Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

5th Grade Writing Prompts

Every one of the fifth grade writing prompt pdfs include 12 different colorful writing prompts. Each of the prompts include a cartoon image to help keep students engaged in learning. We have made all of the fifth grade writing prompts unique so students want to keep learning and growing in developing strong writing skills.

Free Printable Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

There are 24 different printable pages to choose from. Included are some writing prompts to be used for each month. Provided are two printables for each month, this way students will have 24 unique writing prompts for students to use each month. Teachers, if you need more writing practice for your students, try out our free Spelling Worksheets.

5th Grade Writing Prompts for Fall

If you want to make these printable writing prompts last longer, don’t forget to laminate the printables before cutting out the individual prompts. This way you can use the prompts with multiple students for multiple years! For more handwriting activities, try out our Cursive Worksheets for FREE!

• Explain what being “healthy” means.
• What do you need to do to be ready to learn?
• What is a farm of art that most people don’t think about?
• What is the most important thing in your classroom? Why did you choose that?
• 5th Grade is going to be amazing because…
• What kinds of activities do you do after school?
• Write a silly story about a turtle and a skunk who become best friends.
• Do you think schools should have indoor playgrounds?
• Why or why not?
• This year my teacher should know…
• What is your best quality? Why did you choose that?
• Explain what a principal does during the school day.
• Would you rather be stuck outside in a thunderstorm or a blizzard? Why?
• Are bus drivers important to a school? Why or why not?
• Something I wish my teacher knew is…
• Explain why brushing your teeth is important.
• Write a story using these words: ocean, seahorse, seaweed, butterfly.
• Explain why farmers are important to the rest of the world.
• The best fruit ever is…
• What is recycling? Why is it important?
• Write a story using these words: rainbow, magic, unicorn, car.
• If you could make a new school rule, what would it be and why?
• Would it be fun to fly? Why or why not?
• Write a story using these words: hideout, climb, friends, reindeer.
• Write a story using these words: play, recess, swing, apple pie.

• My favorite thing about fall is…
• Explain what it would take to become a superhero.
• Write a summary of the last book you read. Did you like it? Why or why not?
• My favorite part of me is…
• I love the fall food _________ because…
• Halloween is a fun holiday because…
• Explain the importance of being kind.
• The worst Halloween treat is…
• Write a story about a pumpkin that comes to life.
• Explain how to carve a pumpkin.
• What do you think would happen if we skipped fall?
• Write a story about a time that you had a hard decision to make.
• Write a silly story about a frog that barks.
• Write a poem personifying the leaves as they fall and carpet the ground.
• Imagine you wake up one morning and found yourself transformed into a magical Halloween creature (like a ghost, witch, or vampire). Write a story about your adventures and how you discovered your new powers.
• Write a story using these words: lion, master, tent, rock band.
• Imagine you are the teacher for just one day. What would you learn?
• Do you believe technology has had a positive or negative impact on society?
• Imagine you are a scarecrow in a field. Describe a day in you life.
• Write a story using these words: robot, vacuum, wish, love.
• Imagine you are an astronaut floating above the Earth and looking at the sun. Write a journal entry describing your experience.
• Explain the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
• Write a story using these words: animal, magic, stuffed, sandwich.
• Write a story using these words: bread, food, eat, dance.

• I am thankful for…
• Would you rather wear flip-flops in the winter or snow boots in the summer? Why?
• A friend will never…
• Fall is better than summer because…
• Would you rather have all year be fall or spring? Why?
• I am destined for greatness. I know this because…
• Write a story from the point of view of a pumpkin in a patch.
• Would you rather have a skunk or a turkey join you for Thanksgiving? Why?
• Describe the game of football. How do you play?
• A place I have always wanted to visit is…
• Write a silly story about a turkey who disguises himself as Santa Claus so he will not be eaten at Thanksgiving dinner.
• I cannot wait to…
• What are traditions? Why do you think they are often associated with holidays?
• Using your 5 senses, describe what it is like to eat mashed potatoes.
• November tastes like…
• Write a story using these words: Thanksgiving, cornucopia, vegetables, ice cream.
• Would you rather go to a pumpkin patch or grow your pumpkins?
• Describe three things that you love about fall.
• Using the setting of a rainy day, write a silly story.
• Write a story using these words: hamburger, grill, bun, sky.
• Describe a time when someone helped you. What did they do?
• What is something you have always wanted to learn how to do? Why?
• Write a story using these words: turkey, Thanksgiving, thankful, socks.
• Write a story using these words: owl, hoot, tree, lollipop.

