks to them most. Giving them choice builds motivation and engagement.
• Writing Centers: Set up stations with different prompts at each one. Students can rotate through the centers, exploring new ideas and writing independently.

Personal Reflection and Goal Setting Writing Prompts

Reflecting on past experiences and setting goals is key to student growth. These writing prompts encourage kids to think about their previous school year, revisit important lessons, and share how they faced and overcame challenges.

They’ll also get the chance to dream up creative projects and imagine fun new school holidays!

These activities promote self-awareness, creative thinking, and excitement about what lies ahead.

Prompts:

1. Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give yourself for this school year?
2. Describe the most interesting thing you learned last school year. Why did you find it so fascinating?
3. Write about a challenging assignment or project you completed in school. How did you overcome the challenge?
4. Describe an activity or project you would like to do in school that involves creativity and imagination.
5. If you could invent a new school holiday, what would it be called, and how would you celebrate it?
6. Imagine you could interview any historical figure or famous person about their school experience. Who would it be, and what questions would you ask?

Imagination Journal Prompts

Get ready to spark your students’ creativity with these imaginative writing prompts!

From friendly monsters attending school to superheroes helping with homework, these ideas encourage playful storytelling and creative thinking.

These prompts are perfect for developing narrative writing skills while helping students fall in love with writing.

Prompts:

7. Write a story about a friendly monster who goes to school for the first time.
8. Write a story about a superhero who helps kids with their homework.
9. Write a story about a magical backpack that helps students with their schoolwork.
10. Write a story about a time when you worked on a group project in school. What did you learn from working with others?

Looking for more? Grab our first grade writing prompts printables for even more early writing fun!

Relationships and School Experiences

Building strong connections and navigating school life are essential parts of the elementary experience. These prompts invite students to reflect on friendships, transitions, and the people who shape their school journey.

Students will write welcoming letters, recall special memories, and share their thoughts on what makes a great teacher or a great first day. These activities foster empathy, communication skills, and a strong sense of classroom community.

11. Write a letter to your best friend, telling them about your summer break and asking about theirs.
12. Write a letter to a new student joining your class. Give them advice and make them feel welcome.
13. Write a letter to a friend who moved away. Share your favorite memories from school and ask about their new school.
14. Describe the qualities you think make a great teacher and explain why those qualities are important.
15. Imagine you are the principal of your school for one day. What changes would you make, and why?
16. Describe your first day of school. How did you feel, and what activities did you do?

School Environment Writing Activities

Let your students reimagine their ideal school experience with these creative writing prompts!

From designing dream classrooms and inventing school supplies to creating new subjects and rules, these prompts encourage innovation and problem-solving.

Students will think critically about how school works—and how it could be even better.

Prompts:

17. Imagine you could make a new subject in school. What would it be called, and what would you learn in that class?
18. If you could design your own school uniform, what would it look like? Draw a picture and explain it.
19. Describe your dream classroom. What would it look like, and what activities would you do there?
20. Imagine you could create a new school rule. What would it be, and why do you think it’s important?
21. Imagine you could invent a new school supply. What would it be, and how would it be helpful?
22. Write a letter to the principal suggesting a new after-school club or activity. Explain why it would be a great addition.

Favorites and Preferences

Let’s celebrate what makes each student unique with these fun and personal writing prompts!

From favorite books and subjects to dream lunches and exciting field trips, students will love sharing their top picks.

These activities help build classroom community while giving students a chance to express their individuality.

Prompts:

23. Write about your favorite thing to do during recess and why you like it.
24. Describe your favorite book and why other kids should read it.
25. Write a poem about your teacher. What are some things you like about them?
26. Describe your favorite subject in school and why you enjoy it.
27. Describe the best school lunch you can imagine. What foods would be on the menu, and why do you like them?
28. Describe an exciting field trip you would like to go on with your class. Where would you go, and what would you do?

More Back to School Activities

Keep the excitement going with even more fun and free printables for the first week of school! These activities are perfect for helping students share, connect, and ease into the new school year:

• What Did You Do This Summer? – A fun reflection worksheet to get kids talking about their break
• My favorite book writing template – Encourage reading and sharing with this creative writing activity
• My favorite color worksheet – A colorful way for students to express their personal preferences
• My favorite things printable – Great for classroom displays and getting to know each other
• All about me printable – A classic activity to help students share who they are
• First day of school crowns – Let students celebrate with wearable, creative flair
• Back to school color by number – A calming, fun way to reinforce number skills and ease first-day jitters

Get the Free Back to School Writing Prompts Here!

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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free journal prompts.

Last Updated on 7 May 2025 by Clare Brown