year 5 creative writing ideas

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

5th Grade Writing Prompts: Experiences, Imagination, Fantasy, Opinions, Reflections, And School Topics

November 13, 2023 //  by  Sean Kivi

Fifth grade is a monumental year for your students! They’re in their last year of elementary school and preparing to move on to middle school and our prompts are here to encourage them to share their experiences and personal opinions about topics of interest. Once you’ve caught their attention with these 105 fantastic prompts, it’ll be easy to take them through the all-important writing process that follows. Comb through this list and let them pick out a few prompts to share with them and get them reflecting on all they’ve already been through!

Covid-19 Experiences

1. Tell me about a time that Covid-19 disrupted your school day. What did you do, and how was everything different?

2. Do you think wearing a mask is a good idea? Why or why not?

3. How did social distancing make you feel? Why?

4. What did you like most about homeschooling during the lockdown and why?

Imagination and Fantasy

5. If you were a Minecraft character, who would you be, and what would you do?

6. If you fart in space, the smell stays with you. What would you do if that happened on Earth?

7. You need to stop a rocket from flying into the sun. What do you do?

8. If you could transform into any liquid or a gas, what would you choose and why?

9. How can I build a home on Mars?

10. If you could clone yourself, would you? Why?

11. Do you want to have a robot that does everything for you? Why or why not?

12. If you could travel in time, would you go into the future or the past? Why?

13. Would you rather see the creation of the universe or the end of the universe? Why?

14. What do you think will happen if you go into a black hole?

15. Would you like to go to another planet? Which one and why? If not, why not?

16. Imagine you went to the moon. What’s there?

17. We launch trash into space. Should we continue to do that?

18. What would you do if you woke up as a video game character?

19. Fleas jump as high as 60 times their body length. Would you like to be able to jump this high?

20. Emperor penguins can stay underwater for 27 minutes without breathing. What would you do underwater for that long?

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

22. What would you do if you woke up and zombies were outside of your house?

23. Convince me a dinosaur is a good pet.

24. What would you do if you found a treasure map?

25. If you were President for a day, what would you do?

26. What would you do if you were stranded on a deserted island?

27. If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be and why?

28. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

29. If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

30. What would you do if you could fly?

31. If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be and why?

32. Would you rather be able to speak any language or be able to talk to animals?

33. What would you do if you could time travel to the past for a day?

34. If you could be any historical figure for a day, who would you be and why?

35. What do you think the world will be like in 2060?

Personal Preferences and Opinions

36. Is it okay to have a monkey as a pet? Why or why not?

37. Do you prefer drawing or writing? Why?

38. Are Takis or Cheetos better? Why?

39. Are you a cat or dog person? Why?

40. Is it okay to keep money that you find on the street?

41. Would you eat a spider, as people do in Cambodia?

42. Would the USA be better if there was only one time zone?

43. How can we slow down climate change?

44. What is the best way to eat toast?

45. Do you prefer Christmas or your birthday?

46. What is the most boring holiday and why?

47. Do you think aliens are real? Why or why not?

48. Would you rather live in a big city or the country? Why?

49. What can we do about the plastic pollution problem?

50. Would you rather have a snow day or a sunny day?

51. Do you like roller coasters? Why or why not?

52. Would you rather go without TV or without snacks for a week?

53. How do you feel about chores?

54. Would you rather go without TV or without snacks for a week?

55. What is your favorite game and why?

56. How do you feel about the importance of recycling?

57. Do you prefer swimming in a pool or the ocean? Why?

58. Are video games good for your brain?

59. How would you spend your time if there were no electronics?

60. Are iPads making kids lazier?

Self-Reflection and Personal Experiences

61. What would you do if a bully were picking on your best friend?

62. What are you the best at and why?

63. Convince me to buy an iPhone.

64. Should parents be allowed to give kids chores?

65. What is your dream job, and why?

66. How would you feel if you were a fish? Why?

67. What is your favorite season and why?

68. What is your favorite family tradition?

69. Describe your perfect day.

70. What would you do if you won a million dollars?

71. How would you feel if you had to move to a new city?

72. How do you feel when you help someone else?

73. Would you rather be a famous athlete or a famous scientist? Why?

74. What are the most important qualities of a friend?

75. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

76. What is your least favorite chore and why?

77. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

78. Describe your favorite book and why it’s so special to you.

79. Do you think it’s important to have good manners? Why?

80. How do you show kindness to others?

81. What does courage mean to you?

82. What is your favorite family vacation memory?

83. What is your favorite animal and why?

84. What makes you feel proud?

85. What is the most fun thing you’ve ever done?

86. What is your favorite sport and why?

87. Do you think it’s better to be a kid or an adult? Why?

88. How do you feel when you’re angry, and how do you cope with this emotion?

89. What is your favorite hobby and what do you like about it?

90. Tell me about a time you had a fear of missing out.

91. What is your favorite type of music and why?

92. What is your favorite thing about yourself?

School Specific 

93. What are your goals for this school year?

94. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in school so far?

95. How can I be a cool fifth grader?

96. What is the hardest thing about being a 5th grader?

97.  If you could change one rule at school, what would it be and why?

98. If you were a teacher, what subject would you teach and why?

99. Should we make the school day shorter?

100. How do you feel about homework?

101. What do you like to do during recess?

102. How would you handle being the new kid in school?

103. What would you do if you were principal for a day?

104. What is your favorite subject in school and why?

105. How do you feel about starting middle school next year?

• Math for Kids
• Parenting Resources
• ELA for Kids
• Teaching Resources

• Prompts for Narrative Essays
• Prompts for Informative Essay Writing
• Prompts for Research Writing
• Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts
• Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing
• 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts
• 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts
• Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders
• 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

As parents and teachers, we recognize the significance of writing as a fundamental skill that enables children to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. However, generating ideas and inspiration for writing can be challenging for many 5th-grade students. To aid students in this process, 5th grade writing prompts prove to be a valuable resource. Furthermore, Science Daily published an article that highlights the crucial connection between handwriting and brain activity. Writing can increase brain activity, leading to better memory retention and cognitive development. This is particularly important for students as it can positively impact their academic performance.

Math & ELA | PreK To Grade 5

Kids see fun ., you see real learning outcomes ..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

“Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

By using writing prompts, children can explore various topics, develop their imagination, and hone their writing skills. In this collection, we have compiled various writing prompts that are engaging, entertaining, and sure to inspire creativity in 5th grade students. This collection has something for everyone: Persuasive writing, descriptive essays, narrative stories, and imaginative writing. Fifth grade journal prompts can help inspire creativity and reflection in their writing. So, let’s get started and explore these exciting 5th Grade writing prompts.

Explore 5th Grade educational resources !

10 Prompts for Narrative Essays

Writing Narrative Essays? Here Are Ten 5th grade narrative writing prompts:

“A great story can lead us to new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.” – Neil Gaiman

• Write about a time when you faced a difficult decision.
• Imagine you are stranded on a deserted island. Describe what you would do?
• Create a narrative about a magical adventure.
• Write about a time when you learned something important.
• Think about the prospect of time travel. How would you react, and where would you go?
• Develop a narrative about a superhero you create.
• Describe a time when you overcame a fear.
• Imagine you can do whatever you want. Tell me what it would be and how you’d use it.
• Create a narrative about a day in the life of your pet.
• Write about a time when you had to stand up for what you believe in.

10 Prompts for Informative Essay Writing

A list of ten 5th grade writing prompts to get you started on an informative essay:

• Write an essay about a famous person who inspires you.
• Research and write an essay about a historical event that interests you.
• Write about the benefits of physical activity and exercise.
• Write an essay about the effects of technology on society.
• Research and write an essay about a country you would like to visit.
• Write about the importance of reading books .
• Write an essay about the positive and negative effects of social media.
• Research and write an essay about an animal species that is endangered.
• Write about the importance of recycling and conserving natural resources.
• Please write an essay about the role of education in shaping our future.

10 Prompts for Research Writing

Here are ten Research writing prompts for 5th grade:

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.” -Zora Neale Hurston, author and anthropologist.