5th Grade Writing Prompts for Winter

• Write a story about a mischievous reindeer that accidentally swaps all the Christmas presents.
• Would you rather help decorate the house for the December holidays or help bake holiday treats?
• Compare and contrast the different ways people celebrate New Year’s Eve around the world.
• Explain the origin of Christmas trees.
• Write a story about a child who loses their favorite holiday ornament and goes on an adventure to find it.
• Write a story about a child who discovers a magical holiday recipe book that brings happiness to those who eat the treats.
• Compare and contrast the feeling of receiving a gift versus giving a gift.
• Would you rather be able to ice skate like a professional or make the most beautiful snow sculptures in the world?
• Do you think it’s more important to spend time with family or friends during the December holidays?
• Should fireworks be allowed on New Year’s Eve? Why or why not?
• Write a story about a family who has a special December holiday tradition that brings them closer together.
• Write a short story that takes place on New Year’s Eve.
• Reflecting on your favorite December holiday memory, sharing how the experience made you feel and what you learned from it.
• Write a story from the perspective of Santa Clause.
• Write a story about an octopus who ends up in the Arctic Ocean.
• Write a story using these words: stocking, Santa, coal, baking soda.
• Write about the science behind the winter weather phenomenon of snow.
• Would you rather eat pizza or ice cream? Why?
• Persuade your teacher to give you the gift of no homework for the rest of the year.
• Write a story using these words: chocolate, cake, bake, blizzard.
• Write a silly story about a reindeer that cannot fly.
• Would you rather color with crayons or markers? Why?
• Write a story using these words: holiday, wish, mail, parrot.
• Write a story using these words: elf, workshop, North Pole, oven.

• It’s New Year’s Eve and a genie will grant you one wish, what are you wishing for?
• Write a letter to your favorite book character about what type of influence they have had on your life.
• Persuade your best friend to read more often. Explain why it is important.
• Write a letter to your principal suggesting ways to make recess in the winter more enjoyable.
• Write a letter to your future self, describing what you accomplished last year.
• The most disgusting cookie recipe includes…
• Write a creative story about a magical creature that only appears during the winter.
• Describe an Olympic winter sport.
• If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
• Imagine you wake up one morning and can understand animals. Write about your day communicating with them.
• If you wake up and found yourself inside a snow globe, describe how you would get out.
• Do you think recycling Christmas trees is a good idea? Why or why not?
• If you were a snowman, write about what your day would look like.
• Write a funny story about a day that your teacher turns to ice.
• Downhill skiing and snowshoeing are different in that…
• Write a funny story about a day that your teacher turns to ice.
• Downhill skiing and snowshoeing are different in that…
• Write a story using these words: squirrel, cry, cold, popcorn.
• Should you have two months off for summer break or winter break? Why?
• Imagine you are alone in a snowy cabin. Writ a journal entry about your experience.
• Which season is better than winter? Why?
• Write a story using these words: feather, minion, glove, owl.
• Describe a winter scene using your 5 senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, hearing).
• Write a short biography about a famous person born in January.
• Write a story using these words: carrot, dance, tall, peach.
• Write a story using these words: ornament, tradition, holiday, sing.

• Would you rather work at a zoo or a theme park? Why?
• What is your favorite food that is pink?
• Write about a time you felt sad.
• Write a story using these these words: pepperoni, heart, dough, shoe.
• Write a story about a fox trying to outsmart a chicken.
• What advice would you give Kindergarten students coming to school for the first time?
• Who is your hearo and why?
• Write a story using these words: New York, fly, save, spider web.
• If there were six more weeks of winter. I would feel…
• Write a letter to someone who you look up to.
• Wrtie a story using these words: sand, hat, water, bubble gum.
• Write a story using these words: sad, cry, motivation, panda bear.
• I am afraid of…
• Write a letter to Abraham Lincoln about what the USA looks like today.
• Write a story about what your pet does while you are gone all day.
• Write a silly story about a baby with superpowers.
• Write about a time when you were proud of yourself.
• You went into space and landed on an unfamiliar planet, what do you see?
• Write an essay about a famous person who inspires you.
• Write a poem about the ocean.
• Write a silly story about a crazy Valentine.
• You receive a mysterious Valentine in the mail. Who do you think it is from?
• You are 100 years old. Write a story about what you experienced in your lifetime.
• Write a story about a family vacation gone wrong.

5th Grade Writing Prompts for Spring

• Explain the similarities and differences between humans and monkeys.
• Who is your hero? Write a letter to them explaining why they are your hero.
• Who would you consider famous in your community? Why are they considered famous?
• Write a creative story about seeing a fairy sitting on a rainbow.
• Explain why you plant a garden in the spring.
• Explain to the younger students at this school why it is important to do your favorite sport.
• If your mom was famous what would she be famous for?
• Dr. Seuss was a famous author. What do you think would be the hardest part about writing a book?
• Why do you think it is so hard to find the end of a rainbow?
• Something I am afraid of is…
• Do you think being a meteorologist would be hard work? Why or why not?
• What is Pi?
• What symbols are associated with St. Patrick’s Day and why are they the symbols used?
• Write a story about what it would be like to play the drums in a band.
• Write a story using these words: weather, meteorologist, spiderman, local.
• Describe a well-balanced diet.
• You catch a leprechaun, but he breaks out of your trap. What went wrong?
• Describe the difference in seasons in the northern hemisphere and the lower hemisphere.
• Write a story using these words: bored, family, dragon, game.
• Write a story about a leprechaun who grants wishes, but each one has an unexpected consequence.
• Imagine you are camping at a National Park but something crazy happens in the middle of the night. Tell that story.
• Write a story using these words: camouflage, flower, spaghetti, grass.
• Write a story using these words: water, mermaid, cellphone, snow.

