Students will imagine what they would do if they were someone or something else.
Grades 9–12
Poetry
The Beast with Ada Limon
by Ada Limón
Spark Summary
This poetry prompt from Ada Limón invites students to consider their personal connection to an animal.
Grades 7–12
Poetry
Elevate Your Voice with Rachel Eliza Griffiths
by Rachel Eliza Griffiths
Spark Summary
This poetry prompt from Rachel Eliza Griffiths asks students to consider the ordinary in their lives—then write a poem that celebrates those ordinary objects and figures.
Grades 6–12
Poetry
“The Hill We Climb”
by 826 National
Spark Summary
Students discuss the 2021 inaugural poem by Amanda Gorman and write their own poems in response to "The Hill We Climb."
Grades 7–12
Narrative
Playing with Timelines with Phil Stamper
by Phil Stamper, author
Spark Summary
With this pair of prompts, students look to the past and future for writing inspiration.
Grades 7–12
Narrative
Personal Narratives with Mariama Lockington
by Mariama Lockington, novelist and poet
Spark Summary
Students revisit powerful memories to generate personal stories filled with heart.
Grades 7–12
Informational
Something True with Kelly Jensen
by Kelly Jensen, writer and editor
Spark Summary
Make space for creativity in nonfiction! Students will play with traditional nonfiction formats with these two writing prompts from Kelly Jensen, writer and editor.
Grades 1–5
Social-Emotional Learning
Feelings to Action
by 826 National and Cartoon Network
Spark Summary
Students write similes to express what their emotions feel like and build plans to treat others nicely.
Grades 1–5
Social-Emotional Learning
On the Inside
by 826 National and Cartoon Network
Spark Summary
Students are inspired to write about a time that they felt accepted and appreciated for who they are.
Grades 1–5
Social-Emotional Learning
Say Something
by 826 National and Cartoon Network
Spark Summary
Students reflect on what it feels like to stand up to bullying and write about a time when they used their voice to make a difference.
Grades 1–5
Social-Emotional Learning
Me, Myself, and I
by 826 National and Cartoon Network
Spark Summary
After writing about their personal and social identities, students discover that sometimes what makes us unique is what brings us together.
Grades 7–12
Narrative, Social-Emotional Learning, Visual, Performing, and Media Arts
Making Conversation with P. Carl
by author and activist P. Carl
Spark Summary
Author and activist P. Carl asks students to write dialogue that captures two distinct and opposing voices, crafting a scene of action and discord.