• Research and write about your favorite historical figure.
• Choose a famous landmark and research its history and significance.
• Investigate and write about an important event in history.
• Research and write about a unique and interesting animal species.
• Study and write about famous inventors and their inventions.
• Research and write about the culture and traditions of a country you are interested in.
• Explore and write about a current scientific discovery or innovation.
• Investigate and write about the effects of climate change on a particular region or ecosystem.
• Research and write about a famous artist and their artwork.
• Study and write about a significant moment in space exploration history.

10 Funny Fifth Grade Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for Fun Writing Prompts for 5th Grade:

• Write a funny story about a talking animal.
• Imagine speaking to your pet and writing about what you would say.
• Write a comic dialog between two unlikely characters.
• Write a humorous story about a mischievous character getting into trouble.
• Create a funny story using three random objects.
• Write a funny kids’ poem . This can be about your favorite food.
• Imagine a world where everything is opposite, and develop a narrative about it.
• Develop a narrative about a silly superhero with extraordinary power.
• Create a funny dialog between a parent and a child.
• Develop a narrative about a funny and unexpected event that happened to you.

10 5th Grade Poetry Writing Prompts

The following are ten writing topics for 5th graders seeking poetry writing prompts:

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Imagine you are a raindrop falling from the sky. Write a poem describing your journey.
• Write a poem about a place that makes you happy.
• Choose an object in the room and write a poem about it.
• Write a poem about a dream you had.
• Create a poem that includes the words “whisper,” “twist,” and “moon.”
• Write a poem about a memorable moment with a friend.
• Describe a beautiful sunset in a poem.
• Write a poem about the ocean and all its wonders.
• Create a poem about your favorite animal.

10 Prompts for 5th Grade Fiction Writing

Opinion writing prompts 5th grade to help encourage critical thinking and self-expression in young students. Here are ten 5th grade writing prompt ideas to get them started:

• Create a story about a mysterious package that arrives in the mail.
• Develop a narrative about a person who can time travel.
• Create a story about a magic tree that grants wishes.
• Imagine being lost in the forest and creating a story about your adventure.
• Develop a narrative about a group of friends who discover a hidden treasure.
• Create a story about a person who can talk to animals.
• Create a narrative about a family vacation gone wrong.
• Imagine you could shrink to the size of an ant. Develop a narrative about your adventures.
• Create a story about a person who wakes up one day with superpowers.
• Develop a narrative about a group of people stranded on a deserted island.

10 5th Grade Animal Writing Prompts

Here are ten writing ideas for 5th grade for animal-themed assignments:

• If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you choose and why?
• Create a narrative told from the point of view of a bear family as they emerge from their hibernation period.
• Describe the life of a whale in the deep sea.
• Write a persuasive essay on why zoos are important for conserving endangered animals.
• Describe the life of a squirrel gathering nuts for winter.
• Write a fictional story about a fox trying to outsmart a group of chickens.
• Describe the life of a butterfly from caterpillar to butterfly.
• Write a research paper on the migration patterns of birds.
• Describe the life of a lion in the savannah.
• Write a poem about the beauty of nature and the animals that live in it.

10 5th Grade Emotion Writing Prompts

Here are ten prompts for 5th grade writing prompts About Emotion:

• Describe a moment when you experienced a strong sense of self-satisfaction and accomplishment.
• Describe a moment when you felt scared and how you overcame your fear.
• Create a narrative about a character who overcomes a difficult challenge.
• Describe a time when you felt happy for someone else.
• Write a letter to your future self about your dreams and aspirations.
• Describe a time when you felt angry and how you managed your anger.
• Develop a narrative about a character who learns the importance of forgiveness.
• Describe a moment when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write a poem about the different emotions that people feel.
• Describe when you felt sad and how you coped with your sadness.