• Imagine it is the year 3052. The Earth has been polluted and not taken care of. What does the Earth look like, smell like, feel like?
• Write a poem about your best friend.
• Write a silly story about a lion that cannot roar.
• What do you think would happen if the Easter Bunny ate only chocolate for 24 hours?
• Describe how you can reduce waste.
• Persuade your principal to let you start a school garden. Explain why it would be beneficial.
• Write a story about a make-believe holiday.
• Write a creative story about a group of aliens who visit Earth and befriend a human.
• Write a silly story about a turtle that pranks a monkey for April Fool’s Day.
• Explain the similarities and differences between sharks and dolphins.
• Persuade the Easter Bunny to only bring you candy and eggs but give the rest of the world lettuce.
• Imagine you find a golden starfish. What would you do with it?
• Imagine you were a character in your favorite book. What part would you play?
• If you were in charge of renaming the weather. What would rain, snow and sunshine be called? Explain why you gave them these new names.
• How many holidays do you think we should celebrate every month? Why?
• Write a story using these words: design, color, paint, cheese.
• How many years of school do you think kids should have? Why?
• Write a silly story about popcorn that tastes like lima beans.
• Explain why rabbits twitch their noses.
• Write a story using these words: egg, web, rabbit, computer.
• Create a make-believe pet. Describe what it looks like sounds like, and what would you name it?
• Describe the differences between popcorn and ice cream.
• Write a story using these words: music, play, string, alien.
• Write a story using these words: weather, wet, whale, chicken nugget.

• My summer is going to be awesome because…
• Describe your favorite video game. How do you play?
• Write a letter to your future self. What advice would you give yourself?
• Write a story using these words: mother, laugh, yell, egg roll.
• Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or speak every language in the world?
• Write a poem for your pet.
• Describe a place for your pet.
• Describe a place you have always wanted to visit.
• Write a story using these words: eat, sing, rock, Billy.
• Describe what you think the world would be like without everyday heroes. How are heroes important to our society?
• Write about a time that felt amazing.
• Write a story using these words: dolphin, sail, wave, bumble bee.
• Write a story using these words: dragon, high, climb, peak.
• What are some easy ways that kids can get some exercise?
• My mom is the best because…
• You’re in the pool and suddenly the water turns to peanut butter. What do you do?
• Write a letter persuading your dog to sleep in your bed with you.
• What are three of your favorite taco fillings?
• Describe how a fish breathes.
• Write a creative story about a genie giving you a superpower.
• Where would your teacher like to go on vacation?
• Is your mom funny? Why or why not?
• Write a story about finding a baby bird in your garden.
• Would you rather have 12 fingers or have 3 eyes? Why?
• My favorite thing about elementary school was…

5th Grade Writing Prompts for Summer

• Describe what you would do on the hottest day of the year.
• Explain how to make pancakes.
• Write a story about going to a festival.
• Write a story using these words: popsicle, melt, snow, playground.
• Would you rather be too hot or too cold? Why?
• Write a story about a time you were sick in the summer.
• If someone gave you a large amount of money, how would you feel? What would you do with it?
• Write a story using these words: drink, can, BBQ, dog.
• How is paper made?
• Explain why people get dehydrated.
• Write a story using these words: cone, scoop, sleep, tent.
• Write a story using these words: swim, quack, toy, light bulb.
• What do you think is the most ferocious ocean animal? Why?
• My favorite memory with my dad is…
• Describe the differences between camping in a tent and camping in an RV.
• What do you like most about yourself?
• Write a story about an alien’s first visit to the beach.
• Persuade your family to take a summer vacation.
• Write a silly story about a zebra that likes to eat mustard.
• Describe how to play tag.
• Write a story about an octopus who befriends a dog.
• Write a silly story about an alligator swimming in your backyard pool.
• Describe a time you caught something. How did you catch it? What was it?
• Write a story about the sun.

• Describe how a bee makes honey.
• I like summer better than spring because…
• This summer my teacher is going to…
• Would you rather live where it is always winter or always summer? Why?
• What does the Declaration of Independence have to do with the 4th of July holiday?
• Write a silly story about a snowy summer day.
• If you could go anywhere in the world to scuba dive, where would you go and why?
• If an owl followed you home, what would you do?
• Why do you think fireworks are used on 4th of July?
• Would you rather be too hot or too cold? Why?
• Would you want to live on a hot island or on an iceberg? Why?
• Explain how to make macaroni and cheese.
• Explain what it means to be an American.
• Who has been your favorite teacher? Why were they your favorite?
• Write a silly story that takes place on a summer night…
• Write a story using these words: pie, fruit, bake, squirrel.
• Describe the best summer food. Why is it the best?
• Who can you go to if you are scared? Why did you choose them?
• If you could visit any country, where would you go and why?
• Write a story using these words: coffee, black, cup, worms.
• Write a story about a time you cried.
• I could never imagine my life without…
• Write a story using these words: ocean, dive, huge, spaghetti.
• Write a story using these words: swim, adventure, hike, sippy cup.