Daniel Ehrenhaft asks students to consider perspective in a piece of their writing with this reflective spark.
Grades 5–9
Narrative
A Day in the Life of Flood City
by Daniel José Older, author of Flood City, in collaboration with New Leaf Literary & Media
Spark Summary
This Spark introduces students to the fantastical world of Flood City and prompts them to write a journal entry from the perspective of a Flood City resident.
Grades 7–12
Informational, Social-Emotional Learning
What Makes a Person? with Leslie Margolis
by Leslie Margolis
Spark Summary
Leslie Margolis invites students to consider their own personhood and what determines or defines it with two short prompts.
Grades 1–5
Poetry
If Poems
by 826 New Orleans
Spark Summary
Students will imagine what they would do if they were someone or something else.
Grades 7–12
Poetry
The Beast with Ada Limón
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, Social-Emotional Learning
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.