Engage students’ interest in creative writing with story prompt task cards and hands-on writing centers. Developing students’ writing takes practice and hard work throughout the year. Including writing centers within your weekly curriculum will give your students continual practice and provide a weekly spotlight on students’ writing progress. These creative writing centers offer students topics and story starters to get them started and help them learn the parts of a story.
Click here to get your free writing prompt task cards:
- Download free writing task cards for grades 1-3 here.
- Download free writing task cards for grades 4-6 here.
Writing Center Activities
Who, Where, When, What Story Center Grades 1–3
Students use the four W’s to create a story outline. They select one card from each of the four cans provided to form the outline of a story, then add their own details.
Materials:
- Four small cans
- Colored construction paper 5″ x 13″
- Can covers that say who, where, when, what
- Who, where, when, what cards (laminate more than one card for each can). Use the link above to download your free cards!
Steps to Follow:
- Cover each can with colored construction paper
- Glue the can covers to the cans
- Cut the cards apart and place them in the cans
- Set the cans at the center
Story Prompt Task Cards Grades 1–6
Students choose one story prompt and write a story about it. For older students, choose a type of fiction for students to focus on, such as realistic, historical, mystery, adventure, fantasy, or science fiction.
Materials:
- Story prompts (Use the link above to get your free Writing Prompt Task Cards)
- Attach prompts to colored construction paper and laminate. (Optional)
- Storage box or can
Steps to Follow:
- Students choose a story prompt
- Students write a story about the prompt. Students should do the following in their stories:
- Name and describe characters
- Describe the time and location of the setting
- Select a point of view: first person or third person
- Plan story events (make sure there is a climax)
- Outline the story for the beginning, middle, and end
- Write the story
Engage your students’ interest in writing by providing creative opportunities for them to express themselves. For more writing center activities, check out How to Write a Story.
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Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.