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.
Grades 7–12
Narrative, Poetry
Playing With Words
by poet Aracelis Girmay in collaboration with Aarti Monteiro & Nico Garbaccio, 826NYC
Spark Summary
What lives inside a word? Find out how to trace connections between two dissimilar words with playful Spark from award-winning poet Aracelis Girmay.
Grades 7–12
Narrative
Protester Portraits
by 826 National
Spark Summary
Students consider perspectives of activists speaking up against racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd and use imagery to capture protest scenes in writing.
Grades 7–12
Narrative
Taboo Emotions
by author Tiphanie Yanique
Spark Summary
In this Spark, students will explore two taboo emotions, desire and fear, by mapping where these feelings dwell in their bodies and using tactile language to describe their impact.