10 Journal Writing Prompts for Fifth Graders

The following are ten suggestions for 5th grade journal prompts to use:

• Describe an instance where you successfully conquered a challenging obstacle.
• Describe a moment when you felt proud of yourself and why.
• Write about a place that is special to you and why it is important.
• Describe a time when you helped someone else and how it made you feel.
• Write about your favorite book and what you learned from it.
• Describe an instance where you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
• Write about a person who inspires you and why.
• Describe a time when you felt grateful for something or someone.
• Write about your favorite hobby and why you enjoy it.
• Describe when you tried something new and what you learned from the experience.

When choosing 5th grade journal topics, consider selecting prompts that encourage students to explore their interests, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

10 5th Grade Descriptive Writing Prompts

Here are ten topics to consider when looking for descriptive writing prompts for 5th grade:

• Describe your favorite outdoor place and explain why it is special to you.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a delicious meal you recently enjoyed.
• Imagine you’re walking through a spooky forest. Describe what you see, hear, and feel.
• Describe the view from your bedroom window. What can you see in the distance?
• Write a paragraph describing a character from your favorite book. What do they look like, and what makes them interesting?
• Describe your dream bedroom. What colors would you use, and what kind of furniture would you have?
• Imagine you’re on a deserted island. Describe the island and the environment around you.
• Write a paragraph describing a memorable moment from a family vacation.
• Describe a special item you keep in your room. Why is it important to you?
• Imagine you’re in a bustling city. Describe the sights, sounds, and smells you experience.

Encourage Fifth Graders in Becoming Writers

Writing is a significant skill that is essential for communication, expression, and personal growth. As highlighted in an article published by UCONN , writing prompts play a crucial role in engaging students’ interest in a particular topic and encouraging them to write thoughtfully and creatively. While effective prompts should introduce and limit the writing topic, they should also provide clear instructions about the writing task. It is imperative to equip 5th graders with resources and guidance to help them develop their writing skills. 

Educators and parents can provide 5th grade journal prompts and creative exercises to assist students in exploring various forms of writing and finding their unique voice. Additionally, feedback and constructive criticism can help students improve their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, teaching 5th graders to write improves their academic and personal lives by promoting self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking.

Fifth Grade Writing Prompts for Developing Young Writers

5th-grade writing prompts can be a powerful tool for parents and teachers to help students develop their writing skills and creativity. By providing a starting point for writing, prompts can help students overcome writer’s block and find inspiration for their ideas. The prompts in this collection cover a wide range of topics and genres, encouraging students to explore their interests and experiences through writing.

“A well-crafted writing prompt can spark creativity and lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.” – Laura Robb

Parents and teachers can inspire students to develop regular writing habits and enhance their skills by utilizing 5th grade journal prompts. According to an article published by the Journal of Instructional Research , both approaches of writing i.e. direct and indirect, have positive effects on students’ writing abilities. This article dived into exploring these approaches for promoting writing. The direct approach focuses on teaching writing skills explicitly and providing feedback on children writing. The indirect approach, on the other hand, emphasizes creating a supportive environment that encourages writing.

We can motivate students to write on a variety of topics, experiment with different writing styles, and share their work with others. By nurturing a passion for writing, we can help our students become confident, creative, and effective communicators. Why not give these prompts a try and see where they take you? Let’s encourage our young writers to unleash their creativity and express themselves through the power of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these prompts suitable for all 5th class students.

These 5th grade writing prompts are designed to be accessible to most students, but they may need to be modified or adapted for students with special needs or English language learners.

How can I implement these ideas into my lesson plans?

Creative writing prompts 5th grade to use it for anything from journal entries to class discussions. Teachers can also have their students use these as a springboard for creative thinking and topic development.

Can these prompts be used for other grade levels?

Yes, many of these prompts can be adapted for other grade levels depending on the level of complexity and difficulty. Teachers can also modify the prompts better to fit the interests and abilities of their students.

• Pre-Kindergarten
• Kindergarten

Most Popular

76 Best Report Card Comments Samples for Teachers

117 Best Riddles for Kids (With Answers)

40 Best Good Vibes Quotes to Brighten Your Day

Recent posts.

12 Best Homeschool Apps for Parents and Students

Math & ela | prek to grade 5, kids see fun., you see real learning outcomes..

Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

Parents, try for free Teachers, use for free

• Explore Games
• Preschool Math Games
• Grade K Math Games
• Grade 1 Math Games
• Grade 2 Math Games
• Grade 3 Math Games
• Grade 4 Math Games
• Grade 5 Math Games
• Preschool English Games
• Grade K English Games
• Grade 1 English Games
• Grade 2 English Games
• Grade 3 English Games
• Grade 4 English Games
• Grade 5 English Games
• Explore Worksheets
• Grade K Math Worksheets
• Grade 1 Math Worksheets
• Grade 2 Math Worksheets
• Grade 3 Math Worksheets
• Grade 4 Math Worksheets
• Grade 5 Math Worksheets
• Preschool English Worksheets
• Grade K English Worksheets
• Grade 1 English Worksheets
• Grade 2 English Worksheets
• Grade 3 English Worksheets
• Grade 4 English Worksheets
• Grade 5 English Worksheets
• Preschool Math Worksheets
• Explore Lesson Plans
• Grade K Math Lesson Plans
• Grade 1 Math Lesson Plans
• Grade 2 Math Lesson Plans
• Grade 3 Math Lesson Plans
• Grade 4 Math Lesson Plans
• Grade 5 Math Lesson Plans
• Grade K English Lesson Plans
• Grade 1 English Lesson Plans
• Grade 2 English Lesson Plans
• Grade 3 English Lesson Plans
• Grade 4 English Lesson Plans
• Grade 5 English Lesson Plans
• SplashLearn Content
• For Parents
• For Classrooms
• For HomeSchoolers
• Success Stories
• Help & Support
• Download SplashLearn
• Gift SplashLearn

© Copyright - SplashLearn

Back-to-School Learning Boost!

Turn play into progress., jumpstart learning now.

Explore 4,000+ games and 450+ lesson plans designed to make this school year the best one yet!

Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free

Grade 5 Writing Prompts

25 writing prompts for fifth grade.

These Grade 5 writing prompts have been created to encourage your child to work on text complexity and think more critically about specific events!

Story sentence starters

Adverb story starters, morals and values, general prompts.

• Her eyes opened and once again she had no idea where she was. Where had her powers taken her this time?
• He heard a low growl in the distance as he clung tight to his small bag of possessions…
• She stepped out of the time machine wondering…
• The sun was setting in the distance as…
• “Help!” She awoke from a deep sleep and heard the scream that had woken her more clearly now…
• Quickly, the friends ran across…
• Suddenly, the ground shook under their feet…
• Curiously, she inched forwards and took hold of the door handle…
• Wisely, the boy crouched down so he could not be seen…
• Gracefully, the swan glided over the lake as ten-year-old Florence watched…
• How does the water cycle work?
• Why does the sun rise and set each day?
• What are stars?
• What does the word ‘science’ mean to you?
• Which scientific invention do you think has been the most important to date?

Children can base these on a historical figure or event:

• Write a story where someone shows kindness towards others.
• Write about a courageous person in the face of danger.
• Write a story about someone displaying forgiveness.
• Write a story about generosity.
• Write an inspirational story.
• If you had your own airplane, where would you go?
• What would happen if you had a dinosaur in your back garden?
• If you could go back in time, where would you go and who would you meet?
• Write about something you have learned this year.
• Imagine you could see into the future. How would you use this special power?

Get these writing prompts as a printable worksheet by clicking the download button below!

How Night Zookeeper can help

Night Zookeeper makes writing fantastically fun for children aged six to twelve!

Our language arts program includes thousands of creative writing prompts, interactive lessons, and educational games! We also provide personalized feedback on all of the work submitted by children on the program.

More writing prompts & activities

• Grade 5 Picture Writing Prompts
• Grade 5 Writing Activities
• Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
• Elementary Writing Prompts
• Elementary Writing Activites

Related content

• Elementary Language Arts
• Elementary Writing Curriculum
• Language Arts Resources

Make Reading & Writing Fantastically Fun!

• Award-winning reading & writing program for kids
• Improves spelling, grammar, punctuation & vocabulary
• Over 1,000 different learning games and activities