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
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.
Grades 6–12
Narrative, Social-Emotional Learning
A Place Worth Being
by Jason Reynolds, The New York Times Best-Selling Author & National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
Spark Summary
Students will write a personal narrative where they describe themselves as a place. Not a specific place, but all the things a "place" consists of.
Grades 1–3
Poetry, Social-Emotional Learning
Feeling Words & Healing Words: A Poetry Journey
by Molly Sprayregen, 826CHI
Spark Summary
With this collection of 826 Digital poetry activities, young writers will explore a range of feelings and strengthen their emotional vocabulary. Activities are available in print and web versions!
Grades 7–12
Informational, Narrative
Social Movements with Lisa Ko
by author Lisa Ko
Spark Summary
This writing prompt from author Lisa Ko invites students to explore the impact of social movements by envisioning and writing from an ideal future.
Grades 7–11
Narrative
Screenwriting with Spike Jonze
by Spike Jonze, award-winning screenwriter and producer
Spark Summary
A pair of prompts that invites students to consider how time, location, and dialogue can be used to construct a scene and build meaning.